Safer sex guidelines for everyone
Safe sex or safer sex can be defined as a situation where the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases are minimal. Sexually transmitted diseases can range from HIV AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and others. Practicing safe sex can make your sex life better and improve trust and connection with your partner.
Safer sex practices involve the use of a condom every time you have intercourse. It means not letting your partner’s semen or vaginal fluid inside your vagina, anus, penis, or mouth.
Given below are some sex tips that you can follow to make your sex life healthy and happy.
Always use barriers- To practice safe sex, you need to use barriers during sexual intercourse. These barriers can be of different kinds, such as condoms for males or vaginal condoms. They prevent the semen from entering the vagina, thereby reducing the chances of contracting STDs. You can also use ‘dental dams’ during oral sex.
Types of condoms- Nowadays, you get condoms of almost every flavor and variety in the market. Although they might sound appealing, it is always advisable to use latex condoms since they are designed to stop the spread of infections. You can also use a polyurethane condom with a water-based lubricant.
Proper storage of condoms- You should always keep your condoms in a cool place, away from direct exposure to the sun. Also, do not keep your condoms inside your wallet for a long time since constant contraction might cause them to lose their effect. In addition to these, never use condoms that are old, brittle, and sticky or come in an old package.
Know the person properly before indulging in sexual activities with him/her- Safe sex is all about having sex when both the partners are ready and comfortable. For this, you need to know your partner well, know their preferences and dislikes, and their medical backgrounds as well. Also, avoid having multiple sexual partners.
Avoid alcohol before sex- Avoid alcohol consumption before indulging in sex since it increases the chances of participating in high-risk sex.
Indulge in activities other than skin-to-skin exposure- Instead of indulging in sexual activities every time, you can go for a massage, phone sex, or anticipatory sex. These reduce the chances of contracting STDs.
Research your birth control options- These days, a lot of birth control options are expanding. Daily pills, monthly injections, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices can prevent pregnancy if you are sexually active. Talk to a gynecologist if you feel discomfort. Go for regular health check-ups.
Use clean sex toys– In case you use sex toys, make sure that you clean them every time after using them. Sterilize the sex toys. You can also use latex condoms on them. This will keep them clean and reduce them from contracting infections.
It is always advisable to research before practicing sex. Talk to friends, relatives, research on the internet, or read books to know about healthy sexual practices.