Safe Sexual Practices : Misconceptions And Facts

There are several misconceptions and facts around safe sexual intercourse. From usage barrier methods for contraception to sexually transmitted disease people, in general, are ignorant about lots of facts, and follow few misconceptions. We bring to you safe sexual practices and associated misconceptions and facts.

Whenever we talk about sex, a point that is always highlighted is how safe sexual practices can protect us from many problems and diseases. Many times, we try to adopt all the measures to practice safe sex but are careless about it too. What one must know is that even a little carelessness can greatly affect not only women but men too. We bring to you safe sex practices and associated misconceptions and facts.

Incorrect Use Of Condom And Improper Disposal

For safe sex, condoms are considered to be the most common yet excellent form of contraception. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but protects from many other sexually transmitted diseases. However, not using a condom properly can have its own negative effects too. Sexologists believe that men should use condoms only when their penis is fully aroused or erect. Before wearing a condom, one must also ensure that there is no air inside it. Along with this, after having sex, remove the condom by holding it from its base and dispose of it properly in a trash bin.

Also, before using the condom, read the label carefully and check for its expiry date before buying. Condoms usually get dry and sticky if they are expired and their use can cause harm to the reproductive organs.

Learn About The Correct Use Of Birth Control Pills

A large number of not just women, but men too believe that if a woman is taking birth control pills, the chances of having STIs is lowered. But, the best way to keep away from STI is avoiding sexual relationships completely with an infected person. Be it a condom to avoid pregnancy during sex or a dental dam to protect teeth from infection during oral sex, they only lower the chances of the risk of spreading STI, but do not provide 100% safety from sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

Anal Sex To Avoid Pregnancy?

Many people think that there is no possibility of conception in anal sex. But one must know that this is not completely true. It is true that anal sex reduces the risk of pregnancy, but sometimes inadvertently, the male semen after anal sex can reach the vagina in women. Many people also believe that anal sex can prevent sexually transmitted infections, which is also not true. In fact, a thin layer of tissue in our rectum called rectal tissue, if torn during intercourse, can spread the infection. Therefore it is very important that condoms be used at the time of anal sex as well.

Having Sex During Women’s Menstrual Cycle

It is very important to have safe sex when women are menstruating because the risk of infection during this period is very high. At this time, any one of the two partners must mandatorily use contraception. The pH level of the vagina usually ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, but during menstruation, the pH level of the vagina is higher, which increases the risk of infection due to increased levels of yeast.

Most physicians suggest that establishing a physical relationship during menstruation also reduces the risk of conception, as women are several days away from ovulation during this time. But if a woman's menstrual cycle is of shorter duration, then having unprotected sex during the last few days of the cycle can increase the female’s possibility of conceiving.

Sexual Intercourse For The First Time Does Not Result In Pregnancy

There is also a common misconception among people that if someone is having sexual intercourse for the first time and even if they do not practice any protective measures, then too the chances of conception are almost zero. This is not true. Whether a woman is having sex for the first time or has had it several times, if a man’s semen is entering a woman’s vagina, there is always a possibility of conception. Also, if you are having sexual intercourse for the first time, using a condom is important, as there is more risk of having different types of infections in the body.

Withdrawal Method To Avoid Pregnancy

To avoid pregnancy, many men pull out i.e. before ejaculating. The basic thought behind it is that if his semen does not come in contact with the woman’s genitalia, she will not be able to conceive. This might be true but is not the most reliable way, because it is not easy to pull out at the time of climax. It requires strong willpower. And if a man is unable to control his ejaculation, the semen is likely to enter the woman’s vagina. This along with increasing the chances of conception also increases the risk of STIs.

Condom Is Not Necessary If You Do Not Have STI

If a woman or man does not have symptoms of STI or any other infection, they do not consider the use of condoms necessary during sexual intercourse. But a person can be infected even if he/she does not present any of its signs or symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms are usually not seen in the early stages of infection, and having unprotected sex can increase the risk of spreading the infection to the partner.

Exercise Is Not Important If You Indulge In Regular Sex

Many people believe that if they are having regular sexual intercourse with their partner, they do not need to exercise or workout. Although it is true that sex helps reduce calories and increased heart rate during intercourse keeps our heart healthy. But, this does not give a persona reason to completely give up on a regular exercise routine. Following a proper workout routine has its own benefits, which cannot be attained simply by just having sex.

Regular Checkup Is Important

There is an increased risk of STIs in people who have unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. Therefore, people who are rather active in their sexual lives should regularly visit a doctor to get their genitals monitored and to get tested for any kind of STIs.