If committing yourself to a person while in college should be a loving and wonderful experience, then why does it always end up feeling like a challenge? There are so many interferences couples have to face, that it feels like there is no way to maintain a positive relationship such as people in your business and trusting the other to be faithful. All of this and the thought of contracting a STDs from your boo is enough to drive a person to celibacy. But before going to that extreme, consider that you can have a healthy relationship with or without sex.The choice is always up to you. Remember, there is no such thing as safe sex. Aside from the emotional and physiological implications of your romantic encounter, realize that a condom is not a 100 percent guarantee from contracting genital warts, herpes, and AIDS. In fact, condoms only protect against HIV and AIDS 85 percent of the time while in use. Which means, that 15 percent chance you are taking should be worth it. Theresa Crenshaw, M.D., one of the past presidents of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists, once asked 500 marriage and relationship therapists if they would recommend condoms for AIDS protection. The majority said yes, but when asked if they would ever have sex with an AIDS infected partner with a condom, no one said yes. The point is to know that the risk you are taking should be one you definitely want to make.
Choose your significant other wisely. No one is perfect, but at least realize what imperfections you both have. Ask questions about their past relationships and if they have ever been tested for anything. If you are just beginning a relationship, set a physical standard. Of course, with feelings and emotions comes the thought of being intimate. But when it does happen, make sure that both partners are aware of the risk and accept whatever may come out of the relationship. Deciding to become sexually intimate involves emotional commitment as well. Getting tested together can be another way to signify your love.
For more information, you can visit the website www.hivtest.org to find out about other information on testing sites and procedures. Practicing safer sex doesn’t mean eliminating sex from your life, it means being smart and showing concern and respect for your partner and yourself.