Practising Safe Sex
© Jan Andersen
When I was a teenager many years ago, my interpretation of "safe sex" was not getting pregnant. These days, most people realise that there are a lot more serious consequences to consider if you take the risk of having unprotected sex including:
· HIV and AIDS
· Venereal Diseases, such as gonorrhoea and syphilis
· Sexually Transmitted Infections e.g. Herpes, Genital Warts (which have been linked to cervical cancer), Chlamydia (linked to infertility), Trichomonas Vaginalis, Non-specific Urethritis (affecting men), Pubic Lice and Scabies
Over one million people worldwide are infected with sexually transmitted infections every day of the year, a number that is growing rapidly. Frightening isn't it? Obviously the message still isn't getting through to some people.
If you have sex with anyone who is not a long-term partner whom you are sure is faithful, then you run the risk of contamination.
Obviously vaginal and anal sex without the use of a condom carries the greatest risk, but all forms of sexual activity carry some risk and are not just confined to unprotected intercourse.
During foreplay, oral sex, use of sex toys or masturbation with a partner, it is important to remember that any cuts or sores on either partner's hands should be covered. If either partner has a cold sore around his or her mouth, then oral sex should never be performed since this can cause genital herpes. The same applies to anyone who has HIV, since saliva contains the virus and can transmit this to the genitals. Needless to say, if a sexual partner has a sexually transmitted disease, then this can be passed on during foreplay if there is hand contact with the genital area, or a sex toy is used on both partners.
Sex should be fun and spontaneous, but not to the extent of putting your health at risk. A few minutes of taking precautionary measures could prevent days and months of misery. If you're old enough to be having sex, then you are old enough to take responsibility for your own health and those with whom you are having sexual contact.
