Have safer sex
Safer sex is all about preventing anyone else's blood, semen or bodily fluids from getting into your body. If you don't have sex you will not run the risk of getting pregnant or catching a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms and dental dams are the only way you can protect yourself and your partner from STIs and HIV. However, you must make sure you use them correctly every time you have sex.
Make sure you check the expiry date and look for the CE kitemark on the condom packet. Always read the instructions before you use a condom. Don't wait untill you are about to have sex with your partner before you think about handling a condom, they can feel very strange to touch so get used to it. Condoms can burst, especially if you are not used to handling them, so it is safer that girls are also using some form of hormonal contraception (pill, injection or implant) as well as asking male partners to use condoms.
Using lubricant will make things go smoother and give you added protection. Lubricants are especially good for a woman if it is the first time she has had intercourse, or if she tends to get very sore after sex. If you do use lubrication make sure it is water-based. Oil can weaken condoms and cause them to burst so you can't use things like vaseline, hand creams or lotions.
A lot of this safer sex stuff; like condoms and dental dams might not sound too "sexy" when you read it over. However, the "sexy" part of the deal is all up to you. There are lots of ways to make safer sex more fun.
Remember that none of this stuff has to be embarassing or awkward and if you are comfortable and relaxed with your partner things should be fun. Laughing along with someone is very different from laughing at them and if you and your partner are totally comfortable with one another, practicing safer sex should not be a cause of embarassment for either of you.
You should never feel under pressure to have sex with anyone. If you decide to have a sexual relationship it should be because both partners want to and feel ready to take this step.