Safer sex basics every adult should actually know

This is the least sexy article in this blog and possibly the most useful. Five minutes now saves months of stress later. (Not medical advice — your doctor beats any blog.)

The short version

• Barrier protection works. Condoms are the only method that meaningfully protects against most STIs, not just pregnancy. Carry your own; do not rely on the other person to have one.
• "I’m clean" is not a test result. Most STIs show no symptoms for months. The only way anyone knows their status is a recent lab test.
• Test regularly if you date casually. Once every 3–6 months is the common rhythm. It is quick, often free, and infinitely less awkward than the alternative.
• Contraception is a shared topic, not her problem. Two adults, one conversation, before — not after.

The conversation

One message does it: "Quick practical question — when were you last tested? I did mine in May." Anyone who reacts badly to a basic adult question has answered a much bigger question for you.

Confidence is attractive. Being prepared is confidence.