Everybody says how easy it is to just let the feelings take over and that's great - but when that happens you may find that there are some unplanned and often unwelcome consequences such as pregnancy, or an STD (sexually-transmitted disease) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia, or even HIV.

Some of the 'minor' STDs are not too pleasant either and, without some form of barrier protection, it is easy to get or pass on genital herpes and warts. Cystitis and thrush are painful and potentially health threatening and, unfortunately, can often kick-in just as you are starting to enjoy yourself. Apart from HIV, all other STDs are either curable or not fatal. The exception is Hepatitis B. which can result in liver cancer or liver failure. Syphilis and gonorrhoea may remain undetected and untreated for years until, when they finally emerge, usually end in grave ill-health and premature death.

Many STDs are not life threatening but may make you feel generally 'under the weather'. However, they are best avoided as long-term build up of untreated disease will cause damage to the body and will put the immune system under stress: this is very dangerous to someone who is already HIV positive.

Sometimes people can have an STD without realising - some symptoms are minor or even absent in the early stages, but can be transmitted at every sexual encounter. So, whether you are in a committed relationship, or are just taking it as it comes, you have to take responsibility for your own sexual health - and by doing so you will probably also be looking out for the health of your sexual partners.

Safe sex means safety from two possible problems: unplanned pregnancy and transmission of STDs. For women, taking the pill will prevent conception but not getting or passing on an STD so the barrier form of a condom (which is a 'prophylactic' or 'preventative') will need to be used: you could consider this to be the 'belt and braces' approach.

For men, sex with a condom may be like washing your feet with your socks on (and various other analogies!) but you will have a high rate of protection for yourself and from passing anything on to your partner. For anal sex use the thicker condom such as Durex Extra Safe or Mates SuperStrong.

Even oral sex has its hazards. It's not just penetrative sex that could transmit HIV, as the virus will take the opportunity to enter the bloodstream through cuts or abrasions on the skin. So also protect yourself and your partner by using dental dams and/or use a condom, and if you use sex toys make sure that you wash them between use.

If you are worried about STDs the best place to go to is your local GP or your nearest GUM (genito-urinary medicine) Clinic.

If you are worried about an unplanned pregnancy or want to discuss preventing pregnancy or emergency contraception you can see your GP or make an appointment at the Well Woman Clinic .

When it comes to safer sex there is invariably a little confusion. Contraceptives (like the Pill or the condom) are designed to prevent conception. In contrast prophylactics are designed to prevent or reduce the spread of diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some contraceptives are also effective prophylactics but the majority do not provide any protection against STIs, for example the contraceptive pill.

A large number of people will make the decision that their lifestyles, age, accommodation, finances or relationships are not suited to having children. If you decide that you are in a relationship where there is no desire to conceive, you will have to make a decision about the type of contraception to use.

There is no perfect form of contraception and choosing can be difficult. The choice is very much a balance between convenience and safety, as well as enjoyment, between yourself and your partner(s). Even if you are not planning to have sex, or do not feel ready about it, it is sensible to be prepared to deal with the situation suddenly arises.

Only the condom and the femidom offer effective protection from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, the virus that causes AIDs and others like chlamydia and cystitis. As a result many health care professionals recommend that they be used in conjunction with forms of contraception, especially if either of the partnes are not in a monogamous relationship. If you are worried about the risk of sexually transmitted diseases you might want to get yourself checked out by a doctor. Negative test results can help provide peace of mind as long as you keep using methods of safer sex.

Please remember if you share your vibrator or any sex toy to always put condoms on them. Also if you only use one sex toy, alternating between the vagina and the anus, you must use a condom on it and change this if you are going from your anus to your vagina. It is essential that no bacteria from the anus enter the vagina as this can lead to a nasty vaginal infection. It is also vital that you communicate with your partner and share how sex toys feel and what turns you on.