Safe Sex

Having safe sex is essential if you progress beyond tender touches like kissing and stroking. It is imperative that you constantly practice safe sex in order to prevent contracting STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

STI prevention

It is critical to practice safe sexual behavior in order to prevent contracting an STD or STI. As a couple, you should be able to discuss the importance of safe sex and find ways to make it exciting.

Staying Safe

Most cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur as a result of unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. As a general rule, when people talk about having sex without a condom, they mean it.

Guidelines for having conversations about sexually transmitted diseases and safe sexual practices

You and your partner may have the most uncomfortable and unromantic chat ever. Oh no! Two major components of a healthy, long-term relationship are an increase in trust and enjoyment in the bedroom, both of which can be enhanced through this conversation.

Weather is preferable.

Some people express dissatisfaction with the use of condoms, claiming that they desire more intense sexual encounters. Because more moisture is always preferable, I've compiled some pointers to help you get things wetter.

What are the safest and most unsafe forms of sexual activity?

Although having sex is a wonderful aspect of life, it is not without its perils. The transmission of HIV and other STDs is a real possibility. When you or your spouse becomes pregnant against your will, it can be a difficult experience.

STDs/STIs

Without using a condom, You are putting yourself at greater risk of acquiring an infection that can result in an STD. or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In this section, we will discuss the various types and the symptoms associated with them.

To get a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you or your sexual partner may engage in unsafe sexual practices. This encompasses all types of sexual contact, not only genital intercourse, including anal, oral, vaginal, and even some skin-to-skin touch.

When a sore or rash is present, having sex with an infected partner can spread some STIs, like genital warts and syphilis.

Bacterial vaginosis

Most cases of bacterial vaginosis (BV) occur in females. It happens when there is an imbalance of "harmful" bacteria in the vagina, which throws off the usual bacterial balance.

Scabies

As a skin ailment, scabies is both irritating and contagious, and it's caused by the scabies mite.

Pubic lice

"Crabs" is another name for pubic lice. Little parasites called pubic lice burrow under the skin and feed on blood.

Trichomoniasis

Another name for trichomoniasis is trich. Although both sexes can contract this sexually transmitted disease, symptoms typically manifest more in women.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the causative agent of the infectious liver illness known as hepatitis B, which is a contagious condition.

Water Warts

Molluscum contagiosum is the name of the virus that causes water warts. This skin illness is caused by a common virus. Blisters packed with fluid form on the skin when an infection sets in.

Genital herpes

Two distinct strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It resembles a blister or cold sore. Cold sores and blisters aren't symptoms of the virus, which is highly contagious.

Genital warts

Human papillomavirus is the causative agent of genital warts. Among sexually transmitted diseases, it ranks high.

Syphilis

The bacteria Treponema palliduium causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease. The 'great imitator' moniker comes from the fact that the symptoms could be mistaken for those of other sexually transmitted diseases.

Gonorrhoea

Niesseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea. It spreads quickly. The urethra (the tube that carries pee), vagina, and anus are all potential sites of infection. 

Chlamydia

Bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis cause chlamydia, an STD. A chlamydia infection can spread to the urethra, the area around the vagina and cervix, the anus, or even the eyes.

Candida (yeast infection)

Fungus Candida causes an infection. Thrush, genital Candidosis, yeast infection, or Candidiasis are other names for the same condition.

HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV for short, is the causative agent of AIDS. What stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is AIDS.

Types of condoms

As a kind of barrier contraception, condoms reduce the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by preventing sperm from entering the body through the mouth, anus, or vagina.

Here are some examples of barrier methods:

Male (or external) Condoms – A variety of sizes and shapes of a thin, sturdy latex (rubber) pouch. ("One size does not fit all"). Those who suffer from latex allergies can get condoms made of materials other than latex.

Female (or internal) Condoms – An exterior condom-like soft synthetic rubber bag with two flexible rings on each end. These pre-lubricated condoms are available in a single size and are specifically made to fit into the anus or vagina.

Diaphragm – Silicone cup that fits gently inside the vagina and covers the cervix, the entrance to the uterus or womb. Diaphragms are effective in preventing pregnancy, but they won't keep sexually transmitted infections at bay.

Supermarkets, pharmacies, family planning clinics, and sexual health clinics all carry condoms. Some bars, nightclubs, colleges, and universities also have vending machines where you can buy them.

The art of proper condom use

The use of condoms appropriately may not provide 100% protection against sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.

A word of caution: condoms

are susceptible to breaking or damage from heat, particularly if stored improperly or not using a water-based lubricant; do not cover the entire genital skin area, leaving you vulnerable to skin-to-skin contact and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like genital herpes, scabies, genital warts, and pubic lice; work best with a water-based lubricant; and have an expiration date and cannot be reused; they are for single use only and cannot be reused.

Which Sexual Activity Is the Most Secure?

Abstinence is the only surefire method to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. Using condoms or limiting oneself to the behaviors described below would be the next most secure options. To avoid contracting an STD from your partner or being unaware of their sexual history, it is best to avoid touching anything that could spread the virus, such as:

Thinking about or engaging in sexual relations over the phone

Engaging in physical contact with another person while also engaging in physical contact with oneself
Gently massaging your companion in a non-sexual way
Touching your partner's body while still wearing clothing
Kissing

Staying out of jams

Risk of risky sexual behavior can be higher in certain contexts. If you can lessen your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, do so. A few examples are:

When under the influence of alcohol or drugs, one's judgment may be clouded, and one may feel forced to engage in sexual activity, justifying it by saying it's okay "just this once."
thinking it's possible to detect STIs by looking for certain symptoms.

Summary

A condom is an effective instrument in combating the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses. The problem is that they aren't foolproof against STIs in general.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such genital herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) are less protected by condoms. Some condoms are more successful than others at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

The proper and consistent use of condoms is among the most efficacious methods for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses.  Also, make sure to store them properly and stay away from lubricants that can harm the condom.

Even if a person is using a condom, they should still get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on a regular basis so that any infections they may have contracted can be treated.