Do You Have Safe Sexual Intercourse?

Safe sexual intercourse means much more than just using a condom. Check it out!

What does safe sexual intercourse actually mean?

When we say safe sexual intercourse or sexual intercourse with protection, we all first think of using appropriate contraceptives in order not to contract any sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis or AIDS. This is usually a mechanical contraceptive, that is, the male or female condom that prevents mucosa and bodily discharges from coming into contact during sexual intercourse, which can cause an infection. On the other hand, safe sex also means sex where an unwanted pregnancy is prevented, but contraceptives used in such a case don’t always provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases as well. For instance, a condom is fairly effective in terms of protection against infections as well as unwanted pregnancies, while the methods called coitus interruptus, where a man pulls his penis out of a woman’s vagina just before his ejaculation, doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

How do you have safe sexual intercourse - vaginal or anal?

Today, worldwide attention is focused on preventing HIV infection that causes AIDS. If you want to avoid the infection with this untreatable virus, it is highly recommended that you consistently use condoms in vaginal sexual intercourse. HIV is mostly transmitted through sexual intercourse when mucosa comes into contact with bodily discharges, but that is not the only way of contracting it. For this reason, it is advisable that you avoid rough sex causing bleeding because HIV is also transmitted through blood. In anal sexual intercourse, there is a higher risk of infection as anal tissue is very sensitive. This can also be easily avoided by using a condom. But you shouldn’t use oil-based lubricants because they can damage latex. You should rather use water-based lubricants. You can also get an infection in oral sexual intercourse, but there is a slightly lower risk. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you use any type of barrier – either a condom or a surgical latex glove – if you give oral sex to a woman.

 
There are also more safe alternatives for sexual intercourse

When anal or vaginal penetration occurs during sexual intercourse, there is always the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. You can decide on somewhat safer forms of sexul intercourse where penetration does not take place. In that case, the risk of getting an infection is very low or there is not any if you take appropriate measures. Masturbation is certainly the safest form of sexual intercourse as long as you stimulate yourself. You have to be more careful if you participate in mutual masturbation. Theoretically, you could get infected if the bodily discharges of other people came into contact with a wound that you would have on your hand or finger at that time. Sexual intercourse that includes erotic toys and accessories, such as a dildo and vibrator, is also relatively safe. However, if sex toys are used by several persons, it is advisable that you put a condom on them before using them. Naturally, phone sex and cyber sex are, without doubt, safe because no actual physical contact occurs and there is therefore no risk of contracting any disease.

Is it the end of classic sexual intercourse?

Despite the risks that clearly pose a threat every time you have sexual intercourse, you shouldn’t just give it up, although some people recommend abstinence as the only safe method of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. You can be relatively safe from infections if you have a monogamous relationship. Because you can only be absolutely certain about your own fidelity and not your partner’s fidelity, it is advisable that you undergo a test now and then to be sure that you are healthy. 

Read more about sexually transmitted diseases in our Lover's Guide.