When it comes to contraceptives and sexual protection, we live in an era where variety is the name of the game. From the pill, IUD, injections, to the all mighty condom, having safer sex has never been easier.

However, with all the tons available, Jamaica still has an estimated 32,000 people infected with the HIV virus, and as many as 50 per cent of the population unaware of their status. The consensus among many young people is that bareback feels the best, and with a stigma still attached to purchasing condoms, these numbers are bound to increase.

More pleasurable

Unfortunately, safer sex is not considered very sexy, more a hindrance. Many individuals complain about the smell and feel of condoms and the fact that it stops the mood when they have to put the prophylactic on. Also, bareback is more pleasurable. While all these comments have their own validity, the truth is your life and health is worth the inconvenience. Safer sex is necessary because it is difficult to tell someone's HIV/AIDS or STD status by just looking at them.

So instead of looking at sexual protection as a chore, here are some things you can do to make safer sex sexier:

1. Make it a part of foreplay - Instead of stopping the foreplay flow to put on a condom, add it to the activities. You can do this in a variety of ways, like putting it on during manual stimulation.

2. Use fun condoms (glow in the dark, coloured and flavoured) - Adding some fun condoms will help to relax the seriousness of the condom itself. This will also add a level of whimsy and fun to your sexual experience.

3. Get tested together - Being completely open with each other and knowing your status will build your overall intimacy and help you feel more secure in your relationship.

4. Play games - Making the condom a part of a game will eliminate some of the dread that comes with using one.

5. Try non-penetrative sex - Pleasuring your partner without penetration is a challenge that you can achieve, and it will add a new level of connection to your sexy experience. We are too dependent on penetration anyway, so this is an opportunity to mix it up.

February 9-13 was Safer Sex Week, and the National Family Planning Board had a series of events in select communities to commemorate the weeks. These events featured HIV/AIDS testing, counselling services, handing out condoms and other contraceptives.

The theme for the week was 'Safer Sex Mek Sense', and I am happy to see the adjustment from the previous slogan, which was 'Abstinence Makes Sense'. I have always believed that trying to deny that young people are sexual is not effective in helping them make responsible decisions regarding their sexuality. Kudos for the decision to take a new approach to the National Family Planning Board.

Send your questions or comments to sexychatwithshelly@gmail.com or Tweet me @drsexylive or Facebook www.facebook.com/allaboutthesexy.

Question

Dear Dr. Sexy,

I discovered a sex toy named the bullet, and I really like it. I now own five of them that I use on my girlfriend. My bredrens are surprised that I like to use toys on my girl, and they believe that it's weird. Is that true?

Jerry, Portmore

Dear Jerry,

Using sex toys with your partner is fun, so enjoy it. Your friends will always have something to say, but the opinion that really matters is your partner's. So when your friends call you weird, ignore them. Enjoy your toys with your girlfriend, they will be fine. Have fun.

Stay sexy

Dr Sexy-Ann