♦Avoid sexually transmitted infections ♦Consult your doctor ♦Prevent unwanted pregnancies ♦Choose responsible behaviors
For most people, sex is an important part of life. Whether you are considering sex for the first time or you are already experienced, it is exciting and a little nervous. Safe sex makes it easier to enjoy sex with a new partner and protect your body and health. Learn to stay safe from sexually transmitted infections or diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and other risky sexual behaviors, while also paying attention to your physical and mental health.
Any sexual activity (including vaginal, anal, and oral contact) should use external/male condoms, such as latex condoms, which are easy to use, effective, and cheap, and are provided free of charge by family planning agencies.
Proper use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, with a reliability of 99%.
People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases; natural or lambskin condoms can prevent pregnancy, but they are not effective in preventing certain infections and have low reliability.
To properly put the condom on the erect penis, both parties can do it together to increase intimacy.
It is the responsibility of both parties to ensure the safety of sexual life. Those who have sex should always have condoms and check the validity period regularly.
When used correctly, condoms generally will not break. If they break or tear, both parties need to test within 10 days.
Internal/female condoms are used for vaginal insertion and can effectively prevent most sexually transmitted infections and reduce the chance of pregnancy. Although the failure rate is higher than hormonal contraception, it is more effective when used in combination with other measures.
Do not use internal and external condoms at the same time to avoid friction that causes them to break and become ineffective.
Read the packaging instructions carefully and insert the inner condom correctly, similar to inserting a tampon. The penis or dildo should be inside the inner condom during intercourse.
If used properly, the inner condom is not easy to break; if it is torn, be sure to see a doctor for examination within 10 days.
Gags are latex sheets or condoms cut into squares. Proper use can reduce the risk of genital fluids entering the mouth, prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and can be used on the vulva or anus during oral sex.
When using, make sure the latex is not damaged. If necessary, rinse off the corn starch to prevent vaginal infection. Cover the genitals or anus during oral sex.
Never switch between the vagina and anus without replacing the dental dam. Discard it after use.
Friction during sexual intercourse brings pleasure, but it increases the risk of infection and may cause the condom or gag to break.
To prevent excessive friction, you can use a lubricant.
When using a lubricant, you need to check the packaging ingredients. Latex condoms cannot use oily lubricants because they will damage the latex. You can choose water-based or silicone-based lubricants. You can also use lubricants to make the dental dam softer and less likely to tear.
You and your partner can have risk-free sex and be creative in exploring new ways to excite each other, such as using words and fantasies to arouse each other.
Some risk-free sexual behaviors include: phone sex or sexting, mutual masturbation, and watching online pornography.
Anal and vaginal sex are "high-risk" sexual activities. Anal sex is more likely to cause infection because the skin of the anus is thin and can easily be infected and spread diseases; unprotected oral sex is also dangerous because sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be spread between the mouth and genitals.
You can maintain intimacy even if you don't have sex. You can discuss trying new sexual activities with your partner, such as deep kissing, caressing, or trying sex toys such as dildos and vibrators.
When using sex toys, pay attention to cleanliness, wash them after each use, and don't use toys from unknown sources. You can disinfect them in a bowl with a diluted disinfectant solution; rinse thoroughly and make sure they are dry after use, and then store them in a clean, dry, sealed bag. Don't share sex toys with non-regular partners to prevent the spread of infection.
See your doctor regularly or go to a free clinic to get tested for HIV and other STDs.
If you plan to stop using protection, get tested with your monogamous partner. Even if you are in a relationship, it is better to be tested regularly to be safe than to be infected without knowing it.
Ask your partner to actively cooperate with the test. If your partner does not want to come with you, you can have him/her go alone and share the results with you.
Self-education is very helpful in keeping yourself safe, and improving your knowledge is one of the effective ways to protect yourself.
Take the time to learn about different STIs, including how they are infected and the symptoms. Your doctor is a good resource, you can ask him/her for information or check the official website.
For example, chlamydia is common and usually asymptomatic, and can easily infect others without knowing it. Before sleeping with a new partner, you should ask your doctor to test for all sexually transmitted infections; Genital warts are also common infections that are easily transmitted through skin contact. The flesh-colored lumps are shaped like cauliflower. Doctors can help develop the best treatment plan. Many sexually transmitted infections have no obvious symptoms. If you find that your partner's genitals are abnormal, you should wait until he sees a doctor before having sex. At the same time, you should understand your body. If there are any changes in your body, whether visible or not, you should contact a doctor immediately. It is better to be cautious than to regret.
Vaccination is one of the effective ways to prevent certain sexually transmitted infections. There are vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). You can ask your doctor if you are suitable for vaccination.
The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for ages 9 to 26, two doses before age 15 (given within six months to one year), and three doses after age 15 (given within six months). Today, HPV vaccination is no longer limited to cisgender women, anyone can get vaccinated.
The CDC also recommends hepatitis A vaccination for all children, men who have sex with other men, and illegal drug users.
The hepatitis B vaccine is suitable for many groups, such as children under 19 who have not been vaccinated, intravenous drug users, men who have sex with men, and people with HIV or chronic liver disease.
Practicing safe, responsible sex ensures that you do not pass the disease to your partner.
If you have a sexually transmitted infection, get appropriate treatment. If the diagnosis is positive, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options.
For example, if you get gonorrhea, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat it. For gonorrhea or other infections, be sure to take medications exactly as directed, and talk to your doctor if you have questions or are concerned about side effects.
Also tell your partner, such as: "I need you to know that I recently had an STI test. I have gonorrhea. You need to get tested as soon as possible."
If you are in a situation where you are deliberately engaging in high-risk sexual behavior (such as your partner has been diagnosed with HIV), you should consult your doctor before having sex.
Ask your doctor more questions, such as "My partner has HIV. What additional steps can we take to ensure that I remain HIV negative?"
Also keep the communication open and ask questions when you have questions, whether you or your partner has questions.
You can have a healthy and happy sex life with someone who tests positive, as long as making sure safety is a part of your daily life.
Hormonal contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. Common hormonal contraceptives are called "birth control pills" and are taken orally every day. If taken correctly and regularly, they are 99% effective. If you are interested in using them, you can consult a gynecologist or general practitioner to get a prescription.
It is important to take hormonal contraceptives correctly. It works, but only if you take it correctly and consistently. Take the pills at the same time every day, and avoid smoking, which can raise blood pressure and cause health problems.
Pay attention to your body's response to hormones and discuss concerns. Sometimes you need to try different medications to find the right one.
You can set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take the pills, and make sure you take them at the same time every day.
In addition to common oral hormonal contraceptives, there are other reliable hormone therapies with an efficacy of up to 99%.
For example, hormone patches, NuvaRing (vaginal ring) and implants, their effects can last for weeks or even years;
Depo-Provera injections can be injected every few months; intrauterine devices/systems (IUDs or IUS) are also optional contraceptive methods.
Using birth control pills and condoms at the same time can reduce the risk of pregnancy and the possibility of sexually transmitted infections.
Using other contraceptive measures in addition to condoms is the best way to have the safest sex, allowing both parties to enjoy intimate time more at ease.
Diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, and cervical caps are contraceptive methods that are placed on the cervix and are used with spermicidal gel and worn for at least six hours after intercourse.
They are somewhat effective in preventing pregnancy, with an average effectiveness of up to about 90%, but lower than other contraceptive methods.
However, these methods do not prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and are more difficult to obtain than condoms, so they are not recommended, but they are also a useful contraceptive method.
Among them, diaphragms must be installed by a doctor, and sponges can be purchased at most pharmacies. When using them, be sure to strictly follow the instructions.
If you have a vulva and are sexually active, there is a possibility of unplanned pregnancy when having sex with someone with a penis.
Safe sex includes understanding what to do if you have an unplanned pregnancy, thinking ahead and knowing where to get relevant resources.
A counselor at the Planned Parenthood Association can discuss various options with you, including terminating or continuing the pregnancy.
If you are in a stable relationship, you can talk to your partner, such as asking "What should we do if I get pregnant?"
Also, emergency contraceptive pills such as Plan-B, Next Choice and ella can reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex when regular contraceptive pills are not used.
Most of these drugs do not require a prescription, but some have age restrictions and the regulations vary from country to country and state to state.
Monogamy refers to maintaining an exclusive relationship with only one sexual partner at a time, which can reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Make sure the relationship is mutually exclusive, that is, both parties are committed to having sex only with each other.
Every time you start a new sexual relationship, it is important to have a good conversation with your partner before going to bed.
Be honest about your past sexual experience and your willingness to practice safe sex.
If your partner is unwilling to practice safe sex or is unwilling to be open about their sexual history and experiences, then don't have sex with them.
You don't need to mention the specific number of sexual experiences, but you should know whether your partner often engages in risky sexual behaviors. It is best to get tested together before deciding to have sex.
Sexual relations must be consensual. Make sure your partner is able to consent to sex and that each sexual act is consensual.
One consent does not mean consent for all future sexual contacts, and consent to one activity does not mean consent for other activities. Never assume consent.
Avoid drugs and alcohol from being associated with sexual behavior.
It is unsafe to have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When you are drunk or excited, safe sex may be affected and less effective, and you may misunderstand each other's signals and have involuntary sex.
If you want to drink or take drugs at a party, it is safest to go with friends and look out for each other.
Don’t share drinks, don’t accept drinks from strangers, carry drinks with you, don’t leave drinks unattended when going to the bathroom, and cover the mouth of the cup with your hand to prevent others from adding things. Pay attention to these to avoid becoming a victim of "date rape drugs".
Common date rape drugs include flunitrazepam (psychedelic drugs), GHB and ketamine. Symptoms include dizziness, mental confusion, and difficulty with motor skills. If you suspect that you have been drugged, seek medical attention immediately.
No one has the right to force others to have sex, which covers all forms of sexual behavior. .
Common means of pressure include threatening to break up, using drugs or alcohol to influence others, etc.
Whether it is your first time to experience sex or the beginning of a new relationship, it is normal to feel nervous when having sex with a new person. It is a good idea to self-assess at this time, and reflecting on your own feelings can help you determine whether you are ready to take the next step.
Ask yourself a series of questions, such as whether you are ready to talk to your health care provider about sex, whether you are willing to discuss intimacy with your partner, and whether you are willing to express your unwillingness to have sex.
If you can't answer "yes" confidently, it's best to hold off on having sex. Remember that every relationship has its own pace.
