Top 10 Safe Sex Tips

If you plan to take your relationship to the next level, here are some things you must keep in mind.

Relationships may begin, relationships may end, but one relationship that has endured over the years has been the one between love and sex. Attraction and affection usually lead to more, and while how far you want to take your relationship is completely your business, we would like to share some important tips in case you are planning to go all the way. Because when it comes to sex, safer is not just smarter, it’s also better.

Top 10 safe sex tips

1. Talking sex – No, we don’t mean dirty talk as a type of foreplay. If you’re planning to have intercourse with your partner for the first time, it’s important you discuss a few things with your partner first. Topics like – How many sexual partners have you had before? Have you been tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)? If yes, how long back was it? Is this a committed, exclusive relationship? Before you take the step of having sex, it’s essential that you’re both on the same page.

2. The mighty condom – Whether you’re doing it for the first time, or are experienced, a condom is the best protection you can provide yourself. It not only protects you from unwanted pregnancies, but also from STIs, some of which like HIV/AIDS can be deadly. Also, use only one condom at a time. Wearing two condoms together is actually quite harmful.

3. Lubricated condoms rule - For intercourse, always pick a lubricated condom. Not only does the lubrication prevent breakage, it’s also easier and more comfortable to put on. Besides, more lubrication only enhances the experience for the receiving party.

4. Monogamy is cool – A single partner drastically decreases your risk of getting an STI. Remember, when you sleep with a person, you’re indirectly sleeping with everyone they’ve slept with. Stay monogamous, stay safe.

5. The condom is still necessary – Even if you’re sleeping with just your partner, the use of a condom is still non-negotiable.

6. Alcohol impairs judgement – Many bad decisions have been made under the influence of alcohol or drugs. So don’t abuse alcohol before or during sexual activity.

7. Put a condom where your mouth is – Oral sex can lead to HIV infections – especially for the person giving oral sex. The best way to protect yourself is by using a condom. If the idea of all that lubrication on the condom turns you off, a good option for oral sex is a non-lubricated, flavoured one. For intercourse however, stick to a lubricated condom.

8. Carry extra condoms – In case one breaks or tears while it’s being put on, it’s best to have an extra one around.

9. Check the condom after sex – If you have any inkling that the condom may have broken or torn during sex, it’s a good practice to check it after. Filling it with water to check for leaks is a good way of making sure it didn’t tear.

10. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do – Finally, the choice of having or not having sex is yours. Do it only if it feels right to you and not due to any kind of pressure. Be safe and you’ll have a long and enjoyable sex life.