Safe sex remains an important women’s health issue, and one the team at Women’s Wellness Center of New York constantly emphasizes. Help yourself stay out of harm’s way by following key practices. Review five essential tips from the New York City women’s health center for practicing safer sex.

Make a commitment to maintaining a healthy body and avoid women’s health issues by doing the following:

• Educate Yourself: Learn how to use barrier protection correctly. Incorrect use of male condoms, such as failing to leave enough room for ejaculation, can cause them to break. Learning about different lubricants is another recommendation, as lubricants reduce the risk of condom breakage.

• Carry Condoms: Never expect your partner to supply condoms, especially if you are not in a serious relationship and are dating more than one person. Keep condoms with you all the time or whenever you think sex is a possibility. Ensure they are not expired, and use them for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

• Set Boundaries: Create boundaries for yourself that result in safer sex. Personal boundaries can include sleeping with one person exclusively, avoiding excessive alcohol intake that impairs your judgement, and always using condoms and other barrier protection.

• Use Protection in Addition to Birth Control: Do not rely on birth control to keep you safe. Birth control helps prevent pregnancy, but it does not protect against STDs. Always keep condoms or other barrier protection within reach if you plan to have sex.

• Experiment With Low-Risk Activities: Try low-risk sexual activities to reduce the chances of STD transmission and pregnancy. Such activities include kissing, fondling, mutual masturbation, sexting or phone sex, and the use of (clean) sex toys, such as vibrators and dildos.

Discuss these and other safe sex practices with the team at Women’s Wellness Center of New York. The fibroid surgeons and their staff believe in educating clients about women’s health issues and provide a range of services, including gynecologic surgery and menopause management. Call them today at (646) 754-3300 to make an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about services.