Things you should know about STIs: They can happen to you. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had 10 partners or if it’s your first time, whether you have had vaginal sex, anal sex, or “only” oral sex, male or female, straight or queer. The good news is, in most cases, you can prevent STIs by using these safer sex practices.
Get Tested
Both you and your partner should get tested before you become sexually active. Just because “sex” is in the description of an STI, this is not the only way they can get transmitted. Any number of sexual activities can transmit different infections and diseases. If either of you develop an STI you can get it treated quickly and alter your sex practices.
Use Protection
Condoms are used for protection against many STIs during vaginal or anal intercourse, fellatio and for covering sex toys. For every new or repeated sexual activity use a new condom – this will protect against infection-causing bacteria.
1. Take them with you if plan on hooking up. Don’t be unprepared.
2. Regular condoms will fit nearly all penis sizes. The ring of the condom should fit snugly (but not hurt); pick too large of a condom and you might risk it coming off.
3. Go thinner! Thinner condoms offer more sensation and reduce friction, making them more durable!
4. Never double up! Doing this will increase the friction and both condoms are more likely to break.
5. Only use flavored condoms for oral sex. The flavored lubricant has sugar in it that can cause yeast infections.
6. Keep them cool. This will prevent condoms from degrading. Keeping them in a wallet or car is only good for a short period of time.
7. For female-receptive oral sex or anal oral sex, use a dental dam.
8. Plastic wrap, bags or latex gloves cannot replace a condom.
Use Lube
Lubrication can be used for any sexual activity, especially with condoms or dental dams, or purely for extra pleasure.
– Using lube with condoms makes them more comfortable to use and less likely to tear.
– Don’t use too much! A river of lube can make the condom slip off. Try to find a happy medium.
