Safe sex is the term used to describe methods for reducing the risk of catching or spreading sexually transmitted infections (also known as STDs, or STIs). A sexually transmitted infection can easily be passed between humans through sexual behaviour, such as vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. Some STIs can be transmitted through the use of sharing needles, and even through childbirth or breast-feeding. This is why it’s incredibly important to be safe when you’re having sex and to look after your sexual health, in order to avoid any long-term problems or diseases.
The first and best line of defence is to use a condom whenever you have sex. Condoms are used around the world and are used to trap the sperm when a man climaxes and ejaculates. Wearing a condom significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy, and they also provide some protection against sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV and chlamydia. However, some STIs are transmitted from genital contact, so condoms do not always prevent STIs. It’s important to wear the condom throughout the whole sexual act and not just at the end of it, as you can still get pregnant or catch a sexually transmitted disease from your partner even before they ejaculate (come), as pre-sperm is often released which can also fertilise the egg.
There are many different kinds of protection that will prevent pregnancies and STIs. There are two types of condoms: male and female. The male condom is still generally used more than the female ones, however they are both very common. The male condom can be given many names, such as a ‘sheath’, a ‘rubber’ or a ‘johnny’. They can come in various sizes, flavours, and texture and they are also available in latex and non-latex forms. Non-latex condoms have less of a smell, and are generally used by those who are allergic to latex. Some brands of condom contain spermicides, which prevent the sperm from being successful in fertilising an egg; however these chemicals can occasionally cause allergies. The male condom is around 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, as there is a chance that the condom may split and if not used correctly the condom can come off or break. Pregnancy may occur when using a condom if you don’t put it on before you begin intercourse, if the condom splits, or if you use an oil-based lubricant (such as Vaseline, body oils) that can make holes in the latex condom. Be really gentle when putting the condom on, and remember that long nails or rings can easily break the condom so be super careful. Never ever try to reuse a condom either.
Another very common form of contraceptive is the pill, which the girl will take once a day in order to prevent pregnancy. The pill contains artificial hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which women produce naturally in their ovaries. The contraceptive pill prevents the man’s sperm reaching the woman’s eggs by keeping the egg and sperm apart, or stopping egg production whilst you’re taking the pill. The pill will not completely stop your egg production – when you stop taking the pill, your egg production should return back to normal – so it won’t have any permanent effects. The hormones in the pill can prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg, and they also make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. The pill can also be used to treat painful or heavy periods, and is generally 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken properly. Usually, you take the pill for 21 days (3 weeks) then have a break for 7 days where you will usually experience a period-type bleed. You then start taking the pill again after 7 days. There are many types of contraceptive pills available so consult your doctor about which will be suitable for you. There are other contraceptive methods available such as the implant or the injection, which means that you don’t have to remember your pill every day. Don’t worry if you don’t agree with your contraception straight away or you find it strange taking the pill – this is completely normal and sometimes you may have to try different types of birth control to find one that your body agrees with. Remember that you need to take the pill every day at around the same time for it to be fully effective – if you forget to take your pill, it will become ineffective and you should use alternative protection (such as a condom) for 7 days.
The most important thing to remember is to be sensible. There is no shame in asking your partner to use a condom, and if they refuse to you should never feel obliged to have sex with them. It’s so easy to get pregnant and catch nasty STIs from unprotected sex, so always be safe and put your own health first. There is no embarrassment in getting checked at your STI clinic if you are sexually active, as this is very important especially if you have had multiple previous partners or if your partner has had previous sexual partners as well.