Safe Sex (Safer Sex): How to practise, Tips, Protection Methods

Safe sex – In a fast-paced world, humans have a tendency to largely ignore a crucial aspect of their lives, their Health. When it comes to Health, just staying physically healthy doesn’t define your overall well-being. It should include your mental, emotional, psychological, and sexual well-being. These aspects are interconnected with one affecting the other, in or the other way.

One should make informed lifestyle choices at every step. Especially an adolescent who is on a constant stage of both mental and physical development. Being aware of your sexual health and deciding on your sexual journey becomes a priority, so as to avoid any unnecessary and inappropriate consequences. It is of utmost importance for every sexually active individual to avoid having unsafe sex. In this article, we will explore the essential practices of safe sex along with offering some practical advice on protection and maintaining long-term sexual health.

Safe sex or safer sex?

While there’s nothing existing as ‘safe sex’ because every form of sexual contact involves some kind of risk, experts use the term ‘safer sex’ for better comprehension. The only way one can be safe is by not indulging in any form of sexual activity at all, which may seem impractical for the vast majority.

Safer sex is basically, avoiding any practice that may harm or infect one or both partners during the course of any sexual activity such as oral, anal, vaginal sex, etc. This includes being cautious about various STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).

Consent is the most important thing to consider while planning to engage in any sexual activity. Consent is the permission, you are granted by your partners which shows their willingness to have sexual acts with you.

It should not be forceful. Everyone is required to decide on their own whether they want to have sex or not. It’s an individual choice, and the partner needs to respect and adhere to it.

Any sexual act without consent is considered an offence in the eyes of the law, and there are strict laws made against any forceful attempt.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are infections that spread through bacteria, viruses or parasites present in bodily fluids (like semen, saliva, urine, blood, vaginal fluids, etc). They can enter and infect your body during sexual activities including vaginal, oral, anal or other forms of sex. STIs are highly contagious, and some of them are asymptomatic, increasing the risk of contracting infections from others without any prior knowledge of infection.

However, most STIs are curable if detected timely.

According to WHO, globally, more than 1 million curable STIs are reported every day in people between 15-49 years of age, and the majority of which are asymptomatic. ^[1] The two major reasons to practise safer sex are to avoid STIs and Unwanted pregnancies.

One needs to follow certain guidelines in order to make sex safer for oneself and their partners.

Available Protection Methods

To protect oneself from STIs and avoid unwanted pregnancies, there are ample options available to choose from.

Condoms are a contraceptive method that creates a physical barrier, reducing the risk of STIs, HIV, as well as unwanted pregnancies, because it prevents semen from entering your partner’s body.

There are various types of condoms available.

External: Covers the penis of male partner.
Internal: Inserted into the vagina Or rectum of the female partner.

Condoms are most effective in any form of sex when used correctly and consistently. However, they can’t protect you against infections transmitted by sores or cuts on the skin, like genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis.^[2]

Other Contraceptive Options

Here are some other contraceptive options other than a condom.

Vaginal rings: These are rings made of flexible material that releases hormones that thickens the lining of the uterus, preventing ovulation and thus prevents pregnancy too.
Contraceptive Patch: It is a small and sticky patch applied to a dry and clean area of your skin, these patches, like vaginal rings, release hormones to prevent pregnancy by thickening the lining of the uterus.
Injections or shots: These are injected into the body to prevent the formation of eggs and also help in thickening the lining of the uterus to make it difficult for sperm to enter your body.
Contraceptive pills: These are oral pills taken to prevent ovulation.
IUDs (Intrauterine Devices, implants, etc.): These are long-acting reversible contraceptives implanted inside vagina to prevent fertilisation.

All these options are useful in preventing ovulation and are effective for different lengths of time.

It is important to note that while these options provide protection against pregnancy, they don’t protect you against STIs. Additionally, they require a doctor’s recommendation based on your health, medical history, and lifestyle. The market of contraceptives is expanding day by day, and various other options keep coming, but they should be used after proper evaluation for individual needs.

Tips to practise safer sex

In order to protect yourself and your sexual partner’s health, practising safer sex is essential. Some of the practices one should follow are as follows:

Use condoms/dental dam: No matter what stage of relationship you’re in, using condoms and a dental dam (oral sex) while having sex is crucial to avoid any health complications, including STIs.
Regular STI testing: If you’re sexually active or indulge in sex with multiple partners, you should regularly go for STI tests.
Limiting the number of sexual partners: One of the major causes of having STIs arises when you have multiple sex partners. Make sure to limit your sexual activities only to one partner.
Clear Communication: Talking openly to your partner about your sexual history and previous experiences of STIs is crucial to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner and avoid any infections.
Avoid Drug/ Alcohol: During any form of sexual activity, don’t take alcohol or drugs because you may invite STIs or an unwanted pregnancy in a state of unconsciousness.
Be educated about STIs: By being educated and aware of STIs and their potential consequences, one can make better decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
Risk-free options: You can go for some risk-free ways to protect yourself from STIs while experiencing sexual pleasure at the same time like manual masturbation, dry humping, etc. as long as you don’t get their fluids. ^[3]

Aftercare

Practices to follow after sex:

Pee after you have sex to release various bacteria that would have been harmful to your body.
Wash your genitals with clean water, gently, to avoid any infections.
Keep your genital area dry.
Wash your hands properly with soap.
If you’d use sex toys during sex, wash them thoroughly
Check for any redness or rashes, warts, or any other signs, and consult a doctor if it’s severe.

A Note from Kamarth

In conclusion, practising safe sex is important because it affects both you and with whom you’re having sex. Be it communicating clearly, using condoms, regularly testing or any other step for safer sex, being aware of the possible risks of getting STIs is essential in the long run so as to ensure that each step taken by you empowers you to take control of your sexual health, fostering a more healthier and fulfilling sexual journey.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: What is the difference between STIs and STDs?
Answer: In most cases, STD and STIs are interchangeable terms; STIs are infections (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) that spread through sexual contact, whereas STD develops from STIs when they turn into a disease that affects the normal functioning of the body.

Question: Do condoms protect against all STIs?
Answer: No, while condoms are the most effective option available for protection, it doesn’t protect you against all STIs. If the STIs are spread through skin-to-skin contac,t such as herpes or HPV, condoms aren’t effective in such cases.

Question: Can I get an STI from oral sex?
Answer: Yes, STIs such as Herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can spread through oral sex. To avoid them, use condoms and dental dams.

Question: How often should I get tested for STIs?
Answer: If you’re sexually active, you should get tested at least once a year, and if you’ve multiple sex partners or engage in unprotected sex, it becomes even more important to get tested frequently.

Question: Does birth control protect against STIs?
Answer: No, birth control methods such as patches, shots, rings, IUDs, etc, are only effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies but don’t protect against STIs.

Further Reading:-

Reference Links:-

Safe Sex (Safer Sex): How to practise, Tips, Protection Methods

Table of Contents