We all have had the talk about sex before. Whether it was with our parents or an older and wiser individual, we all know that having sex without protection is bad. If you were one of those people who avoided the awkward talk to save yourself from embarrassment, then please take this opportunity to learn how to have sex safely.
While it can be incredibly pleasurable to have sex, it can also be incredibly harmful to one’s health. Having sex can cause various issues, such as sickness and emotional confusion.
Having the proper knowledge about how to have safe sex can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Who needs safe sex?
Besides high school students, learning about how to have sex safely is also important for everyone. It’s a must-have for every person who has sex with someone.
Even if you’re using birth control and are regularly checking for STDs, you can still be at risk. Sexual health can change very quickly and can surprise you even if you don’t expect it.
Even individuals who are not currently sexually active need to practice safe sex to protect themselves.
How to have safe sex
How can you protect yourself from the risks associated with having unprotected sex? We’ve got you covered with our guide to safe sex in every possible way.
1. Know your status
Before you have sex with a new partner, make sure that you’re up-to-date on your sexual health. Having regular STI tests is important to ensure that you’re not infected.
In order to be certain, you must check your STI status before having intercourse with somebody who has had multiple partners.
2. Communicate before anything
It’s important to talk to your new partner before you have sex, whether it’s for the first time or just getting started.
Your partner should be able to hear you open up about your sexual experiences and past, as well as your preference for contraception. Having an honest and open line of communication is very important, and it will allow them to provide feedback.
When talking about your partner’s sexual preferences, it’s important to be clear about what they’re willing to wear and how they would react if a pregnancy were to occur.
You should always know what you’re getting into and what options are available to you when it comes to sex.
3. Going on birth control
Today, birth control is a woman’s badge of honor. It’s a type of contraception that’s designed to help women take care of themselves and their sexual health. Although the pill is the most common type of birth control, the market is expanding.
Women can choose from various types of birth control, such as weekly patches, intrauterine devices, monthly injections, and female condoms.
Regardless of the type of birth control that you’re considering, it’s crucial that you seek the advice of a healthcare professional. They can help you find the best method for your lifestyle.
Even though birth control is often praised, it can come with various side effects. In addition, it can also leave you vulnerable to STDs. Therefore, you should use condoms alongside your preferred method.
4. Always use a condom
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is by wearing a condom. Even if the girl is using the birth control pill, this method should still be used.
Since there has been an awkward “condom on a banana” demonstration, we’ll be providing an abbreviated explanation of how to put on this item. We’ll also be talking about some other factors that people rarely consider when it comes to condom efficiency.
- You must ensure that there is enough space between the tip of the penis and the condom to allow sperm to pool into.
- When pulling out after intercourse, make sure to wrap the base of the condom in order to easily slide it out of the woman’s body. This will prevent any sperm from pooling into her.
- When you inspect the box or package of condoms, make sure to look for the expiration date.
- Condoms can degrade after being exposed to direct sunlight. They must be stored in a dry and cool area to prevent them from breaking. Also, they tend to wear down with friction. Therefore, remove them from your wallet and place them on your nightstand.
In 2011, a study revealed that even with the use of condoms, about two out of every hundred women will get pregnant. Because of this, it’s important to use condoms when your girls is taking the pill.
5. Use lubricant
Not only does lubricant make sex more fun, it can also help protect you from skin damage during intercourse. An open cut can be an invitation to STIs.
When using lubricant with a condom, make sure that you read the instructions carefully to ensure that you’re using the correct type. Some types of lubricant, such as oil-based, can cause the condoms to break.
6. Use barrier methods during oral sex
Even though a girl won’t get pregnant with oral sex, you can still contract an STI. In order to avoid getting sick from this type of sexual activity, you must repeat the same precautions as when having penetrative sex.
Although it may not feel like it, having oral sex should still be accompanied by the use of condoms. Some companies even make condoms that are flavored.
Vaginal oral sex can be performed with dental dams, which can provide both of you with a sense of pleasure and protection.
7. Remember precum
Think that you’re safe from pregnancy if you’ve only performed naked grinding? Unfortunately, sperm cells are resilient.
Although the chances of getting pregnant are slim with the pull-out method or naked grinding, it’s still possible. Even without penetration, your partner can still find ways to get a bun in your oven if you come near her vagina.
8. Practice anal sex safety
Among the health concerns that come with anal sex are tears, infections, cancer, and hemorrhoids. There are also bacteria involved.
One of the most common risks associated with anal sex is the thin skin on the anus. Tears in this area can lead to infections. To minimize this risk, use a lot of lubricant.
Wearing a condom during intercourse will make it easier to clean her anus and your penis. In addition, it can help prevent bacterial infections.
9. Keep your sex toys clean
While you may use the same sex toys with your partner, taking care of them is important to ensure their safety.
Even though it’s unlikely that you’ll get pregnant with sex toys, they can still spread infections if you’re not careful.
You must read the directions on the packaging of your toys to ensure that they are washed properly. Clean them every time you use them, as failing to do so may result in an unpleasant bacterial infection.
10. Be careful of feminine hygiene products
Unless your healthcare provider has advised you, don’t perform vaginal cleaning rituals. These products, which are marketed toward deep cleaning, can have harmful effects.
Disinfecting and chemical irritations are waiting to happen with fragrances and other feminine hygiene products such as wipes, soaps, and sprays. Douching rituals are also dangerous and have detrimental effects on her reproductive health.
The vagina is a body that self-cleans itself. When used with cleaning products, it can remove beneficial bacteria to help prevent infections and illnesses. Doing so can also trigger fertility issues, cancer, and other reproductive problems.
Unprotected sex risks
The reason why so many people engage in unprotected sex is not just one reason. It could also be due to various factors such as missing a deadline for birth control or experiencing a condom malfunction.
In case you refuse to heed the warnings of your parents, teachers, or even your doctor about the risks associated with sex, now is the time to act. Here are the top reasons why you must take the necessary precautions when engaging in sex.
1. Unplanned pregnancy
Unplanned pregnancy is regarded as the most common risk of having sex without being equipped with birth control. This means that even if the girl is using another method of contraception, she may still end up getting pregnant.
2. Sexually transmitted infection *STI*
A sexually transmitted infection is a condition that can be passed from one partner to another. It can lead to long-term health issues such as infertility if it is not treated properly.
Some of the most common sexually transmitted infections include syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Some individuals do not display any symptoms of an STI for years. This means that it is important for one to have regular health screenings and take the necessary precautions.
3. Urinary tract infection *UTI*
When a bacterial growth site is found in the urinary tract, it is referred to as a urinary tract infection. This usually occurs during sex, especially for women.
This condition is often associated with sex. But, there are ways that you can reduce your risk of acquiring it.
One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of this infection is to practice safe sex. This can include keeping certain sexual toys clean and using a safe lubricant.
Although a urinary tract infection is not a sexually transmitted condition, it can still be dangerous. An untreated one can cause irritation and bladder and kidney issues.
4. Human immunodeficiency virus infection *HIV*
The HIV virus attacks the body’s ability to fight infection and disease. Currently, there is no known cure for this condition, though it can be treated with proper medical care. If it is not treated correctly, it can lead to AIDS.
In order to prevent the spread of HIV, it is important that one’s partner knows their sexual history. Having regular sexual health tests is also very important. Since the symptoms of HIV can hide their true nature, it is only possible to know for sure if they are infected through testing.
5. Infertility
STIs and STDs are serious matters to keep in mind when having sex, as they can lead to infertility if left untreated.
What to do after you’ve had unprotected sex
There are a few precautionary steps that you can take in case you have been sexually active without being aware of the risk.
1. Urinate after sex
Urinating after sex is important to prevent the spread of bacteria in your urethra. This can occur due to the presence of harmful organisms in your body. After you have used the bathroom, your urine can flush away any harmful bacteria.
2. Consider emergency contraceptives
If you have had sex without using a condom, then you should consider using an emergency contraceptive. However, we do not endorse this method, especially if you did not pull out.
Some emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B and Ella, can be used within five days after having sex. This method can help prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Before you start using emergency contraception, make sure that you thoroughly research your options and monitor the expiration date. You should also consult with your healthcare provider about the best contraceptive for you.
3. Take a pregnancy test
Getting pregnant can be frightening, so why rush to get a pregnancy test when you know that it will only give you a false result?
A pregnancy test can be performed around three weeks after you have had sex or your girl has missed a period. This allows her body time to develop the necessary hormones for a positive result.
These pregnancy tests are relatively cheap and can be procured from stores or you may speak with your doctor about it.
4. Get tested for STIs
In this section, we have emphasized the importance of getting tested for sexually transmitted infections before and after having sex.
If you are worried that you have been infected with an STI, you should seek a medical assistance near you. Your doctor will then explain the various types of tests that are available and provide you with an estimate of their accuracy based on your sexual activity.
5. Prepare for next time
Despite the majority of people intending to have sex safely, we realize that it may be quickly forgotten at the moment.
After having a list of sex-related habits, make sure to take advantage of those once again.
Signs that something is “off”
We’ve talked about how the symptoms of illnesses caused by unprotected sex may go unnoticed but, there are symptoms that can be very apparent.
It’s important to keep track of your body and take note of any changes that feel off. Seek medical assistance immediately if these symptoms persist.
Some of the signs that can be triggered by unprotected sex include:
1. Any burning/itching/bleeding when urinating
One of the most important signs that something is not right after having sex is this. If this happens, it’s important that you seek medical assistance immediately. It could be a sign that you have an STI or a UTI.
2. A missed period
One of the first signs that you may notice when it comes to being pregnant is if a girl has a missed period. Since this can be the first indication, it’s important that she takes a pregnancy test at home.
3. Genital rashes
If you experience a rash in your genital area after having sex, then it’s important to get it checked out. Although it may be a reaction to certain stimuli, it is still important to be tested for sexually transmitted infections.
4. Pressure/cramping/pain in the lower region
If you are experiencing pain in your genitals, then make an appointment with the doctor. It’s important to examine what’s causing the discomfort before it becomes too late.
5. Your partner confesses they have something contagious
After a while, if you hear that your partner has an STI or an STD, get tested immediately.
Even if you do not show any symptoms, it is still important to get tested. Some STIs and STDs do not usually cause symptoms in everyone.
When is it okay to have unprotected sex?
It is important to remember that having sex without a condom is unsafe. However, you don’t have to use this method forever. There are times when it’s perfectly safe to have sex without a condom.
1. You’re monogamous
If you and your partner only have sex with each other, then your risks are lowered when having unprotected sex. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re completely safe from pregnancy.
2. You’ve both been tested for STDs
After both of you have been tested, and you’ve confirmed that you’re monogamous, having sex is safe.
3. You’re trying to conceive
If you’re trying to get pregnant, then having sex without a condom is necessary. You can’t get pregnant easily with the use of a condom.
4. You accept the risks and live with the consequences
If you believe that you can handle the consequences of not using a condom, then have sex. However, it’s important to remember that there are still risks that are life-changing.
Learning how to have safe sex requires more than just wearing a condom. This is why it’s important to learn about the various precautions that you should take in every aspect of your sexual encounters.