No matter how many articles there are on the internet about safe sex practices, there can never be enough because this is something that needs to be inculcated into the education system that shies away from talking to teenagers about sex. The only way any person can follow safe sex habits to avoid unwanted pregnancies or an STI is when they know the basics, do's and dont’s.
Hence, today we are going to cover the ABCs of safe sex with everything you need to know about safe sex practices. Mojocare helps you to connect with the Best sexologist doctors to get a healthy sexual experience.
Consent
Consent is the most important aspect of sex. No matter what gender, one has to ensure that both the partners are consenting to adults before and even during the act. By consent, we mean express consent; which means a “yes” and not answers such as “maybe I’m not sure: or “I don’t know”. Checking in on them during the act whether they are okay to go ahead, you could use measures such as:
- Asking questions such as “Would you like to experiment?”, “Is this comfortable?, or “Would you like me to stop?”
- Using safe words so you know when to stop are necessary measures
- If your partner seems uncomfortable at the slightest, stop and talk to them, and if they are not consenting anymore, do not convince them otherwise.
Safe sex activities
Sexual activities that carry a low risk of transmitting STIs include:
- Cuddling
- Massage or positive stimulation through touching
- Masturbation
- Mutual masturbation
- Ejaculation on unbroken skin
- Sexual intercourse using a barrier contraception such as a condom or female condom
Safe sex myths
Some may believe or try to convince you about myths such as:
- Planning ahead ruins the mood for sex.
- You can tell someone doesn’t have an STI by looking at them.
- Practicing safe sex means that one of you has an STI.
- Practicing safe sex implies that one of you is a drug user.
- The LGBTQI community does not get STIs.
- Taking the pill is a safe sex practice.
- Condoms ruin the sensation of sex.
- Purchasing condoms is embarrassing.
High-risk or unsafe sexual activities
High-risk sexual activities may include the following, especially when multiple partners are involved:
- Having sex with no male or female condom.
- Using the pull-out technique rather than using condoms.
- Trying to reuse a condom or using an expired condom.
- Using two condoms instead of one.
- Using a condom even after it breaks or using it incorrectly.
- Exchange of bodily fluids including saliva.
- Not practicing genital hygiene before and after sex.
What increases the risk of unsafe sex?
The factors mentioned below can make sex unsafe for you or your partner:
- being excessively drunk
- The use of recreational drugs
- feeling pressurised to having sex
- Going ahead when you don’t want to consent.
- Thinking unprotected sex is okay if the person does not show physical symptoms of STI.
Genital Hygiene and Checking for STDs
Administer regular tests for STDs if sexually active every 6 months; this applies to all genders. If you’re in a polyamorous relationship or are practicing casual sex with multiple partners, getting tested is imperative. Practice proper genital hygiene and visit the gynaecologist or urologist while communicating with your partner regarding the same as it is mutually inclusive.
We hope that the measures above covered the majority of what safe sex consists of. This is such a subject that cannot be spoken of enough due to the society we live in. Sex is a natural part of an individual’s life, however understanding how to keep yourself and your partner safe is something which is rarely addressed. To understand more about safe sex habits, Mojocare has a collection of informative blogs to help educate yourself; please visit our websit to kow more.
