Sex is a natural part of life but it also carries risks that range from infection to unwanted pregnancy. Infections pass from person to person through physical intimacy: as sexual activity is the most physically intimate aspect of human life, it's hardly surprising that it provides an opportunity for infections to spread. Having unprotected sex - whether it may be vaginal intercourse, oral sex or anal sex - therefore leaves you vulnerable to catching any of a large number of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). STDs can cause infertility and others kinds of permanent damage to your health - and you can infect others too. This is why it is important that you practice safe sex, although you should be aware that this will require some thought and planning.

Preventing infection
Anybody can catch an STD, and to understand why it may help to dispel some common myths.

• A healthy looking partner is no guarantee they don't carry an infection: it's important to remember that many people with STDs may not display any symptoms.
• If you or your partner develop the symptoms of an STD, it does not necessarily mean that either of you have been unfaithful: it's possible to carry an infection for a length of time before symptoms occur.

Using condoms
If you are sexually active or are planning to be with a new partner, one of the best ways to avoid catching or spreading STDs is to use condoms. Many people are embarrassed about buying them, but they now widely available in local shops and supermarkets - and in vending machines in the male and female toilets of pubs and clubs. Condoms are also available free from your local Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) and family planning clinics. There are also some important facts to bear in mind:

• Always check the expiry date: condoms are perishable
• Check that condoms display a kite mark on the packaging, as this is a sign that they have passed quality tests
• Make sure you use condoms correctly: most will contain instructions, but practise at home first until you're confident
• When opening a condom, make sure that you do not damage the fine rubber with the foil, your fingernails, teeth or jewellery
• Never use oils or Vaseline™ with condoms, as this will damage them
• Always keep a spare supply where they can't get damaged, by light, heat or damp
• Never re-use a condom - use a new condom for each activity and partner
• Never flush them down the toilet: just wrap them in tissue and put them in the bin

If you're unable to purchase condoms, or do not have one, why not explore other ways of expressing your sexual affection, such as kissing, stroking and touching. Alternatively, you can use sex toys, such as vibrators. Remember to use a condom on toys if you are sharing them, and to wash any toys after each activity. If you do use condoms, you must always use a new condom for each new partner and activity.

Why you should test and or seek advice
Sex, like any other part of a relationship, requires trust: checking for possible infections is one important way in which you can establish trust from the outset. If you have any concerns, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. If left untreated, STDs can cause infertility and permanent damage to your health. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important, and this is where BookaTEST.com can help.

While our tests are as accurate as possible, they are not designed to be a substitute for a visit to your doctor or specialist. Without doubt, the best first step if you are worried about STDs or are planning to have a baby is to visit your doctor or local GUM clinic. GUM clinics treat all information with total confidentiality: they won't even tell your doctor, unless you ask them to. To find your nearest local GUM clinic, visit www.bashh.org/directory.htm (but please remember that BookaTEST is not liable or in any way responsible for the content or suitability of other web sites).

How can BookaTEST help?
Even if you are too embarrassed to attend a GUM clinic or don't have the time, you should - and can - still take an active role in safeguarding your own health - and that of your partner. You can purchase our home tests, which look for the presence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and we'll deliver directly - and discreetly - to you.