Safer sex precautions are important for everyone who is unsure of their own or their partner’s sexual health and history, or changes partners frequently. The exchange of bodily fluids, however pleasant, has always been viewed as risky. We know that the ancient Egyptians and Romans used condoms, and in the 17th century King Charles II’s physician manufactured one for him from fish bladders and lambskin to protect him from syphilis. Barrier methods such as condoms, dams and latex gloves are still the most straightforward and effective way of preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and having safer sex.
It is essential to remember that spread of STI’s does not only occur with ejaculation. It can occur via pre-seminal fluid, blood, discharge from sores or genital contact. Even kissing carries a small risk in the transmission of infections such as mononucleosis, oral thrush, cold sores and hepatitis B – especially if oral hygiene is poor. Sharing sex toys is also risky behaviour as bodily fluids or bacteria can be concealed in porous materials or cracks. It’s best not to share your sex toys but if you do, ensure they are clean or cover them with a condom.
Preventative Guidelines
- Be informed about the different levels of risk of sexual activities. For example, oral sex has been shown to be safer than anal sex, but not if you or your partner has HIV or another untreated STI such as herpes.
- Be confident enough to bring up the subject of safe sex with a new lover. The awkwardness of negotiating protection may only take a few minutes, but it can save you a lifetime of dealing with the consequences of some diseases.
- Wear lubricant and condoms for all penetrative vaginal and anal sex and put a fresh condom over sex toys every time you share them with your partner.
- Check yourself regularly for any unusual symptoms – itching, rashes, lumps, warts, discharge, abdominal discomfort, and bleeding or pain during sex. Go for a check-up immediately as most infections can be treated by antibiotics.
- Good personal hygiene will help to keep you safe as well. For example, don’t put anything that has been in the anus into the vagina without cleaning it first to prevent transmission of bacteria.
- Never kiss a partner who has oral thrush, cold sores or mononucleosis.
- When your newly found love has become a long-standing and committed relationship, the way forward is for both of you to get tested before having unprotected sex as some STI’s can lie dormant for years. The challenge and responsibility if you want to keep having unprotected sex is to remain faithful to each other.
Remember that STI’s don’t discriminate – whatever your age, sex, or sexual experience, you could be at risk. Worldwide, STI’s are at an all-time high. This is no time to be careless.
Dr. Mia Rose
Most commonly, people having red and sensitive skin that acquires blisters or sores are more often than not experiencing herpes. This is because this is the most common symptom out of all the many signs of herpes. Usually, these blisters and sores develop in the area surrounding the genitalia. Although for women, sometimes these blisters and sores grow inside the vagina. There are other signs of herpes that many people are also experiencing and these are the following: swollen glands in the groin, fever, aching muscles and head, and even lower back pain. Women are really affected when they are experiencing the signs of herpes because they have a hard time urinating and they experience vaginal pain with discharge.