How to Practise Safer Sex? Know Before You Face Consequences

One of the three basic instincts we have as animals. Sex is one of the basic human needs that we do not have to learn about (at least, we think so). One of the only things we are born knowing. But what if I tell you that you are doing it wrong? I mean, not wrong, but risky?

Due to the taboo around sex, the fact that globally, more than one million people get affected by STIs every day gets swept under the rug. While most of these cases are curable, there also are millions whose lives took a turn for the worse due to STIs.

How to avoid a stunted life, you ask? There are certain guidelines to follow so your sexy time can be not only just fun but safe, too. And before you say that there’s no guideline to having sex, let me tell you that there very much is. Safer sex, that is.

What do I mean when I say safer sex? Read on to find out.

You probably think that kissing is safe. You couldn’t possibly get any STIs from kissing, right? RIGHT?

Well, wrong. It is, in fact, possible to contract Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like herpes or syphilis.

But kissing is still considered a low-risk sexual activity, and chances of actually contracting an STI by just kissing are pretty low. However, when you talk about penetrative sex, there is no form of it that can be considered ‘safe’. So, there is no concept of “safe sex”.

Safer sex simply means practices during sexual activities that protect against STIs(sexually transmitted infections). Safer sex helps you and your partner stay healthy and makes sex all the more fun.

The terms STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings:

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Refers to an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted through sexual contact.

A person can have an infection without showing symptoms.

Examples: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HPV, HIV.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Refers to an infection progressing to a disease, meaning symptoms or complications have developed.

All STDs start as STIs, but not all STIs progress to STDs.

Examples: Syphilis (advanced stages) and AIDS (advanced HIV infection).

Key Difference between STI and STD

STI is the broader term because it includes infections that may not cause symptoms.

STD is a subset of STIs that have progressed to the disease stage with visible symptoms or health issues.

Modern healthcare professionals prefer STIs because they reduce stigma and emphasise early detection and treatment before symptoms develop.

Mostly, all forms of sexual contact carry some risk of infection, but the risk of infection is highest during unprotected penetrative sex. No, apart from condoms, none of the contraceptives will save you from this.

Any form of non-penetrative low-contact engagement, for example, body rubbing or dry humping, fingering, or using clean sex toys with a separate condom, can be considered low-risk when it comes to infections.

You might contract an STI through any form of sexual encounter. Infection can spread through skin-to-skin contact or the exchange of sexual bodily fluids. In short, if there is nothing between your and your partner’s organs, it is risky.

STIs and other infections that you could be at risk for during penetrative vaginal sex include :

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Herpes

• Genital warts

• HIV

• Syphilis

The risk of infection increases manifolds when it comes to anal sex. Since the lining of the anus is thin and can be easily damaged, it makes it more prone to infection.

STIs and other infections that you could be at risk for during penetrative anal sex include :

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Herpes

• Genital warts

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis C

Now, if you are like Sheldon and scared of infections, you might feel that oral sex is safer. Surprise! Oral sex is riskier than unprotected sex. The risk is higher if you have cuts, sores or ulcers in your mouth. It can transmit all the diseases that penetrative sex can. Even sharing sex toys carries risks.

Enough of scaring you to celibacy! Now it’s time for the redemption arc!

1. Always Use Protection

Using a barrier method of contraception is always a good idea. Condoms help prevent pregnancy as well as STIs. They also provide lubrication and could help sex feel more enjoyable.

2. Take Extra Caution When Having Sexual Encounters With a New Partner

Always wear a condom with a new sexual partner, even if you are using other methods of contraception. Be sure to talk about your sexual history and any past occurrences of STIs.

3. Get Tested Regularly

If you've been sexually active, it's always a good idea to get tested for STIs and get pap tests and pelvic exams at regular intervals. Some STIs may not show symptoms, so you might not be aware that you're infected and could unknowingly spread it to others.

4. Limit Your Number of Partners or Be Monogamous

It is always safest to limit sexual activity to only one partner. The more partners you have, the more sexual histories you need to consider, which can increase the risk of infection.

5. Make Oral Sex Safer by Using a Condom or Dental Dam

Condoms are safer. Oral sex is safer. So, what can go wrong if you combine them? You can even mix things up by using flavoured condoms or using a dental dam.

6. Don’t Brush Before Giving Oral Sex

You should also not brush your teeth or floss before giving oral sex as it may cause cuts in your mouth and cause your gums to bleed.

7. Keep Sex Toys Clean

If you’re sharing sex toys, make sure you are washing them after each use and also putting on a condom on them each time.

Sex is not 100% safe, not for our heart, and not for our health. We can’t do much about matters of the heart, but we can take precautions to protect our health. We can start to achieve this by talking about it.

Having open communication with your partner or any new partner helps create a comfortable environment where you can be transparent about your sexual history. Sex doesn’t have to be hush. And your health does not need to be either. So, talk about it.

Q. What are STIs?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are like infectious diseases. They can spread from one person to another during any sexual contact. There are more than thirty different STIs. Mostly, STIs are harmless, even though they can be unpleasant. But some can also be life-threatening.

Q. How can I protect myself from STIs?

Condoms are the most important contraceptive option as they prevent any direct contact during sexual encounters. You can also get vaccinated against some STIs like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.

Q. What if I am already on the pill?

You should still use a condom for extra protection.

Q. Can you tell if someone has an STI?

There is no way to tell for sure if someone has an STI. Most people don’t even experience any symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have a STI test.

Q. Do condoms protect against all STIs?

Condoms do protect mostly against all STIs. But there are still some infections that can be transmitted even if you use a condom. Still, if used correctly, condoms can give you the most protection.