What is Safe Sex?

Posted on February 29th, 2008 by olga

Safe sex indicates taking safeguards throughout sex that can keep you from getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or from giving an STD to your partner. These diseases include genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and others.

A STD is an infectious disease that can be moved to another person during sexual contact or other sexual contact. Numerous the organisms that cause sexually-transmitted diseases live on the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, and the skin of surrounding areas.

The majority of the diseases are moved by direct contact with a sore on the genitals or mouth. Nevertheless, some organisms can be transferred in body fluids with no causing a visible sore through oral, vaginal, or anal contact.

The following aspects raise your risk of getting a sexually-transmitted disease:
-Not knowing whether a partner has an STD or not
-Having a partner with a past history of any STD
-Having sex with no a male or female condom
-Using drugs or alcohol in a condition where sex might take place
-If your partner is an IV drug user
-Having anal contact

Abstinence is a complete answer to preventing STDs. Nevertheless, abstinence is not always a realistic or attractive alternative.

Next to abstinence, the slightest dangerous advance is to have a monogamous sexual relationship with someone that you know is free of any STD. In an ideal world, previous to having sex with a new partner, each of you should get screened for STDs, particularly HIV and hepatitis B, and share the test results with one another.

Make use of condoms to keep away from contact with semen, vaginal fluids, or blood. Both male and female condoms dramatically lessen the possibility you will get or spread an STD. But, condoms must be used correctly. Use latex condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral contact.
Take into account that STDs can still be spread, even if you use a condom, for the reason that a condom does not cover surrounding skin areas. But condoms certainly lessen your risk.

Additional safe-sex steps:
-Know your partner. Previous than having sex, establish a committed relationship that allows open communication.
-Stay clear-headed. Alcohol and drugs weaken your judgment, communication abilities, and ability to properly use condoms or lubricants.
-Be accountable. If you have an STD, like HIV or herpes, advise any prospective sexual partner. Allow him or her to decide what to do.
-If pregnant, take safety measures. If you have an STD, learn about the risk to the infant earlier than becoming pregnant. Ask your provider how to avoid the fetus from becoming infected.

As a matter of fact, safe sex has need of previous planning and good communication between partners.