For some people, abstinence means having no sexual contact at all with a partner. For others, abstinence means having no genital contact with a partner. While abstinence may have different meanings for different people, abstinence is most commonly understood to mean not having sexual intercourse.

Condoms have been around for centuries and have been made from materials including paper, animal skins and rubber. Today's latex and polyurethane condoms lower the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or becoming pregnant. When used correctly and consistently, condoms continue to be the best protection against HIV and STIs.

This page is based on the Contraception Connection booklet from SHAG, a resource created and regularly updated for Brown students by Brown students.

Dental dams are small, thin, square pieces of latex that are used for oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.

Emergency Contraception (EC), sometimes referred to as the morning after pill, is birth control that can be used after unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy.

Achieving and maintaining an erection involves a complex interplay between the brain, nerves, hormones, blood flow, and muscles, and any interference in this process can result in erectile dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to get or maintain an erection at least 25% of the time.

STIs can be transmitted during unprotected oral sex. Not using a condom, dental dam, or other barrier puts all partners at risk. This means that performing or receiving oral sex puts you at risk.

Orgasm is a physical reflex, usually a pleasurable one, when the muscles that were tightened during sexual arousal relax and the body returns to its pre-arousal state.

Many people with penises sometimes ejaculate sooner than they or their partner would like.

There are many points to consider as you and your partner(s) choose safer sex and contraceptive options. Condoms and dental dams are often recommended as the best safer sex choice for college students, but you may want to try different options until you find the one(s) you like best.

Sex toys can be a way to explore pleasure and sensation, whether using them by yourself or with others.

We present this information so that you can make informed decisions about your sexual activity. We hope this page and the others in the sexual health section of the site will encourage you to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), improve communication in relationships, and increase the awareness of this hidden epidemic.

Understand the importance of getting tested to help maintain your health and well-being and find resources for testing.

Many people find it very difficult to talk about their sexual health. But discomfort and shame can keep people from taking good care of themselves and their partners. Remember that protecting yourself against STIs can reduce anxiety and make sex a lot more enjoyable.