3 Vital Things to Understand About Safer Sex

Nowadays, a lot of people engage in various sexual risk behaviours. As a result, they experienced several unintended health issues. To avoid this to happen, couples should practice safer sex.

Having safer sex can make your sexual experience more relaxed and satisfying. This is because you are less worried about getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Apart from that, practising safer sex can help you explore and add variety to your sex life. To understand this better, here are the 3 vital things you need to know about safer sex.

What is safe sex

Safe sex is a term used to describe any sexual contact or sexual interaction that protects a couple against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some sex experts define it as sexual contact that doesn’t involve any exchange of vaginal fluids, semen or blood between partners. In other words, safe sex is all about protecting couples to keep them healthy. It can also make sex even better.

Potential risks for unprotected sex

Unprotected sex may put you or your partner at high risk of getting STIs. This is not just applicable to genital sex but also to any form of sexual contact. These may include oral, vaginal, anal and even intimate skin-to-skin contact.

The following are the most common STIs.

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Genital warts
• HIV
• Genital herpes
• Hepatitis A, B and C
• Mycoplasma genitalium

Unfortunately, not all STIs show symptoms. That’s why some couples may not aware that they are already infected. To ensure your safety, practice safe sex every time you have an intimate encounter.

For people who are already living with HIV, there is a possibility of getting another strain of HIV if they don’t practice safe sex. On top of that, it can weaken their immune system.

Guidelines for safer sex

To practice safer sex, you should know what bodily fluids can easily spread STIs, what sexual acts are risky for each individual and how to make them less dangerous.

Below are some valuable guidelines to help you get started in practising safe sex.

• If you have a new partner, think before having sexual interactions with them. You can discuss your past relationships, history of STIs and if they are using any drugs.
• Use barriers/protection like condoms every time you have sex. Choose one that is made of latex since they don’t break easily and are safe to use.
• If you are already using condoms during your vaginal-penile sex, make it even safer by using lubricants. Using lube can prevent the condom from breaking. Aside from that, it helps prevent tears or cuts in the vagina and penis during penetration.
• Among the bodily fluids that can transmit STIs include vaginal secretions, blood including menstrual blood, anal fluids and cum and pre-cum semen.
• For those who want to try oral sex, you can use dams to protect your mouth.
• You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs before having sex. This is to reduce the chances of participating in high-risk sex.
• Contrary to what most people know, it is advised not to douche after a sexual encounter. Doing this will not protect you from having STIs. It would only cause an infection that can spread farther into the reproductive tract.
• Get yourself tested regularly for STIs like pelvic exams, Pap tests and periodic tests.
• Before having sex, be aware of your and your lover’s body. Check for any signs of blisters, sores, rashes or discharges.
• If you don’t want your erotic scene to involve any exchange of bodily fluids, you can consider other sexual activities. You can try mutual masturbation, bondage play, role-playing and many more.
• If you touch your lover’s genitals using your hands during sex, make sure to wash them before touching your mouth, eyes or genitals. This is to avoid passing or transferring sexual fluids to your partner.
• For those who are sharing their sex toys, it is vital to wash them with soap and water before they touch your partner’s body. You can also use condoms on sex toys. Just make sure to change them before each turn.

Conclusion

Abstinence from any sexual activity is the only effective way to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy. But if you are sexually active, practising safer sex is the best way to protect yourself and your partner. Understanding the 3 vital things about safer sex will help you get started.

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