I have my own viewpoint about condoms.
1. They provide almost 100% protection against HIV and other STD's as long as they remain intact.
2. Herpes can not be stopped by condoms because of skin to skin contact of uncovered parts of genitals. .
3.Once a condom fails, it is as bad as not having it at all, as it leaves you right in the middle of "hot waters"
I would prefer to go for a non-penetrative sexual behaviors because lots of fun is possible even without penetration. All of us know very well that HIV is transmitted only due to unprotected penetrations. Oral is a very low risk behavior and none of the infected people got it that way, except a very small number of BJ performers when ejaculation was involved.
Many people have come on this site for help because condoms break. The three month window period is a killer. Believe me.
Consider yourself warned MAIDEN555.
My advice is to know the person's status for AT LEAST hiv, herpes and hpv.
I always run the full std panel but remember to ask specifically for the above.The are the incurables.
1. Always use condoms, correctly and consistently, OR
2. Do not get involve in penetrative sex, there is a lot more fun without it as well.
ABC of safe sex as described by CDC is,
A,,,,,, Abstinence,,,,,,,, (avoid anyone you don't know thoroughly)
B.,,,,, Be Faithful,,,,,,, (to your mutually committed monogamous relationship)
C,,,,,, Condoms,,,,,,,,, (always use them correctly and consistently)
Make a choice out of the above three, all lead to safe sex destination.