All forms of sexual contact carry risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs).
Medically reviewed by Mary Rani Cadiz, MD · Obstetrics and Gynecology
All forms of sexual contact carry risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs).
Safe sex (sometimes called ‘safer’ sex) is about protecting oneself and partners from STIs. Safe sex allows one to stay healthy and in some cases, it can make the sexual experience better.
Sexual activity with one partner is generally believed to be safe, especially when neither party has an STI. But there are a number of medical experts and professionals that believe that ‘safe sex’ does not exist.
They believe that not having sex altogether is the only way to prevent contracting infection. Here are the best tips for safe sex.
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Do not jump into sexual relations with a new partner before talking about past partners, history of STIs and/or drug use.
The key factors in safe sex are consent and communication. It is important to remember that consent is ongoing, mutual, and free from coercion. Consent can only be obtained through communication.
Condoms are largely believed to protect against STIs. It is important to note that while condoms are preventive for certain diseases like genital warts, syphilis, or HIV, they are not 100% protective.
Vaccines are effective in preventing diseases such as hepatitis B and HPV.
HPV vaccination is encouraged for children as young as 9 years up to 26 years old. Adults aged 27 to 45 who have not gotten vaccinated before may choose to get it after speaking to their physician regarding their risk for HPV infections.
Vaccination for hepatitis B is also recommended if it had not been done before.
For those who opt not to engage in vaginal, oral or anal sex, there are a few risk-free ways to gain sexual pleasure and intimacy with a partner.
One is masturbating. Self-pleasure as it is otherwise called, is touted as a healthy way to experience sexual stimulation and achieve stress and tension relief.
There is also “dry humping’, also known as grinding, with clothes on.
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Some low-risk activities include kissing, touching a partner’s genitals with hands and using sex toys with a partner, and oral sex.
However, as it is still possible to contact STDs through these methods, it is important to use condoms and dams in order to avoid skin and body fluid contact.
Penetrative sex, or sexual intercourse, is the insertion of a body part or toy inside a person’s front hole, vagina, or anus.
The following are some best tips for safe sex:
Another method of self-pleasure is by using toys, like vibrators and anal beads. They help stimulate body parts internally and externally.
The following are best tips for safe sex using toys.
Unprotected sex is highly risky. It is easy to get STDs or STIs this way. Among the best tips for safe sex when engaging in vaginal or anal sex is to use a condom each time.
Lubricant is also a good option for both vaginal and anal sex. Oral sex has a very small possibility of transmitting HIV, but it can pass on a variety of other STIs such as herpes, syphilis, hepatitis B, gonorrhea and HPV.
Some healthcare professionals still vote for abstinence as the foolproof way to avoid STIs, while vaccinations for various viruses and infections are also available.
Learn more about sexual wellness, here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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