What is safe sex?
Sex with just one partner, where that partner is also only sexually active with you and neither person has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is generally considered safe. Still, many healthcare professionals argue that sex can never be completely safe. In their view, the only truly risk-free option is avoiding sex altogether, since every type of sexual contact involves some level of danger.
For instance, kissing is often seen as harmless, yet herpes and certain other illnesses can be passed this way.
Many people assume condoms offer full STI protection. In reality, condoms do help prevent some infections, including herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, but they do not always completely guard against others, such as genital warts, syphilis, or HIV.
Guidelines for safer sex
To lower contact with disease-causing germs, keep sexual activity limited to a single partner who is also exclusive to you. Observe these guidelines, which may help make sex safer:
- Carefully consider a new sexual relationship before starting. Talk first about previous partners, any STI history, and drug use.
- Use a condom every time you have sex. Select a male condom made from latex or polyurethane, not from natural materials. Polyurethane should be used only if you are sensitive to latex. Female condoms are made of polyurethane.
- Although research shows that nonoxynol-9 spermicide can kill HIV in laboratory tests, it has not been proven whether spermicides alone or combined with condoms protect against HIV. Some evidence suggests nonoxynol-9 may raise the risk of HIV transmission. Even so, the CDC advises using latex condoms, with or without spermicides, to help prevent sexual spread of HIV.
- During oral sex, protect your mouth by having your partner use a condom, either male or female.
- Stay away from alcohol and drugs, since they can make you more likely to engage in risky sex.
- After intercourse, women should not douche, because it does not prevent STIs. It may also push infection farther into the reproductive tract and wash away spermicide protection.
- Get routine Pap tests, pelvic exams, and STI screening at regular intervals.
- Pay attention to your partner’s body and watch for sores, blisters, rashes, or discharge.
- Frequently inspect your own body for sores, blisters, rashes, or discharge.
- Think about sexual options other than vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. These methods do not require exchange of body fluids or contact between mucous membranes.
Specializing In:
- Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Amenorrhea
- Abnormal Pap Smear
- Menopause
Find Additional Treatment Centers at:
- Howard County Medical Center
- Sibley Memorial Hospital
- Suburban Hospital
Related
- Hysteroscopy
- Pap Test
- Sonohysterography
- Low Sex Drive — Could It Be a Sign of Depression?