Getting Your (Safe) Sexy On

Happy National Condom Week!

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It’s National Condom Week - Just in time for Valentine’s Day is National Condom Week. Held every year from February 14-23, this week raises awareness on safer sex, using condoms correctly and preserving your sexy. —Kellee Terrell (@kelleent)(Photo: Catherine Lane/GettyImages)

My Man Isn’t on the Low, So We Don’t Need Condoms - Study after study has shown that down-low men are not fueling the AIDS epidemic among Black women. So why do we still believe it? Think: If heterosexual sex is how we are being infected, that means straight Black men have this disease, too. So rap it up, regardless of who you’re with.(Photo: Touchlife Images/Getty Images)

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Safer Sex Is Fun! - Yes, talking about HIV and STDs in relation to the sex we are having can be a buzz kill, but that doesn’t mean safer sex is boring or less pleasurable. Safer sex eases your mind because you know you are protecting yourself, which can allow for you to really enjoy it. (Photo: Touchlife Images/GettyImages)

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Being Sex Positive - Pop culture tells us that sex sells; religion may tell us that sex is "immoral" and public health folks warn us of diseases that sex can bring about. But that doesn't mean that sex is bad. In the end, remember that honesty, safety and mutual respect is the key to being empowered by your sexuality. (Photo: Stockbyte/GettyImages)

Experiment With Condoms - So you talked to him and he’s on board with wrapping it up? Now go ahead and have fun with it. Condoms come in different colors, different flavors and different thicknesses — take advantage of that and mix it up. (Photo: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Experiment With Condoms - Not all male condoms are created the same. There are a range of condoms out there that are in different colors, different flavors and different thicknesses to name a few. So take advantage of that and mix it up. (Photo: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Lube It - Personal lubricants help keep condoms from breaking because they decrease friction, which is crucial for HIV and other STD protection. Lube also can make sex last longer and intensify how it feels. We suggest using a water-based lube only. (Photo: Courtesy Trojan Lubricants)

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Lube It Up! - Wetter really is better. Lube can keep condoms from breaking because it decreases friction, which is crucial in protecting us from HIV and other STDs, can make sex last longer and intensify how it feels; help ease pain from penetration for vaginal and anal sex. Just make sure you use a water-based or silicone type lube.  (Photo: Courtesy Trojan Lubricants)

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Reppin’ for the Female Condom - Have you ever tried the female condom? This thin rubber pouch is inserted into the vagina that also protects you from STDs, HIV and pregnancy. It can be a little awkward at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great way for women to have some control in condom use. (Photo: Courtesy FC2 Female Condoms)

Put a Ring on It! - A C-ring can either vibrate or be stationary and is placed on the shaft of the penis before a man is erect. During sex, it hits a woman’s clitoris and it also heightens the man’s pleasure, too. Even better: It can be placed on top of a condom with no problems.(Photo: AMAZON)

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Put a Ring on It! - A C-ring can either vibrate or be stationary and is placed on the shaft of the penis before a man is erect. During sex, it hits a woman’s clitoris and it also heightens the man’s pleasure, too. Even better: It can be placed on top of a condom with no problems.(Photo: AMAZON)

You Reduce Your Chance of Having Unprotected Sex - Being under the influence can lower our inhibitions and usher in riskier sexual behavior because you are not thinking as clearly. By not getting drunk, you are lowering your risk of STDs and HIV.(Photo: Adamsmith/Getty Images)

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Set the Mood - Spend a little bit of time creating a sexy mood the next time you and your partner hook up. Light some candles, break out the massage oil or try (or buy your mate) some lingerie to heighten the mood. Leave some sexy texts for your partner to build up the tension. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Focusing on Intimacy and Connection - Not everyone you have sex with you are in love with, but if you are with someone you love or care for deeply, use this time to deepen your connection, intimacy and relationship. For many, sex is an expression of love and can bring people closer together.(Photo: Simon Watson/Getty Images)

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Get Tested - No, getting tested isn’t sexy per se, but neither is being anxious about not knowing your HIV and STD status. Set up an appointment with your doctor or local health clinic for an annual check up to have some peace of mind. (Photo: Getty Images)