How to Practice Safe Sex and Importance of having Safe Sex

Are you one on those people who feel uncomfortable talking about sex? Did you skip sex ed lecture in your high school? Do you hesitate to talk about sex to your partner? Then read ahead because in this blog we will talk about a very important topic that you have missed which is safe sex and why it is important?

We will understand what is safe sex? How to have safe sex? Why it is important to have safe sex and what are the consequences of safe sex?

What is Safe Sex?

Safe sex involves practices that reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. This includes using condoms, dental dams and other barriers regular STI testing, mutual monogamy, and informed consent. It emphasizes communication protection and awareness to ensure sexual health and safety.

Safe Sex Practices

1. Use a Condom

Using a condom is the best, cheapest and convenient way to practice safe sex. During sexual activity, condoms act as a barrier to protect people from the exchange of bodily fluids, which lowers the chance of sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are quite effective in preventing pregnancy when used regularly and correctly; their perfect use effectiveness rate is about 98%, and their normal use effectiveness rate is about 85%.

Types of Condoms

• Male or external condoms – A durable, thin latex (rubber) sheath is available in various sizes and designs. (They are not a one-size-fits-all solution.) For those with latex allergies, non-latex condom options are also available.
• Female or internal condoms – A soft, synthetic rubber pouch with two flexible rings at each end, resembling an external condom. These lubricated condoms are available in a single size and are intended for insertion into either the vagina or anus.
• Diaphragm – A flexible silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. While diaphragms are an effective contraceptive method, they do not offer protection against STIs.

In conclusion, condoms play a crucial role in promoting safe sexual practices, providing substantial protection and supporting overall sexual health.

How to use condoms effectively

• Select the right material like latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Avoid latex if allergic.
• Read the instruction before putting it on
• Ensure the condom stays in place. If it rolls up or slips off, stop and put on a new condom.
• Hold the condom at the base of the penis before pulling out to prevent it from slipping off.

2. Reduce Your Number of Sexual Partners

Limiting your number of sexual partners and staying faithful to your partner is very important safe sex practice. The more partners you have sex with the higher the chances of contracting STDs even if you wear protection. Having fewer partners reduces the risk of contracting and spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as it minimises exposure to potential infections.

Reducing the number of sexual partners creates more meaningful and deeper relationships with enhanced communication on sexual health and safety. This approach encourages regular STI testing, appropriate use of preventative measures, and improves overall sexual health. In the end, it promotes trust and safety in sexual relationships.

3. Get Vaccinated

It’s important to understand that condoms do not provide 100% protection against sexually transmitted infections. For example, the use of condoms does not prevent the transmission of infections like HPV. Make sure that you and your partners have received the HPV vaccine in order to protect yourself against STDs.

4. Get Tested Regularly

It’s crucial to be tested regularly in order to prevent STDs. Regular testing for early detection allows quick treatment, reducing the risk of problems including infertility, chronic discomfort, or organ damage and helping to stop the spread of infections to others. By encouraging open communication and a healthier sexual environment, adopting this proactive approach helps partners develop trust and a sense of safety in their relationships.

5. Avoid Unwanted and Risky Situations

At times, abstaining from sex can also serve as an effective method for practicing safe sex. Avoid situations where there is a higher likelihood of engaging in unprotected sexual activity. These situations can include:

• Being drunk while having sex
• Sex with unknown person
• Feeling pressured to have sex
• Believing someone who tells you they don’t have STDs

Remember there is nothing wrong in saying NO to sex even if it is with your own partner.

Importance of having Safe Sex

Practicing safe sex is essential for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. It includes utilizing tools such as condoms, dental dams, and frequent testing, which lowers the chances of spreading or contracting infections such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Safe sexual behavior develops better trust and communication between partners, which raises expectations of responsibility and respect. By allowing people to participate in sexual activities with confidence and without worrying about the potential consequences on their health, it promotes overall sexual health and well-being. Making safe sexual practices a priority encourages a more informed, confident, and healthy approach to sexual relationships.

Conclusion

When sex is safe it provides pleasure, intimacy and improve your bonding with your partner.  The most important things for safe sex are awareness and communication. Safe sex not only have health benefits but also have emotional and psychological benefits. So. Make sure you incorporate above safe sex practices when you have sex.

FAQs

1. Why is practicing safe sex important?

Practing safe sex prevents you from getting sexually transmitted diseases. It also avoids the risk of unwanted risk of pregnancy. It also improves your emotional connection with your partner.

2. What is 100% safe sex?

100% safe sex practice refers to having protective sex to avoid any STDs and unplanned pregnancies

3. How much unprotected sex is safe?

No amount of unprotected sex can be considered completely safe. To minimise risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, consistent and correct use of protection like condoms is crucial.

4. What are 5 ways to have safe sex?

• Use Condoms
• Limit Sexual Partners
• Get Tested
• Communicate
• Consider PrEP