Importance of practicing safe sex

 

Safe sex is not talked about as much as it should. Especially since we are in a very sex heavy society. The 

majority of the information I know about sex has been because I chose to educate myself, due to the lack 

of sex education I got in school. I did a post a few months ago on the sex education we should of had, 

which was really well received, along with my other posts about sex. That is why I wanted to talk about 

the importance of practicing safe sex, as it's not talked about and there are a lot of people who aren't aware 

of the seriousness of it, due to a lack of education that came from schools.

Safe sex is using contraceptive methods to avoid unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted 

infections through penetrative, oral or anal sex. Condoms are the only form of contraception that can 

protect you from both at the same time. Whether it's a one-night-stand, friends with benefits or long term 

relationship you should always be aware of the precautions that you need to take. Unless you are actively 

trying to get pregnant then it is a recommended to use protection at all times, even if you are in a stable 

long term relationship. You can never be too safe. 

There are so many different types of contraception out there and it's important to find the right one for 

you. I am going to do a post soon on how to find the right conception for you, but in the meantime 

research is your best friend. Speaking to you doctor can help but also having a look on the NHS website.

It is so important to make sure you are having regular STI checks. STI's can be passed through 

penetrative, oral and anal sex as well as touching and rubbing of the genital region, which a lot of people 

are unaware off. STI's don't always show symptoms and you can actually have an STI and be completely 

unaware of the fact. You can go to your doctor or local sexual health clinic to get an STI check, or order 

an at home kit for free. I have ordered an at home STI kit before, however it is still important to go to the 

doctors or sexual health clinic at their tests are more thorough. In regards to STI's, you are only ever fully 

sure of the actions you are taking, although we don't like to think that our partner is engaging in sexual 

activities with another person, it does happen. Make sure both parties are getting tested.

Something that I wanted to talk about, because I've heard very few people do so, is how important it is to 

clean your sex toys, whether you are in a relationship or single. Although sex toys cannot get you pregnant 

they can still spread STI's if not cleaned, due to the bacteria that sits on them. The majority of brands will 

tell you the best way to clean the toys. However you can also buy specific sex toy cleaners. I would 

recommend the Love Honey fresh biodegradable sex toy wipes or the Femfresh refreshing wipes. Before 

you use anything, double check with the brand or instruction leaflet to see what is safe to use.

I'm not going to sit here and say that I have protected sex all the time, or that I get an STI check before I 

have a new sexual partner because I don't. There are a lot of people who don't. We find excuses to make 

ourselves feel better and justify our reasons for doing so, because we don't expect to be a statistic, instead 

we expect to beat the odds. This is why educating yourself is so important. 

xoxo

Lea-Mai