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What is safe sex?
The only 100% effective method is abstinence. Since many STIs can be
transmitted not only through sexual intercourse but also through exchange
of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact, even the most careful individuals
can be susceptible to infections.
What is safer sex?
Safer sex, on the other hand, is sex that involves a greatly reduced
risk of STI and HIV transmission. Using a condom or dental dam during
oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse is one step towards practicing safer
sex. In addition to using condoms and dental dams, safer sex requires
being aware of the potential risks and making smart decisions.
What is unsafe sex?
Unsafe sex is sex, which involves a significant risk of STI and/or HIV
transmission. Any contact with the blood, semen, or vaginal secretions
of one's partner is unsafe sex.
Why should I practice safer sex?
Safer sex has many advantages over unsafe sex. Above all, there is a
lower risk of disease transmission. This produces greater peace of mind
for each partner, which may translate into a better sexual experience
for all partners involved.
Since many STIs, including HIV, do not produce any immediate symptoms
in those who have them, a partner can be a carrier for months or even
years and never know it. For example, chlamydia
is asymptomatic in 75 percent of women and 25 percent of men who have
the disease. It is possible that you may have an STI even if your symptoms
seemed to have disappeared. You may still be capable of transmitting
an infection to other sexual partners. If you think you may be at risk
for an STI, seeking medical treatment is very important!
Safer sex can also help intercourse last longer and provides a range
of new sensations which many people find pleasurable. Safer sex reduces
the risk of conception during heterosexual sex. Safer sex also demonstrates
respect and courtesy for one's partner by putting her/him at less risk
for disease transmission.
STIs know no race, religion, nationality, age, or sexual preference.
Individuals can contract an STI during their first sexual contact. STIs
can be transmitted during unsafe vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and
other sex play.
How can I protect my partners and myself?
The key to safer sex is to prevent any exchange of bodily fluids. When
used consistently and correctly, barrier methods such as condoms and
dental dams are highly effective against the transmission of STIs. For
vaginal intercourse, latex condoms are 95% effective in pregnancy prevention,
and when used in conjunction with spermicidal foam, the effectiveness
rises to nearly 100%.
Although unprotected oral sex is safer than unprotected vaginal or anal
sex, STIs and HIV can still be transmitted during unprotected oral sex.
STIs and HIV can be transmitted to either partner during oral sex. This
includes fellatio (mouth to penis), cunnilingus (mouth to vagina), and
annilingus (mouth to anus). SSIS recommends using an unlubricated
condom for fellatio (oral to penis). SSIS recommends using a dental
dam for cunnilingus (oral to vagina) and annilingus (oral to anus).
Certain STIs, including HIV and Hepatitis B, can be transmitted through
contact with infected blood. If you use hypodermic needles, make sure
that the needle is sterile and that you are the only person who has
used it and will ever use it. When using a needle, a small amount of
blood enters and remains in the needle. That blood could enter someone
else's blood stream if the needle is reused and not sterilized before
use. Among intravenous drug users, HIV is most often transmitted through
the sharing of infected needles. Needle exchange programs reduce the
risk of HIV transmission.
Think of ways to make safer sex part of your bedroom routine. Keep an
open line of communication with your partner about safer sex. Explore
new ways to make safer sex fun by experimenting with different types
of condoms, dental dams, and lubricants. Try different flavored lubricants
for oral sex. By developing a positive attitude towards safer sex you
will be able to feel more at ease about the pressures and risks of sex.
Sources:
"Hot Sex, Safely," http://www.sexuality.org/safersex.html
3/10/99.
"Position Statement: Needle Exchange and HIV," http://www.ana.org/readroom/position/blood/blnedl.htm,
3/10/99.
"Safer Sex," http://sexhealth.org,
11/4/01.
"Safer Sex Menu," http://www.hivpositive.com/f-HIVyou/4-SaferSex/4-SafeSexMenu.html,
3/10/99.
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