TOP 4 WAYS TO PREVENT STIS IN MEN AND WOMEN

If you stay loyal to a single sexual partner, then risk to STIs lowers. This is if you are sure that your partner does not have a sexually transmitted infection. If you do not have the infection too, then it is best for both the partners to practice mutual monogamy.

Do You Need Condoms?
You may ask, if you still need protection or a barrier method in this case. The answer is yes and no. Yes, because monogamy assures that both are STD less. Thus, there is lower risk of contracting the disease. No, because sexually transmitted disease may occur anytime.

Unprotected Intimacy
Today, your partner and you are perhaps clean. This is why the idea of unprotected intercourse seems safe. In fact, it may help prevent STIs such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. But, what if in future any one of you engages with someone else?

Benefits of Barrier Methods
In this case, it is risky to practice a protection-less intimacy all the time. Using a barrier method, such as a condom has its own benefits. It safeguards you against sexually transmitted infections. On the other hand, it also prevents an unplanned pregnancy.

Tests for STIs
In case, your partner or you come in sexual contact with anyone else, remain truthful. Being honest with each other, will ease a lot of tension. You both must visit a clinic to get screened for STIs or STDs. Your healthcare provider will guide you to tackle the condition if the reports are positive.

Physical intimacy is as endearing for a couple, as much as emotional connection. Thus, it is important to openly communicate about sexual health with your dear one. Many times, you can prevent STIs by discussing it well before getting intimate. Speak with your beloved about sexual health.

Discuss about Physical Acts
Tell her/him what you need during physical contact, how crucial safe sex is, and if you experienced any sexual health issue in the past. If you already have an STD, then be truthful about it to your person. Talking openly about these things will also enhance mutual respect and help to build trust.

Visit a Clinic for Guidance
If your partner or you are unsure about safe sex practice, then visit a healthcare provider. The doctor will guide you about how to get intimate safely. He/she can also suggest tests for STIs. You both may consider to get the screening. You guys must also wait for the STI test reports before getting intimate.

A condom will definitely prevent STIs in men and women. But you must use this barrier method correctly for complete protection. Also note that this method may not guarantee a 100% safety. Even then, you should know how to use condoms properly.

Materials for Condoms
Male condoms are external. The common material for making this product is natural latex. Synthetic latex (nitrile, polyurethane, polyisoprene), is also possible. These are good for anal, oral, or vaginal insertion. Internal condoms for women use synthetic rubbers. These are best for vaginal and anal intercourse.

Rubber condoms disallow contact of sexual and bodily fluids with the body parts. Those with allergy to latex, can utilize synthetic rubber condoms. Do remember that sheepskin and lambskin condoms may not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

What to Look For?
Do not reuse a condom. If you remove it once, do not wear it back again. Use a new one then. Leave sufficient room at the top of the condom. Before utilizing it, also check if the product is valid i.e., not expired. Store the untorn packets at room temperature.

If you are handling a lubricant, make sure it is water-based. This will ensure that there is no damage to the condom. Oil-based lubricants such as baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly can destroy latex. Oil and water-based lubricants work fine with polyurethane condoms.

Warning Signs
Store the barrier products away from sharp objects, heat, and moisture. Condoms may not prevent STIs that spread by skin-to-skin contact. These sexually transmitted infections include syphilis, HPV (human papillomavirus), genital warts, and herpes simplex virus.

It is advisable not to utilize female and male condoms simultaneously. Using both together can cause the condom to break. If a condom leaks or breaks during use, then get your partner and yourself tested for STI.

Properly Putting on a Male Condom
Firstly, wash your hands with a germ-killing agent. Now open the packet of condom, and take it out. Do not tear the packet with any sharp object including scissors. Do not even use your teeth to open the package. The rim of the condom should face outward.

When you are hard or erect, put the condom on the penile organ’s end. Do so before any physical touching of sexual body parts. To get rid of any trapped air, pinch the condom’s tip. Then unroll it to the base of hard-on. After climax, hold the rim of the barrier product against the penile organ.

This will keep the ejaculation in the condom and not let it spill out. Now carefully pull out the penile organ and slide off the condom gently. Tie up the open end and dispose of the product in garbage. Wash your hands and private parts once again.

Properly Putting in a Female Condom
Like male condoms, the female counterparts can also prevent STIs effectively. An internal condom is small and looks like a narrow bag. You need to insert it into the anus or vagina, where insertion is to happen. But insert the same up to 2 hours before the intercourse.

Wash your hands with antibacterial/germ products. Again, avoid teeth, scissors and sharp objects to open the package. Once the condom is out, lay down in a comfortable position. You can stand with a foot raised on a chair. You can sit with your knees apart, whichever works.

Now squeeze the ring between your middle finger and thumb. Insert a finger in the hollow space of the ring. Put it in anus/vagina as far as it will go. Make sure the outer ring hangs on the outside of vagina/anus. The outer part of the female condom will lie flat against the body when the penile organ goes inside.

The male organ is to go inside the condom when intercourse begins. Use a lubricant if the body does not produce enough naturally. This will allow the condom to stay inside. After climax, gently twist and remove the condom by a pull outward on the outer ring.

This will not let the semen to spill out. Tie up the open end of the condom. Now dispose of it in a garbage bin. In case of the male ejaculation spilling out, get tested for STI. This is necessary for everyone involved in the physical act.