Are you practicing safe sex?
No, we don’t mean no sex, but safe sex. Very often, when we talk about doing the deed in a group setting, we exchange stories about sex with our partners on holidays, one night stands, the best sex of our lives. Seldom do we ask our closest girlfriends if they are being safe.
Once you are sexually active, there’s no going cold turkey (not voluntarily at least, in most cases), and practicing safe sex or learning to say no when needed will help reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and protecting yourself from sticky situations.
Here are some things you need to know:
Be aware of your sexual health status
It’s not wrong to want to take a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test if you suspect something is amiss. It’s your responsibility to look after yourself, and to be accountable to your sexual partner(s) too. Most STDs are treatable with antibiotics (and some are not) and it’s better to find out sooner than later.
You can always say no
Most times, our gut is stronger than our mind, especially in confrontational situations. If ever you feel like you need to say no, even to your partner, then please do so.
Use protection
Especially if you are not in a monogamous relationship, using a condom is your best form of protection. The foolhardy decision of not using a condom will not be worth the cooties.
Be monogamous
The lesser sexual partners you have, the much lower chances you will have of contracting an STD.
Stay clean
Remember to wash up and wipe down after the act. If left to fester on sex toys, bacteria can cause vaginal infection the next time you use them.
