You can reduce getting any Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) through sexual or anal intercourse by using a barrier like a condom. Condom use makes it more difficult for blood or sexual fluid to get into your body.
There are also one-size-fits-all female condoms that protect the vagina or rectum during intercourse. They look like regular condoms made of polyurethane, but are designed to fit inside the vagina and are typically pre-lubricated.
Oral sex has a lower risk of transmitting STDs, but it’s still possible if body fluids get into your mouth, especially if you have bleeding gums or sores. Most any STD can spread from the genital area to the mouth and vice versa.
According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, though your risk of contracting an infection through Oral sex is lower than through vaginal or anal sex, it still exists.
Some steps towards safer sex happen well before you get intimate. Once both you and your partner feel you’re ready to be intimate, do all you can to be sure you’re STD-free or take measures to prevent transmission. These ideas can help:
According to the organization Beforeplay.org, you can get STD bacterial infections chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea in your mouth and/or throat and could develop genital warts in your mouth. Herpes is commonly passed between the genitals and the mouth, and HIV can be passed through cuts in the mouth or small abrasions.
While these infections are most often spread by direct contact with body fluids—semen, vaginal fluids or blood— a sore on the genitals or mouth can also provide an entryway for the germs. For some, transmission can result simply from skin-to-skin contact.
Condoms offer the best available protection against STDs and AIDS by acting as a physical barrier to prevent the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners.
These videos are pretty self-explanatory.
Please watch them for step-by-step directions on condom use.
Thank you for taking good care of yourself.
First, don’t panic. Calmly consider taking the following steps, adapted from recommendations of the UK health service, Open Doors:
Resource: International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, NHS, CDC, Planned Parenthood, The Naked Truth, Women’s Health, NHS.UK and AIDS.gov
Safe sex means taking steps before and during sex to help prevent you or your partner from getting a sexually transmitted disease ( STD). For many it also means protecting against an unplanned pregnancy. Click questions below for more answers.
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Here’s what other couples do to help make sex safer… Read more
Besides telling your partner, you need to be aware of these 4 other things… Read more
Even skin-to-skin contact can spread STDs. Read more
Here are the 5 important things you may not have known… Read more
If you don’t know how to, these videos and illustrated step-by-step instructions will guide you. Read more
First, don’t panic. Calmly consider taking the following steps… Read more
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