How To Protect Yourself Against STDs

A lot of you have probably often heard adults and doctors say that the most effective way to keep yourself free of any sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is by not having sexual intercourse. It makes sense, because if you do not have sex, there is zero chance that these infections transmitted via sex fluids can get into your body. However, is that really doable? Would people be able to not have sex for their entire lives just to not get infected by STDs?

If abstaining is not an option that you would like to pursue to avoid contracting STDs, below are other ways that should help you maintain an STD-free life:

1. Always practice safe sex.

Whether you are in a monogamous sexual relationship or have multiple sex partners, you should always use condoms, gloves, or other barriers to prevent transmission of STDs. You should make sure that you and your partner agree to it before moving forward. If the other party rejects it, you should think twice about doing the act with them. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex expose you to many harmful viruses and bacteria that can result to symptoms and complications that are oftentimes difficult to manage and treat. By using condoms and these other barriers, although they cannot guarantee 100% protection, you are greatly reducing your risk of STDs.

2. Undergo STD testing on a regular basis.

If you are sexually active, you should get tested for STDs regularly. Before starting a new sexual relationship, you should go to a clinic to find out if there is anything to worry about. That way, you can detect any infection that you might already have and get treatment for it right away, and avoid passing it on to your future sex partners. You should also convince your partner to get tested so that they can be sure that they are clean too, and not transmit anything to you. Bear in mind that the more sex partners you have, the more frequent you have to undergo STD testing. This is a precautionary measure that only takes a small amount of your time, but offers huge benefits that can save you a lot of pains down the road.

3. If possible, only be in a mutually monogamous relationship.

In the beginning of a new relationship, you and your partner should get tested for STDs. If you both receive negative results, you both know that you are healthy and clean. And, if throughout your time together you remain faithful to each other, there is no need to be concerned about contracting STDs. Because you and your partner are each other’s only sex partners, there is no way that a new STD comes in to harm your relationship. As long as you are both committed to remain honest to one another, there is no reason to be afraid of getting exposed to STDs.

4. Do not get too wasted.

If you are too drunk or high, making sound decisions regarding sex, as well as various other things, can be very difficult. Before you know it, the deed has already been done, and it is a new day and you are battling a terrible hangover. If you expect to have sex after a date night or a party, do not allow yourself to have more alcohol or other substances than you can manage. Your brain does not function very well under the influence, and you are likely to neglect using a condom and other protective measures. Do not be surprised if you find a weird rash or sore appearing around your genital area days or weeks later. Your carelessness, due to being sloshed, and your bad luck, because of doing it with someone who is infected, have led you to such a terrible situation. You should go visit your doctor right away to find out what that symptom really is, and get the necessary treatment for it.

5. Open communication lines with your partner.

Being clear and honest with your partner is essential not only in avoiding STDs, but also in keeping your relationship alive and healthy. You have to be comfortable discussing a wide variety of topics, including sex, monogamy, STD testing, and others, so that you can start working things out as soon as possible if there is anything that needs to be fixed. Be truthful to each other, say what is on your mind. Do not just spout out things that they want to hear. With better communication lines, your sex life becomes more satisfying.

6. Do not think that you always have to say yes.

Even if you have been with someone for a long time, you are not obliged to always agree to what they want. You are an individual, your own person, who also has wants that may sometimes differ from theirs. If your partner wants sex, and you do not, it is okay to say no. You are not their property or slave that is expected to heed their command at a snap of the fingers. If you want sex, and they do not, they also have the right to decline too. You cannot force them into something that they do not want to do. Both of you should respect what the other’s decisions are, learn to listen to what they have to say, and just be kind to each other.

6. Do your part.

When it comes to keeping a sexual relationship free of STDs, do not expect your partner to do all the lifting. It is not fair to want them to do all the hard work, while you are there just waiting to be satisfied. You should not refuse to wear that male condom because your girlfriend has a dental dam or female condom ready. The responsibility to keep the both of you STD-free is not only on her. Because these forms of protection are not 100% foolproof, it is recommended to make use of more than one to significantly lower the risk of STDs.