You've probably heard of safe sex, also known as "safer sex," whether in school, from a healthcare provider, or elsewhere. Even if you have heard about safe sex, you may not have received a comprehensive safe sex education. It's also a good idea to brush up on the fundamentals of safe sex. In this article, we'll explain what safe sex is, and how to practice it.
What is Safe Sex
At its most basic, safe sex means protecting yourself and your partner from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or an unintended pregnancy. There are several ways to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections, some of which overlap with ways to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
How to Practice Safe Sex
To reduce your exposure to disease-causing organisms, limit your sexual activity to one partner who only has sex with you. Follow these guidelines for safer sex:
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Use Condom
Using condoms is the most effective way to practice safe sex. This is due to the fact that condoms act as a barrier between you and your partner, preventing you from transmitting certain STIs to the other person. When engaging in sexual activity, both male and female condoms should be used.
Condoms are used to prevent bodily fluids such as sperm or vaginal fluids from coming into contact with your partner's vagina, anus, penis, or mouth. Knowing how to correctly use a condom is essential for practicing safe sex. Condoms, on the other hand, are not entirely risk-free because they can break or tear. They also do not protect against syphilis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), all of which can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
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Be honest with your partner
Tell your partner what makes you feel at ease and safe in bed. If they do not respect your feelings, do not be afraid to walk away and find someone who will!
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Get Vaccinated
As previously stated, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted even when condoms are used during sex. HPV infection can lead to cervical cancer, making it one of the most dangerous STIs. Because HPV is so common, almost everyone who engages in sexual activity will become infected at some point in their lives. To stay safe and protected, you can be immunised against HPV.
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Get Yourself Tested
Getting tested for STIs is another aspect of safe sex. Regular testing will reveal whether you have a STI or not. Your healthcare provider can also perform various screenings and examinations to screen for specific STIs, such as a Pap Smear to screen for cervical cancer caused by HPV infection.
Why Is Safe Sex so Important
STIs are extremely common and easy to contract, with nearly one in every five people in the United States infected. That's nearly 68 million people. Almost half of those cases involved people aged 15 to 24. According to some studies, the average person in the United States has over 7 sexual partners during their lifetime, so the chances of contracting a STI during one of those encounters are fairly high.
Safe sex is essential because it reduces your risk of contracting a STI and keeps you and your partner(s) healthy and safe. By protecting yourself from STIs, you can avoid spreading them to others and suffering from negative health consequences. This is especially important because certain STIs, such as HPV and HIV, can cause serious health issues.
