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Guidelines for safer sex:
What is "safe" sex?
Sex in a monogamous relationship where neither party is infected
with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is believed to be
"safe". However, many healthcare professionals believe
there really is no such thing as "safe" sex. They
believe the only way to be truly safe is to abstain because
all forms of sexual contact carry some risk.
For example, kissing is thought to be a safe activity, but
herpes, and other diseases can be contracted this way.
Condoms are commonly thought to protect against STDs. However,
while it is true that condoms are useful in preventing certain
diseases, such as herpes and gonorrhea, they may not fully
protect against other diseases such as genital warts, syphilis,
or AIDS.
Guidelines for safer sex:
Limit your sexual activity to only one partner
who is having sex only with you to reduce exposure
to disease-causing organisms, and follow these guidelines,
which may provide for safer sex:
- Think twice before beginning sexual relations with a new partner. First discuss past partners, history of STDs, and drug use.
a male condom made of latex or polyurethane not natural materials.
a female condom made of polyurethane particularly if your partner will not use a male condom.
- In addition to a condom, always use a spermicide to provide additional protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- For oral sex, help protect your mouth by having your partner use a condom (male or female).
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- Women should not douche after intercourse it does not protect against STDs, could spread an infection farther into the reproductive tract, and can wash away spermicidal protection.
- Have annual Pap tests, pelvic examinations, and periodic tests for STDs.
- Be aware of your partner's body look for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.
- Check your body frequently for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.
- Consider sexual activities other than vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse techniques that do not involve the exchange of body fluids or contact between mucous membranes, such as those in the vagina, anus, and mouth.
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