Dear gayboi12007,

Anyone who has sex with another person is at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A gay person's chance of infection is no different from a straight person's. Gay, straight, or somewhere in between, it's important to practice safer sex. Compared to vaginal and anal intercourse, oral sex is less risky, but there is still a risk of infection. If you do have vaginal or anal intercourse, using a latex or female condom reduces the risk of infection. To further reduce the risk of infection during oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis and a Glyde® dam or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.