Safe Sex Do's And Don'ts
What is Safe Sex?
Safe sex refers to actions taken by sexually active individuals before, during, and after sex in order to prevent the contraction and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is important to be aware that "safer sex" is the correct term rather than "safe sex" since there are no sexual activities that are completely risk-free. Fortunately, however, there are many safe sex measures one can take in order to minimize the chances of becoming infected and in order to keep themselves and their partners safe from STDs.
Note that the only true means of preventing STDs is abstinence. However, since abstinence is not always practical or desirable, the goal is to minimize the risks of STD transmission.
Safe Sex Do's and Don'ts
The following are some safe sex practice do's and don'ts:
DO'S:
Learn about STDs and become informed about what you can do to prevent them
Know your partner and question new/potential partners about their sexual history and any past STDs
Find out if your partner is an injection drug user
Ideally have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with a partner who has been tested and is free from STDs
Minimize your number of sexual partners
Use a male or female latex or polyurethane condom
Use a condom for all sexual activity (oral, anal and genital sex)
Apply condom before any sexual contact and use it until the end of all sexual contact
Use a new condom each time you have sex
Store condoms in a cool, dry place
Use a lubricant to reduce friction and reduce the risk of condom breakage
Use only water-based lubricants
Get screened (tested) annually for STDs
Make sure your partners get tested too
Get immunized for HPV and Hepatitis B
Be responsible and inform all sexual partners if you test positive for an STD
Openly communicate with your partner about how you feel about sex
Consult with your doctor before becoming pregnant and take proper STD-related precautions
If you are pregnant and have an STD, learn how to prevent your developing baby from becoming infected
DON'TS:
Feel coerced or forced into having sex
Use expired condoms
Reuse condoms
Use a condom that is torn or damaged in any way
Use both a male and a female condom at the same time, as the friction between them can cause one or both to break
Unroll a condom before putting it on the penis.
Use oil-based lubricants (i.e. Vaseline) which can cause latex to weaken and tear.
Abuse alcohol or drugs or mix drugs and alcohol with sex
Share needles or any other drug paraphernalia
Breastfeed your baby if you have an STD or if you are HIV-positive
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