Safer Sex Toolbox

• Want to know how to protect yourself from STDs and HIV? Check out Rubberman's Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself.
• Get the scoop on how to use condoms and to prevent them from breaking.
• Check out reviews on which condoms are best.
• Find out how to use dental dams for oral sex.
• See if you know the myths about STDs and HIV.
• What are STDs & HIV? Should you get tested? Check out Rubberman's The Facts about STDs and The Truth about HIV.
• Get free condoms and lube!

Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself

1. Use a latex condom (rubber) for all types of sex - vaginal, anal, and oral. Use a new condom every time.
2. Never share needles (for drugs, steroids, tattoos, or piercings).
   
3. Have sex with 1 person who only has sex with you.
4. Do not have sex with someone who has discharge, a rash, bumps, or sores around her vagina or his penis.
5. Get checked for STDs and HIV.
6. Ask your partner to get checked too.
7. Get a Hepatitis A and B vaccine.
8. Stay sober - it's easy to forget to be safe when you use drugs or alcohol.
9. Use dental dams if you go down on her. And use flavored oral sex condoms for him.
10. Talk to your partner.
    Ask things like: "Have you used condoms every time? Have you ever shared needles? How many sexual partners have you had? Do you have any STDs?"

How to Use Condoms

• Use a new condom every time you have sex.
• Put the condom on before any contact with your partner's vagina or anus.
• Use only water based lube such as Astroglide, KY Jelly, Slippery Stuff.

Once you are hard, put it on with the roll on the outside. Pinch the tip to squeeze out air.	Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it all the way down.	After you come, hold onto the condom and pull out while you are still hard. This stops sperm from spilling out.

What are ways to keep condoms from breaking?

• Keep condoms in a cool, dry place - not in your wallet.
• Check the expiration date on the condoms. Don't use old ones.
• Pinch the tip of the condom while rolling it on your penis. This allows room for the cum.
• Use a water based lube or saliva. (Yes! Spit works for lubrication too.) Never use baby oil, vaseline, or lotion.

Is there a way to make condoms feel better?

Yes, try putting two drops of lube on the inside tip of the condom. Lube also prevents the condom from breaking.

Which condoms are best?

Any latex condom will prevent HIV - if stored and used correctly. Do not use lambskin or natural skin condoms - lambskin and natural skin condoms are not as good at preventing HIV.

Latex condoms come in many colors, textures, and sizes. There are flavored condoms for oral sex too. Try different brands and kinds (lubed or not lubed, ribbed or smooth).

So what are dental dams?

Dental dams are good for going down on her.

Dental dams are thin pieces of plastic. If you give a woman oral sex, cover her vulva with the plastic. Why? The plastic keeps the vaginal fluids away from your mouth. This can protect you from getting STDs.

Tips on how to use dental dams:

• You must use a new dental dam each time.
• You must keep the 2 sides separated.
• Don't have a dental dam? Use saran or platic wrap.

Where to get dental dams

You can get dental dams, flavored lube, and oral sex condoms at the Drop-In-Center. The Drop-In-Center is in downtown Santa Cruz at 412 Front Street.