Is your vision lens for sexuality and relationships limited to fun and enjoyment? Wait and think because there’s more to relationships and sexuality. One such element is safer sex practices.
What do you think safer sex practices are? More than a compiled group of activities, it’s a behavior change that keeps you safe from STIs and related problems.
Can you name some of the activities that are also closely linked to sex, romance and relationships? Let’s help you out!
1. A Break from Sexual Activities
If you wish to set yourself free from the risk of potential STI problems, try abstinence. Refrain from indulging in sexual activity of any kind. It’s a great way to keep one risk-free from STIs and STDs.
However, remember that there are still some STIs that don’t rely on sexual activities to spread. Simple love-making like deep-kissing (hepatitis B) and body rubbing (genital warts and genital herpes) can put you at risk of spreading an STI.
2. Solo Activities
STIs and STDs spread from one person to another & microorganisms are responsible for it. Therefore, if you are all by yourself, the chances of getting STIs will be eliminated. Solo activities comprise porn, masturbation, phone sex, etc.
But remember, if one part of your body is already affected by STI, you might transfer it to another. For example: if you are suffering from herpes & you touch its sore, it will get transferred to another part of your body.
It’s not just applicable to solo activities; it’s great sex and relationship advice if you are involved in all other sexual activities too with a sense of relief that you are risk-free that way. Whatever it is, you must be careful at every step.
Related Post: How to Have Safe Sex: Sex Is Like a Password, Best When Kept Safe.
3. Barriers
What does having sex mean in a relationship? Forget about everything, but it’s a responsibility. Responsibility for you and your partner’s health and well-being.
Precautions like condoms are never a barrier to your pleasure. They are the fool-proof barriers to bacteria and viruses responsible for STIs. Additionally, condoms are the only contraceptives that are effective in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
4. It’s Okay To Say ‘No’
‘No’ might sound heavy here, but negotiation is the right term, to be precise. Negotiate about the activities you two want to engage in and how. ‘How’ is equally important here. Talk about condoms, dental dams, diaphragms, etc., related to concerns on STIs and safe sex.
If your partner refuses to accept these barriers, you must negotiate what you are willing to do and what you are not, freely and openly. Consent is a vital element of a healthy relationship.
5. Pleasure & Sex Toys
Sex toys are nowadays an open topic couples are not hesitant to discuss. But sadly, only from a pleasure point of view.
Do you know these sex toys also spread microorganisms from one body to another if not cleaned and disinfected properly? Yes, they do. So always ensure that your toys are clean depending on the material they are made of. Follow the cleaning instructions on the manual properly.
Popular Post: Getting Ready? ? Find Out Tips on How to Have Safe Sex First Time!
6. Limit On No. Of Sex Partners
Having more sexual partners means an increased chance of spreading STIs and STDs. That way, you put your future partners at risk too.
The ideal escape to such situations is to always have protected sex.
7. Share Sexual History and About STIs with Each Other
Talking about sex, your sexual history, number of sexual partners, STIs, etc., reveal vital information about each other that helps in making decisions about sexual activities and precautions that further reduces STIs risk.
It’s important dating and sex advice that should be followed from early on.
8. A Positive Attitude For Safe Sex
This may sound a little out of the syllabus, but your attitude towards safer sex practices ultimately makes things fall into place. Your attitude leads to behavior change that leads to a reduced risk of STIs.
Always focus on the advantages of following safer sex practices and how they fix your value system of a healthy and fit life. Tell yourself how a simple STI can hamper your goals, keep you from achieving them, and affect your life in layers.
Must Read: STDs and Sexual History: Does Sexual Past Matter in a Relationship?
9. Regular STI Test
There are asymptomatic STIs that many people are not aware of, and they are suffering from them. It increases the risk of their spread from one person to another. If you are responsible enough to get yourself tested for STI on a regular basis, prevention becomes easy peasy.
Always remember that there are two lives involved. Act responsibly in your sexuality and relationships.
10. Engage in Sexual Activities Where Body Fluids Are Not Shared With Each Other
HIV & Hepatitis B are STIs that are spread by fluid body microorganisms. There are certain activities that don’t share body fluids like body rubbing, massage, etc. Try and stick to that if you can sense some potential sexual health risks.
Benefits of Safer Sex Practices In a Nutshell
- No unwanted/unplanned pregnancy
- Protection against HIV and STDs.
- Reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
- Reduced risk of cervical cancer in women
- A healthy and fit couple with peace of mind
- Condoms have no side effects
Summary
By now, you must have understood that all sex practices have some sort of risk involved them. However, it’s up to you how you manage to handle that. You can totally reduce or eliminate the risk of STIs or STDs if you follow safer sex practices talked about above. Remember, it’s your mindset in the end.
Also, for a deep, personal elaborate discussion and knowledge on sexuality and relationships, consult a medical professional.
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