Having safe sex it is a right as well as a duty. Now that there are numerous ways to have safe sex, the chances of contracting can be reduced to zero sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs).
Towards zero, however, means that there is no absolute certainty of being protected from certain risks. Some sexually transmitted diseases are mainly transferred through the exchange of body fluids (saliva, vaginal fluid, anal secretions, blood …) and others also through the skin-to-skin contactas in activities considered “low risk”, for example the dry humpingor the rubbing of the genitals against those of the partner, with the barrier of clothing.
«Assessing the risk when it comes to sex is actually quite complicated – he explains in an interview published on Vice the doctor Kate Whiteassociate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine – Most people experiment different ways of having sex during the same meeting. Therefore, it is difficult to know what sexual act it was that could have led to an infection. For example, it is difficult to determine the risk of transmitting STDs from finger penetration alone, as this practice is often accompanied by oral sex or games with sex toys.
At present, very few studies have looked at the risk of contracting a STI (other than HIV) from doing cunnilingus or analingus – White continues – But some data are clear: it is possible that those who engage in cunnilingus or analingus then transmit an IST to their partner. Just as it is possible to have a STI in more than one area of the body at the same time (such as the mouth and genitals) and some of these can then spread throughout the body. Additionally, analingus can lead to the transmission of hepatitis A and B, as well as intestinal parasites and bacteria such as E. coli.
It is thought that the risk of contract HIV from oral sex with a partner who has the infection is much lower than the risk of contracting HIV from anal or vaginal sex – says White – But we still can’t quantify the exact risk percentage. Just as we know that you can get herpes, HPV, syphilis and hepatitis A from skin-to-skin contact or chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and herpes from oral sex. ”
Definitely, the degree of risk is defined by the couple themselvesundergoing regular tests and checks (even more so, if you are addicted to casual sex) and a good degree of communication And dialogueparticularly if the torque is stable.
But what if you are single? Or part of a fluid or open bond? Or again, if it happens to have sex with another woman or in any case, with who has a vulva? How do you protect yourself in these cases? There are gods barrier and contraception methods effective to protect yourself. And once again, it is there clear communication to increase the safety of the sexual encounter: immediately clarify with the partner or partners what you are willing to do, and therefore the type of risks you want (or not) to expose yourself to.
But before moving on to analyzing the barrier methods – which you can find below by scrolling the article to the end – it is good to make some general recommendations.
If you or your partner have any wounds or of open injuries (for example, from herpes or syphilis), avoid contact of any kind with those points. People who suffer from genital herpes they can hire a antiviral drug daily to make transmission less likely (although this does not become impossible anyway).
As for theHPV, almost all sexually active people will contract it later in life, according to scientific studies. In 9 out of 10 cases it goes away on its own and causes no symptoms, but for some people, HPV can cause genital warts or some types of cancer, like the one in the cervix. Fortunately, the papilloma virus is not necessarily a lifelong condition like herpes; the majority of people clears the infection within two years. But it is highly recommendable to do the HPV vaccine (to this link all the necessary information).
Finally, it is prudent get tested regularly. This means once a yearif you have not been sexually active for a long time or perform them at a week away after every time you have a meeting with a new partner.
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Anastassiya Bezhekeneva
Dental dam
Dental dam or dental dams: Have you ever heard about it? You may have even used one. Essentially, they are thin sheets of latex or polyurethane to be placed over the vulva or anus to act as a barrier during oral sex. They are a clinically proven method for the prevention of STI transmission. The fact remains, however, that they are not (yet) as present on the market as condoms. The reasons are soon clear: people don’t find them comfortable or attractive to use, and many don’t understand their functionality.
“There is no guarantee that fluids, and therefore pathogens, will not bypass the barrier – says Dr. Marchand – Not to mention that a layer of latex between one’s mouth and the other person’s sexual organ is perceived as annoying. However, they are one of the safest ways to lower the risk of STIs and come in different flavors, so it’s fun. ‘
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filadendron
Female condom
Also known as internal condom, is placed in the vagina or anus and can also cover all or part of the external genitalia. Often confused with the dental damhowever, this is not considered by the scientific community to be a clinically tested method for the prevention of transmission of STIs.
“L’herpesfor example, it can live on parts of the body that condoms do not cover or protect, such as the scrotum, buttocks, upper groin or lips – explains the doctor. Meera Shahchief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic in New York – That means condoms and dental dams won’t always stop you from contracting or transmitting herpes, but they help reduce the chances of contracting or passing it on. ”
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Maryna Terletska
Lorals underwear
A new option was recently launched on the market: in April, the FDA approved the latex underwear super thin and disposable from a brand called Lorals for use as protection against STDs during oral sex. I am basically one dental dam wearable with vanilla flavor.
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Sorapop
Finger condoms
The fingerbangingbetter known as penetration through the use of fingers, it’s a universal pleasure, but like everything in sex (and life), it’s not entirely without risk. As mentioned above, some STIs can be transmitted through the skin-to-skin contact. Here is that i finger condoms they are an option for safer sexual practice, with the purpose of serving as protection for fingers with open cuts.
Also, in this case, it is important to remember always wash your hands before and after touching someone else’s genitals or anus to prevent STIs or other health complications.
This is a precaution to remember also with regard to the sex toys: never use a toy in two different orifices without cleaning it in between. Since it is unlikely that someone will interrupt the atmosphere created during the sexual encounter to go to the bathroom to clean the toy just used, it is advisable have several sex toys or multiple condoms for your fingers.
It is highly recommendable instead of thoroughly clean each sex toy used at the end of the sexual act. When it comes to sex toys, consider buying made toys in non-porous materialsuch as silicone, Pyrex / glass, ABS plastic or stainless steel.
Source: Vanity Fair
