What is Safer Sex? Protecting yourself and your partner
Safer Sex means protecting yourself and your partner from STI’s, HIV and unplanned pregnancy. It can also mean deciding to abstain from sexual intercourse or finding other forms of sexual expression that do not involve exchange of bodily fluids.
What is the only 100% foolproof method for STI and HIV prevention?
ANSWER: Abstinence
What is abstinence?
- Just say no
- Waiting for the right person, time and place
- Can be for one evening or for years
- Abstinence can mean different things for different people depending on that person’s definition of sex.
So if you choose to be abstinent, that’s great, you are doing the best thing you can do to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and STI’s.
Here are a few things you can do to maintain your decision to abstain from intercourse:
- Discover societal pressures that influence your choices
- Avoid high pressure sexual situations
- Take ownership of your personal rights in sexual relationships
Ground Rules
- Confidentiality
- Respect
- Non-judgmental
- Participation
Risk-Reduction measures
- Avoid using alcohol and other drugs before and during sexual intercourse
- Learn the common STD/STI symptoms and perform monthly genital self exams
- Have regular medical check-ups
- Stay Healthy
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Use a Latex condom or dental dam
- Know yourself, know your body
- Know what you want out of the sexual relationship
Talking about sex is a skill that must be practiced to be effective.
What is the difference between a Barrier and a hormonal method?
Barrier Methods:
Barrier methods are methods of contraception that work by preventing contact with sexual fluids. Using some form of plastic, usually latex or polyurethane, fluids are blocked, thus preventing transmission of STDs as well as pregnancy. The main types of barrier methods are the male condom, the female condom and dental dams.
Hormonal:
There are many methods of hormonal contraception, the most popular of which is the combination birth control pill. Basically it is a method of birth control that changes a woman's hormonal cycle to prevent ovulation.
