Only barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, can effectively protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condom use is recommended whenever you have casual sex with occasional partners, or with partners you don’t know well. There are condoms available for all style preferences, sensibilities and sizes. There still exists an unjustified, negative perception of the condom, whose use is seen as a lack of trust in a partner, as representative of dirty sex or as something that acts as a barrier to free and spontaneous sexuality. The thrill of sexuality “without limits” should not, however, be so intriguing because the price to pay is too high in terms of future sexual well-being. Without thinking of serious infections such as AIDS, which unfortunately is still ever-present in Italy, contracting a viral infection such as genital herpes or papilloma virus (HPV) can strongly interfere with your sex life and negatively mark your first sexual experiences. It may even become a burden that is difficult to break free of in your later years of maturity.
