Abstinence, or the voluntary choice to refrain from sexual activity and any other risky behavior that would involve the exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk, is the only 100% effective means to prevent HIV and STD transmission. Non-coital (non-sexual) forms of sexual intimacy range from holding hands, hugging, kissing, and dancing to mutual masturbation, petting, and the use of stimulating devices such as vibrators. While abstinence is an effective means of safer sex, it may be difficult to maintain.  The next best thing is to enter into a mutual monogamous relationship

This simply means having one partner for a long period of time.  Often the point where a relationship begins to feel serious is when one person asks the other if they are dating anyone else. If both partners agree to stop dating others and to move the relationship into "exclusive" status then monogamy becomes very important. Being in a faithful, exclusive relationship is a joyful experience. When both partners respect the promise to be faithful, relationships deepen.

Instructions for developing a strong mutual monogamous relationship

Things you’ll need:

1. A significant other
2. strong moral character
3. love
4. desire

• Step 1

Be faithful. Relationships are built on trust and kindness. If one partner cheats and lies, the relationship is damaged and may not ever recover. Respect your partner and honor the promise you made to be faithful and nurture the relationship.

• Step 2

Have a strong character. People of good character do not cheat on their significant other. Once a promise has been made a person of dignity will maintain the promise. Once lies are introduced into a relationship there is always the potential for the relationship to explode at any moment if the lies are discovered.

• Step 3

Respect your partner. Show your admiration for your significant other by protecting them from the trauma of being cheated on and lied to. Respect their health by being monogamous. Cheating opens the door to infection with diseases and ongoing health problems. A significant other who truly loves their partner would never subject them to the possible health complications that arise with infidelity.

• Step 4

Simplify your life. Cheating is hard work and lying is stressful. Simplify your life by living with honesty and decency. Be monogamous and live a life of truth and joy.

• Step 5

Remember why you made a promise to be monogamous. Follow your heart and lead a life that respects the promises you made to your loved one. Don't let impulsive ideas get your relationship off track. Be strong, respect yourself and maintain faithful behavior to build a strong relationship that will nurture you.

If this is not an option, then use protection (male latex condom, female condom or dental dam) consistently and correctly each and every time you have sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal or anal).  And, always put a barrier between you and the body fluids of others (i.e., cleaning up a blood spill-use latex gloves).

Latex condoms provide the most effective means of preventing HIV and STD transmission during sexual encounters. But to be effective, condoms must be used correctly. An erect penis can leak seminal fluid prior to ejaculation. This fluid can contain infectious organisms that have the ability to cause infection in others. For this reason, condoms must be applied onto the penis prior to any oral, vaginal, or anal contact is made. In addition, condoms can break, allowing seminal fluids to leak. To reduce the possibility of this occurring, a water based lubricant must be used to decrease friction during intercourse. Oil based lubricants such as baby oil, Vaseline, or certain lotions can weaken a condom and should never be used.