Did you know that there is a survey in 2023 showing that a huge number of millennials don’t wear condoms anymore? Well, that’s crazy. But the condom sales are still on a quite high level, meaning people are aware of its effectiveness. But it’s always a good idea to keep learning about safer sex practices. In fact, there is a risk factor for getting an STI anytime you have sex. Well, you may have heard this from experts on TV, the internet, and talk shows. The fact is, in the setting of safe sex, no sex is safe. But there are safer sex practices. When blood, body fluids, or other body fluids are present or exchanged, STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex or from skin-to-skin contact. But some STIs can be transmitted even when you’re not having sex. Kissing can cause some STIs (like herpes and syphilis).
Obviously, the risks are never zero, but you can always do your best to make sure your sexual practices are safer. As a result, many clinicians are now referring to it as “safer sex” instead of “safe sex” to convey the fact that there is always a risk involved. So, how do you really practice safe sex? Here are some safer sex practices you need to really keep in mind and do.
Do Your Best to Talk About It With Your Partner
Getting past the social stigmas associated with sex is one of the biggest barriers to safe sex. Give yourself the space and grace to talk openly about your expectations, to explore what safe sex practices work for you, and what your limits might be. Ask yourself why you are apprehensive about having these conversations with your partner(s). Find out what makes it difficult for you to have them, and then work to remove those barriers slowly. When it comes to barrier protection, you’re not alone if you’re hesitant to buy it at the store.
If you’re ready to buy them, you can take a friend, partner, or trusted loved one with you. And the more you prepare for any and all situations, the easier it will be to make these choices.
Regularly Test Yourself for STIs
The importance of safe sex and conversations about safe sex practices cannot be overstated, according to Dr. Nwankwo, an expert in the field. While people in closed, long-term monogamous relationships have fewer risk factors, they should still be tested for STIs when they visit their healthcare providers. Even if you’ve been married to one partner for a long time, she suggests getting tested for STIs once a year. The thought of STI testing should be brought up at least once a year, she says. You might decide that you don’t need it this year, but as long as you and your partner discuss it, it’s safer for you.
Use Your Condoms Correctly
There should never be a reason to avoid barrier protection. Everybody’s body is different, which is why there are different types of condoms. There are ultrasensitive condoms, warming condoms, ridged condoms, condoms with flavors, condoms that glow in the dark, lambskin condoms — all kinds of condoms you can choose to protect yourself and your partner, enhance the sensation and make the overall experience enjoyable for both of you. Regardless of who you are or your anatomy, barrier protection is a key component of having safer sex.
It is especially important to know what to do if a condom breaks. Do you know where to begin, or have you never used any barrier protection before? If you’re looking to prepare more before introducing it, you can always practice by yourself. Try incorporating condoms into foreplay as a way to normalize the practice.
Always Be Prepared for Quite Different Scenarios
When you’re prepared for any situation, it’s easier to have safer sex. It is important to make sure you are meeting someone you trust, talk about what will happen, and always carry your own protection in the setting of one-night stands and unplanned sexual encounters. The key is to never rely on another person to protect you. That’s right. Wearing a condom is also about you. It’s your strong willingness backed by a strong awareness that your health matters.
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