By Adesuwa Ewoigbokhan

Sexual health is an important part of our overall well-being. Practising safer sex means preventing sexually transmitted infections, STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and promoting a healthy relationship between partners.

In other words, safe sex simply means having sex with just one partner who only has sex with you to reduce exposure to STD: is believed to be safe when neither of you has sexually transmitted infections.

Although many healthcare practitioners believe there’s really no such thing as safe sex, they feel the only way to be truly safe is not to have sex because all forms of sexual contact carry some kind of risk.

For instance, kissing is said to be a safe activity but herpes and other diseases can be spread this way.

Condom is commonly thought to protect against STIs. While it’s true in preventing certain diseases like herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea, it may not fully protect against other diseases such as genital warts, syphilis or HIV.

Here are a few lower-risk, non-penetrative activities to experience sexual pleasure and intimacy with another person: masturbating, dry humping/grinding with clothes on, oral sex, using sex toys, kissing, and touching your partner’s genitals with your hands — as long as you do not get any sexual fluids on or in your mouth or genitals, since it is possible to get an STD from these.

So, no matter the kind of sex you have, use condoms or dams to make sex safer.
Following the guidelines below may help to provide for safer sex:

★Think twice before starting a sexual relationship with a new partner.
★Talk open with your lovebird about your sexual health/history.
★Limit the number of sexual partners.
★Use condoms every time you engage in sex.
★Never share sex toys without proper cleaning.
★Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs as this can impair judgement and increases the chance that you will participate in a high risk sex
★Have a regular pap-tests, pelvic exams end periodic test for STIs.
★Be aware of your partner’s body: look for signs of a sore, blister, rash or discharge.
★Consider other sexual activities other than vaginal, or oral sex that do not involve the exchange of bodily fluids.
★Wash your hands and genitals with water before sex and after sex.
★Practising safer sex is essential for maintaining physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Finally, know your status. Communication is always key!