When it comes to sex, safety is crucial for both your sexual health and your overall wellbeing. Safe sex means taking steps to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. In this article, we’re going to talk about what safe sex is, why it’s so important, and how to practice it.
Basically, safe sex means using protection like condoms, dental dams, or other forms of birth control to decrease your chances of getting an STI or getting pregnant. It’s important to do this because, let’s face it, no one wants to deal with the consequences of an STI or an unintended pregnancy. It’s just not worth the risk.
Use Protection
Condoms are the most popular way to practice safe sex. They’re super effective at preventing STIs and pregnancy. Just make sure you use them the right way. Check the expiration date, make sure they’re not damaged or anything, and use some lube to reduce the chances of it breaking.
Aside from condoms, you can also use other types of birth control like pills, IUDs, and diaphragms. These options help lower your chances of getting pregnant, but they don’t protect against STIs.
Communication
Another way to practice safe sex is to communicate with your partner. Talk about what you’re okay with and what you’re not, get tested regularly, and be honest about your sexual history. This helps reduce the risk of getting an STI and make sure you and your partner are on the same page.
Get tested!
It’s important to get tested for STIs. It’s recommended to get tested at least once a year or more frequently if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behavior. Testing helps identify any STIs that may be present, and it can help prevent the spread of infections.
Safe sex is a critical part of taking care of yourself when it comes to sex. Use protection like condoms, birth control, or abstinence to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies. Communicate with your partner about what you’re comfortable with, get tested regularly, and be honest about your sexual history. Stay safe, friends!
Head photo by @Natali Vaitkevich
