Sexually transmitted diseases are the order of the day and many of them do not usually show symptoms, as is the case with chlamydia or trichomoniasis, or do not present signs in their initial stage, as occurs with HIV. Although no contraceptive method is 100% effective against STDs, protecting ourselves in every sexual encounter is the only option to have safer sex while enjoying a sexually active life.
But do you know how to experiment in each encounter without sacrificing your protection? Keep reading, because in this article we explain how to have safer sex and who are your allies to achieve it.
Use the condom
Let’s start with the basics. Condoms are an incredibly effective way to protect yourself and your partner during sex, not only as an alternative to contraception, but also against STDs. In fact, the condom is the only contraceptive method that could prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
There are many varieties on the market to help you enjoy safer sex, with different types of condoms, different sizes, flavors, and effects so you never get bored of experimenting safely. In addition, in our article how to put on a condom, we explain the proper way to do it to guarantee your safety.
And if what you are looking for is to guarantee the most pleasant experience possible, then we recommend using a water-based lubricant along with the condom. Remember that oil-based products like moisturizers, lotions, and petroleum jelly, while safe to use with polyurethane condoms, can damage latex condoms.
Get analysis
You know what the saying goes: “prevention is better than cure”. But if you’ve had unprotected sex and you think you might have been infected with an STD, then there’s nothing better than taking the plunge and getting tested.
A significant number of sexually transmitted diseases are treated or cured, but the first step to detecting that they are there is to examine yourself. You can consult at your health center or with your family doctor, there is nothing to be ashamed of, medical personnel have been trained to help you in this type of situation.
Testing may include a urine sample, blood test, or biopsy depending on the STD you are being tested for. After that, just wait for the results, which usually take 1-2 weeks.
Wear a dental dam during oral sex
Safe sex should not only be taken into account when penetration occurs. Infections can also be transmitted through the mouth through the exchange of fluids during oral sex, and one way to avoid this is by using dental dams or dams.
Dental guards are latex or polyurethane sheets that are placed in the mouth, vagina, or anus and act as a barrier to stop infection for those who perform and receive oral sex. It is important to follow the instructions when using a dental dam so as not to reduce the effectiveness of the products.
Never use the same protector twice and treat them with care since, like condoms, they can break if a lot of pressure is applied to them.
Use lubricants
These products can supplement the body’s natural levels of lubrication and reduce the chances of small tears in the condom or skin due to friction.
Durex has over 80 years of experience in the industry, so you can trust that all of our lubricants and condoms are manufactured to the highest standards using high-quality raw materials.
It is very important to use the correct type of lubricant, as soaps, foods, and moisturizing products are not formulated for use in the vagina or anus and could lead to yeast infections or other unpleasant infections. Also, if you use a product that is not specially designed to lubricate it could affect the performance of your contraceptive method, for example, Vaseline can degrade a condom and make it less effective in protecting you against unwanted pregnancy or STDs.
Enjoy the sex games!
Sex should not be limited to intercourse. In fact, you can get pleasure from just touching each other.
Using your hands to pleasure your partner is a safe and sensual way to climax for both men and women. To unleash a good night of passion, add an erotic touch with a non-sexual massage with the intimate massage gel.
This option is ideal for those who don’t want to commit or aren’t ready to have sex yet.
It is still a challenge to reduce the number of people who contract sexually transmitted diseases, but understanding how to have safer sex and what alternatives are available to us is the first step to avoid contagion.
In a moment of passion it is easy to forget to protect yourself, but if you follow these simple recommendations you can avoid unwanted surprises.
