Healthy Relationships:
The foundation for a healthy relationship includes honesty, respect, trust and communication. You have to actively want these components and realize it takes time and effort from both partners to make a healthy relationship. You deserve to be in relationships that are built on respect, honesty, trust and positive communication. Relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners are significant parts of our lives, but it is important to seek help when relationships are no longer healthy.
How do I know if my relationships are healthy?
Miami Sexual Assault Prevention and Education

Abstinence:
Each person defines abstinence in their own way. Abstinence is a free choice available to all and is extremely effective at preventing both pregnancy and STIs. People may choose abstinence for moral or ethical reasons; commitment to one person; decreased emotional attachment; less pressure in a relationship; to distinguish between sex and love; or to keep independence. Choosing not to participate in certain sexual activities may encourage partners to build relationships in other ways. If choosing to stay abstinent, it is important to protect your boundaries and say no when you feel uncomfortable.
Students may normalize sexual behaviors that are potentially damaging to their body, mind and spirit by terming these experiences as "casual" sex, "friends with benefits," "OK because I was drunk," or "everything goes in college."
SmarterSex.org

STIs- Sexually Transmitted Infections:
STIs can be transmitted through bodily fluids and skin to skin contact. Herpes and HVP (Human Papillomavirus), two of the most prevalent STIs in the U.S., are transmitted through skin to skin contact (even when using barrier birth control).
Viral STIs Modern medicine can reduce help relieve symptoms of viral STIs, but there is no cure for viral STIs. Viral STIs include: Genital Warts (HPV), Hepatitis-B, Herpes, and HIV.
Bacterial STIs Bacterial STIs, including Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Pubic Lice, can usually be treated with antibiotics, although damage or complications caused by the STI may not be undone. Antibiotics may rid bacterial STIs from a person’s body; however, they do not prevent someone from getting a future STI.
PreventionSome STIs show no symptoms for months or even years. Therefore, it is important to get tested and ask your partner about their past sexual partners or drug use. While abstinence is the only 100% way to protect yourself from STIs, be sure to use latex condoms with water based lubricant and check the condom package for its expiration date and any possible damage.

Choosing Birth Control:
With numerous methods of birth control options available, you should be informed before deciding which method is best for you. Be sure to use birth control consistently and correctly in order for it to be effective. Planned Parenthood

Substance Use and Sex:
Many substances, including alcohol, inhibit clear thinking, impair decision making and judgement skills, and prevent one’s ability to practice consent. Legally, a person cannot give consent to sex when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, intoxication is not a defense against sexual assault. You and your partner must clearly communicate before sex. Alcohol numbs nerve endings and dulls sensation making sex less physically enjoyable. Alcohol also decreases a female’s ability to self-lubricate making sex potentially painful. "It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance." – Shakespeare.