And theres one more benefit that comes from being able to talk openly about STDs. As Ive said over and over again in this book, to have terrific sex,

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STD talk. So if you can get over the STD hurdle, youll have opened the lines of communication and should have a much easier time telling each other what you like and dont like when it comes to the pleasurable side of sex.     Minimize your risks   After reading the descriptions of sexually transmitted diseases earlier in this chapter, youve probably had the thought that maybe sex isnt worth the risk. The problem with that reaction is that it will fail you when you most need it.   What do I mean by that? At some point, youll be with somebody youre very attracted to sexually, and that person is attracted to you. Maybe youll be in your apartment, or maybe in the other persons. And youll be kissing, hug- ging, and stroking each other. Temperatures will start going up. Clothes will start coming off. An erection and a lubricated vagina will be on the loose. A comfortable bed will be nearby. Youll both be absolutely ready to have sex, and you wont have a condom nearby.   In that scenario, will you remember these pages and all these nasty and deadly sexually transmitted diseases? Will you be willing to say no, or to put your clothes back on and go find a 24-hour drugstore? Or will you say to heck with the risks and jump into bed?   Although some of you may have the fortitude to place caution ahead of pas- sion, many of you wont. For that reason, you have to be prepared ahead of time. Carry a condom in your purse or pocket or keep one in your glove com- partment or bedside table. 278 Part IV: Having a Healthy Sex Life     You all know my reputation. I dont try to scare people away from having sex. Instead, I want to make sure that you have the best sex possible. But an inte- gral part of great sex is healthy sex, protected sex. Although, in the heat of passion, you may well be willing to take any risk, afterwards, if you catch one of these diseases – especially AIDS – youll regret that orgasm for the rest of your life.   Have great sex, but be careful. In fact, have terrific sex and be very careful.