Sex is a natural physiological need that should be positive and pleasurable. However, it does not come without risks. So, how can a woman practice safe sex?
Use Protection Every Time
Being a woman doesn’t mean you can’t take control of your sexual health and safety. On the contrary, being prepared, safe, and ready is a healthy and wise move, and just like your partner, you have a responsibility to both of you. Moreover, being proactive and having these items on hand will allow you to go through your plans and enjoy yourself without risking STIs. Additionally, using barrier protection like condoms will prevent you from spreading or contracting sexually transmitted diseases. You can buy a few of both make and female condoms at any pharmacy or retail shop near you.
Abstinence
You are exposed to STIs as long as you have sex, whether vaginal, oral, or anal. Thus, the surest way to be safe and prevent unwanted pregnancy is by abstaining from sex. Abstinence offers 100% foolproof against STIs and unwanted pregnancy. As a woman, you can consciously decide to abstain from sex until you are emotionally and physically prepared to take it to the next level. Have a discussion with your partner as a way to keep yourself accountable and for you to get his support. Furthermore, communicating your thoughts to abstain from sex until you are in a committed, monogamous relationship will open up dialogue channels and help you and your partner be more honest about your sexual health.
Research On Your Birth Control Options
There are many available birth control options on the market. And if you are sexually active, daily pills, monthly injections, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices are all options to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Consult your women’s health clinic in Melbourne for birth control options available for you. Also, discuss your lifestyle changes with your doctor and let them decide if your birth control option is best suited for you. Nonetheless, if your birth control option causes unwanted side effects, ask your doctor to replace them.
Get Tested to Know Status
Get tested for STIs if you are sexually active or have been in the past. Since some of the diseases contracted through sexual encounters do not show symptoms until later, most people with STIs may not be aware they have them. And by the time they find out that they have an infection, they would have spread it unknowingly. Similarly, you may have shared an STI unknowingly. As a result, regular testing is the only way to know about you and your partner’s status. Before engaging in sexual intercourse, ensure that both you and your partner know your status.
Be Monogamous
Your exposure to sexually transmitted diseases is relatively high if you have multiple partners. And although abstaining from sex is the best way to prevent contracting STIs, committing to a one-partner relationship helps prevent STIs. And as long as both of you are faithful in the relationship, you can have tests done to ensure that both of you are disease-free before having intercourse without barrier protection. However, this form of safer sex is only foolproof if both of you are monogamous. Consequently, if either of you is having sexual intercourse outside your relationship, you risk spreading or contracting an STI.
Communicate With Your Partner
For any sexual relationship to work, communication is vital. You should be able to talk about your sexual past, preferences, and decision to practice sex without being insecure. Besides, sexually transmitted diseases should be part of the discussion with your partner. Ensure that you and your partner are on the same page matters sex and any other sexual-related issues that concern you. Having an open conversation should help you build trust over time while having low-risk sexual activities.
Ways Women Can Stay Safe While Having Sex
Safe sex practices are simple things you can do as a woman to minimize intercourse-related risks. These habits can help you protect yourself from STDs, unwanted pregnancy, emotional distress, and other sexual-related concerns.
