6 Be prepared to talk about using condoms Condoms are the most effective way to protect yourself from STIs. If you find it awkward to bring up the subject, HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust has this advice: 'Tell your partner you'd like to use a condom to protect their health as well as yours, as it's possible that either of you could have an infection without knowing. If someone says that because you want to use condoms it must mean you have an infection, remind them that carrying and using condoms is a sign that a person is taking responsibility for their own health and their partner's.' 7 Make oral sex safer On the whole, oral sex is safer than unprotected penetrative sex. However, some STIs, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital herpes, are often passed on through oral sex. If you're not 100% sure whether you or your partner are free of STIs, reduce the risk during oral sex by using a condom or dental dam (a square of latex or polyurethane that covers the female genitals or anus). Both will act as a barrier to stop STIs spreading from one person to another through mouth-to-genital contact. 236 | MARCH 2015 8.2% THE ANNUAL RISE IN SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN PEOPLE AGED OVER 65