What is safe sex?
According to some health care providers, they are of the opinion that the only safe sex is simply no sex. The only natural form of “safe” sex could be abstinence. There are some risks associated with all forms of sexual activities that involve contact. By following some precautions and safe behaviors, your chance of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be reduced. As a parent, you can educate your child about safe sex before he or she grows to become sexually active.
Having a discussion with your teen about safe sex
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it was recommended that parents talk to their children about their bodies and their sex at an age-appropriate level; this takes place when they ask their parents where babies come from. Although many teenagers say they know everything about sex, studies have shown that many are not fully aware of sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Parents remain the best source of accurate information for a teenager. However, many parents do not know how to start talking about safe sex with their teenagers. Here are some tips for discussing safe sex with your teenager:
- Speak calmly and be sincere about safe sex.
- engage in safe sex discussion with other adults before talking about it with your teen.
- pay attention to your teenager and provide answers to all questions.
- Relevant topics for a safe sex discussion can include STI and prevention, peer pressure to have sex, birth control, different forms of sexuality, and date rape.
Aside from parents, there are some other groups of people who can help talk to your teenager about sex and can include your health care provider, family member, or religious adviser. Books on this topic can also help in addressing unfavorable issues.
Some misconceptions about “safe sex”
- Kissing is considered a safe activity, but herpes and other diseases can be transmitted in this way.
- The condom is generally meant to protect against STIs. It is true that, if properly and consistently used, condoms help prevent certain diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. But they cannot completely protect against other diseases, such as genital warts, herpes, and syphilis.
Guidelines for safer sex
Reduce your sexual activity meaning you should be faithful to one partner who is only having sex with you. This helps to reduce the risk of being exposed to an organism that causes diseases. Follow the guidelines listed below for safe sex:
- Think twice before having sex with a new partner. First, talk about past partners, STI history and drug use.
- CDC recommends that latex condoms, with or without spermicides, are used to prevent the transmission of STIs. This includes sexually transmitted HIV. The male condom must be made of latex or polyurethane – without natural materials. Polyurethane should only be used if you are allergic to latex. The female condom is made of polyurethane.
- For oral sex, protect your mouth by asking your partner to use a condom (male or female).
- Women should not douche after sex. Do not protect against STIs. In addition, it can spread the infection further into the reproductive tract and remove the spermicidal protection.
- Consult your doctor for Pap tests (if you are over 21 years of age), pelvic examinations and periodic STI tests.
- Be aware of your partner’s body. Look for signs of inflammation, blister, rash or discharge.
- Often check your body for signs of infection, bubble, rash or discharge
- Consider sexual activity other than vaginal, oral or anal sex. These are techniques that do not involve the exchange of bodily fluids or contact between the mucous membranes.