Safe sex is what it looks like, plus a 6-step guide

When it comes to safe sex, the first thing that comes to mind is the use of condoms. While it does prevent the risk of disease transmission and unwanted pregnancy, having safe sex isn't just limited to using condoms. There are many other considerations and things you need to prepare, both physically and mentally, to have safe sex. Read on to find out what the true principles of safe sex look like.

What is safe sex?

All forms of sexual contact carry risks, even kissing. Yes. Although often seen as a sexual activity that is not risky, kissing lips can be an intermediary for the spread of disease through the exchange of saliva between you and your partner. For this reason, the principle of safe sex is created.

Safe sex is any form of sexual activity carried out by people who have taken precautions to protect themselves and their partners from the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. Meanwhile, sex is said to be unsafe or risky if you and your partner engage in sexual activity without any precautions, especially not using a condom.

Simply put, the principle of safe sex is a strategy that aims to reduce the risks and harms of any type of sexual activity. The principle of safe sex can also include self-protection from an unplanned pregnancy.

How to keep sex safe?

There are a number of things you need to pay attention to in order to have safe sex. Here are the details:

1. Make sure your partner wants to have sex

Communication is the key to having a healthy and happy sexual relationship. One of them is by giving and getting approval. Many argue that agreement here means "consensual," but this definition is still inaccurate. The reason is that even though you and him are "consensual", it is not certain that you or he wants to be involved in a particular sexual activity at one time or another.

Approval is an agreement agreed upon between all parties in a conscious state to engage in sexual activity, and this should be at every turn. Giving consent for one activity at a time does not guarantee consent to continue to the next level or repeated sexual contact. For example, agreeing to kiss does not automatically mean that he will give your permission to take off his clothes. Equally agreeing to have sex tonight is also not a guarantee for him to want to have sex the next day and so on.

Confirmation is the very first step and is very important if you want to have a good sex experience. If either party isn't in the mood or just doesn't want to have sex, don't force it. Not only will this cause bickering between the two of you, but coercive, threatening, or non-consensual sex can put you in trouble for the law. Remember that "no" is "no". So, there is no other way to break it.

Consent doesn't have to be verbal either. You can withdraw consent at any time at any point of sexual activity if you feel uncomfortable. Also, being under the influence of drugs or intoxicated is not the same as consent.

2. Use condoms

Condoms are a type of protection that you must have whenever you decide to have sex. Condoms are the only effective way to protect you against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies (if this is your concern too).

One good way to confirm this is to ask him directly if he has condom deposits. If not, talk to her about the risks of unprotected sex the two of you could face. As a precautionary measure whether your sex partner has a condom or not, you can buy a new condom first before starting.

The guarantee of safe sex with condoms is also influenced by how you use them. Condoms can guarantee pregnancy prevention by up to 98 percent. However, the wrong way to use a condom can tear the material, so that the risk of pregnancy and disease transmission can still lurk you.

3. Limit sex to only one person at a time

The safest way to have sex is not to have multiple sex partners at one time. If you and your partner are committed to having an exclusive relationship, limit all sexual activity to you and him alone. The more often you have multiple sex partners, let alone engage in a lot of different sex activities with several people in close proximity, the higher your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

This is because one-night love with strangers is closely related to unprotected sex, which has the potential to become a gateway for the spread of a number of infectious diseases. Basically, both of you don't know the details of each other's health conditions. Because never mind your health status, even your full name, address, and occupation may never be a topic of conversation.

If you are determined to decide to only have sex with one partner at this time, even if you are legally married, you also still need to know the history of their past sexual activity. It is also important to check and check your medical history and sexual activity every time you start a relationship with a new person.

4. Keep your sex organs clean after sex

No need to take a shower immediately. Just wash and clean your sex organs first. Cleaning the penis and vagina after intercourse is useful for preventing bacterial or yeast infections.

The reason is, when making love the penis and vagina may be exposed to various types of germs, bacteria, and dirt from various things. For example hands, lubricants, sex toys, and mouths. However, do not use antibacterial soaps or feminine cleansers (douching). The chemicals from these cleansers will actually mess up the pH balance in your intimate area. This further increases the risk of infection or irritation. Just wash your genitals with clean water and replace your underwear with new ones (if any).

In addition, it is also important after sex to go straight to the bathroom and urinate. This is one of the main ways to prevent urinary tract infections in women.

5. Check and check your body

Having sex without a condom increases your risk of contracting venereal diseases. Unfortunately, many types of sexually transmitted diseases don't show any symptoms for years.

Even so, there are early signs that you can signal that there may be something abnormal with your body, namely a bleeding penis or vagina for no reason, pain / burning during urination, pain during sex, a rash and sores on the skin (including in the genital area).

For women, symptoms include discharge that is different from normal (for example, discharge and lumpy, cloudy color, whiter, or pink / bloody; to a sharp or foul fishy smell) and vaginal itching or pain.

Watch for any changes in your body after sex (with or without a condom), and consult a doctor if you find any signs and symptoms that are suspicious.

6. Get a sex test

Get a pap smear if you are over 21 years of age and already sexually active (have had penetrative sex). In addition, you can also do regular venereal disease tests to check your health status.

In essence, the principles of safe sex train you to be wiser in sexual relations. This principle should also be taught by parents to their children as part of sex education from an early age.

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