Practicing Safe Sex: Avoiding Sexually Transmitted Infections
From a young age, youth are taught to fear sexually transmitted infections (often shortened to ‘STIs’), which can be used as a scare tactic to make them fearful of sex altogether. This isn’t the sex-positive education that folx need. The fact is, people are going to have sex because it’s natural, it’s fun, and it feels good. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have or having consensual sex!
While it’s easy to preach the importance of safe sex to people, this is impossible without also teaching about the different types of STIs, STI prevention methods (including learning how to use protection properly), and how to approach the steps of managing a sexually transmitted infection, if one has been contracted.
Today, we’re having an open conversation about sexually transmitted infections in all aspects. It’s essential to read regardless of the sexual dynamic you’re currently in.
Educate yourself on different types of STIs
While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, some of the most common sexually transmitted infections include the following:
Chlamydia: A common STI, Chlamydia is transmitted via bacterium from semen and vaginal secretions and can be spread through unprotected penetrative and oral sex. Pregnant people can also pass it along to their babies during vaginal delivery.
Genital warts: Caused by viruses (largely the Human Papillomavirus — or HPV — cluster), genital warts spread easily through skin-to-skin contact and cannot be entirely prevented by condoms.
Gonorrhea: Transmitted via bacterium within both semen and vaginal secretions, gonorrhea can spread through unprotected penetrative and oral sex.
Herpes: There are two common types of Herpes — simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Both live in the nerves and are spread through skin-to-skin contact whether sores are showing or not (though more frequently when the sores are visible).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The virus can lead to AIDS, HIV can be spread through bodily fluids (like blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and even breast milk) and unprotected penetrative and oral sex.
Understand that STIs don’t just come from penetrative sex
As noted above, penetrative sex (including anal sex) — though a common way to spread STIs — is not the only transmission method. This includes sharing sex toys; thus, cleaning and caring for your sex toys becomes very important!
Sexually transmitted infections can be passed along through skin-on-skin contacts like kissing, unprotected oral sex (like blowjobs and cunnilingus), and touching the genitals. Sharing needles and syringes is another way to spread contaminated body fluids. It’s critical to use sterile equipment for drug use, if you take drugs that require injections or skin piercing.
Ask your partner(s) to get tested before having sex
It’s important to test regularly for your sexual well-being. This is true whether you’re thinking about sleeping with someone new or have been with the same partner for years. Some STIs are asymptomatic for long periods, meaning that they can sometimes go unnoticed for years. Annual tests are a great way to stay on top of your sexual health and prevent spreading infections to your sexual partner(s).
If you’re exhibiting symptoms before your annual check-up, get tested early. With close monitoring, your doctor’s guidance, and the use of proper protection, it’s still possible to have sex when you have a sexually transmitted infection that stays with you for life.
Learn how to use protection properly
Because methods like condoms and dental dams can help prevent the spread of STIs through bodily secretions, it’s vital to learn how to use protection correctly. Latex internal or external condoms (or plastic, if you are sensitive to latex) are best to use, with a water-based lubricant, if necessary. Dental dams are ideal for performing oral sex on people with vaginas. Never used oil-based products like Vaseline or certain body lotions, as they break down latex.
Avoid lubes and condoms containing Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a spermicidal chemical compound that can damage the vagina or anus, increasing the likelihood of someone becoming infected with HIV. Whenever possible, getting vaccinated against STIs like HPV and Hepatitis are also ideal preventative measures to take.
For reference, here are instructions to put a condom on a penis, use an internal condom for vaginas, and to insert a dental dam.
There’s nothing wrong with either wanting to have, or having, consensual sex with one or more partners during your lifetime. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, an open relationship, a friends with benefits situation, having a one-night stand — whatever it may be — make yourself aware of the various STI prevention methods and be sure to practise safe sex whenever possible.
What are your go-to STI prevention methods? Are you aware of the different types of STIs and know how to practise safe sex? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
