How to Make Sex with Your Partner Safer AND More Fun

With everything from genital herpes to hepatitis threatening your sexual health today, safer sex has never been more important. However, while you can make sex safer, an important distinction to make is that you cannot completely guard your wellbeing against the dangers of sex. That said, without abstaining, there are ways you can make sex safer from infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancy. Still, that doesn’t mean that safe sex has to be less fun or feel less good than you’re used to. Let’s discuss how to make sex safer and still fun.

 

1. Use condoms: According to wellness writer Maria Trimarchi, ‘Condoms reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, but no form of contraception can offer 100% protection. They reduce transmission of HIV by 85% and genital herpes by about 30%. Studies vary on how effective (or not so effective) condoms are at protecting you from syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, but those studies do show that condoms offer some level of protection.’ So get out there and choose a condom that works for you! There are flavoured, coloured, ribbed and lubricated varieties, and you can even cut open condoms and use them as dental dams for safe oral sex with women.

 

2. Use a Lubricant: Trimarchi notes, ‘Wetter is better, especially when it comes to sex. Vaginal lubrication is key to sexual pleasure for both men and women, and sometimes there just isn’t enough. If sex is too dry, it can cause irritation and pain. Enter lube. Lubricant comes in a few forms: water-based, silicone-based and oil-based. Water- and silicone-based lubes are the best with condoms. Never use an oil-based lubricant with a condom – the oil will interact with the latex and cause it to break down. You can purchase lubricants in a variety of flavours, from spicy to sweet; there are options for the chocoholics out there, too. Some cause warming sensations, some make you tingle, and if you’re looking for an icy blast, pick up a cooling lube.’

 

3. Build the Anticipation: The things that lead up to sex can be just as exciting as intercourse, oral or anal sex. Trimarchi advises, ‘Use your seduction skills by leaving a sexy voicemail or text message for your partner, detailing what you have in store for him or her after work, or what you’d like to have done to you. Also, take the time to set the mood – both the mood of the room and your partner’s mood. Light candles or unwind with a massage. Take the time to enjoy your partner’s body by exploring and teasing – put an emphasis on foreplay.’

 

4. Try New Positions: Trimarchi asserts, ‘There’s nothing wrong with a favourite, go-to position that makes your toes curl, but there’s also nothing wrong with breaking out of your habit and spicing things up with a new position. Maybe not all of the 64 sexual activities described in the Kama Sutra are your taste, but something as simple as switching who gets to be on top (or side or behind) can increase pleasure and sensation. The angle of penetration that a new position may offer might just add to your enjoyment, and trying something new with your partner may increase your intimacy with each other.’

 

5. Get Out of the Bedroom: ‘Add a little bit of naughtiness to your sex life by trying out new locations for your sexual exploits,’ Trimarchi recommends. ‘In 2004, an ABC News “Primetime Live” poll found that 57% of Americans have had sex in a public place or outside, and 12% have had sex where they work…Whether it’s in the shower, on the couch or in a secluded but still public spot – make sure it’s secluded or risk an indecent exposure charge – sex can be more fun when you feel like you’re misbehaving.’

Categories: based, Condoms, genital herpes, Lubricant, nbsp, oil based, safe sex, sex safer, sexually transmitted, silicone based, transmitted diseases

Top Tips For Making Sex Safe And Fun

Safe sex may be the sensible option, but sensible isn’t always the most exciting word to enter a conversation. However, as much as we want to lead a passionate sex life with our partner, we can’t neglect our health in the process. Here are some ways to make sex as fun as possible without compromising on the safer side of things.

Use condoms

Intimacy and orgasms unfortunately go hand in hand with sexually transmitted diseases more often than not these days, making sex a complicated mix of pleasure and pain. But if you’re not willing to abstain, what can you do to make sex safer? The most effective way is to use a condom. Safer sex is the only way to go, a there’s no such thing as 100 per cent safe sex – there are always risks. But condoms certainly take a lot of the risk out of sex, and they don’t have to mean a lack of passion. There are plenty of options on the market now to keep sex fun whilst using condoms, as well as a number of options for people who are allergic to latex, so you don’t need to miss out. From flavoured, ribbed, lubricated and coloured, to name just a few, there’s a condom out there to suit everyone, as well as plenty of shapes and sizes for the perfect fit.

Opt for a lubricant

When it comes to sex, the wetter the better should be your motto. Vaginal lubricant is a great tool if you want great sex, for both men and women, and it helps you to avoid irritation and pain from dry sex. There are a few forms of lube, including oil-based, water-based and silicone-based. If you’re using them with condoms, as previously mentioned, water and silicone-based are the safest options as oils break down the latex. You can also get flavoured lubes to make oral sex more fun, as well as those with warming and cooling sensations for exciting sex for both guys and girls.

Get tested regularly

Getting checked for sexually transmitted diseases may not be fun or particularly sexy, but there is something sexy about being able to have sex confident in the knowledge that you’re free of infection. Anxiety about those types of issues doesn’t make sex fun. Regular check-ups not only put your worries to rest but they also stop you spreading infection to your partner, and keep your health in tip-top condition. Your GP can advise of places nearby where you can be checked for free, as well as offering advice if you have any concerns or questions.

Build the excitement before you hit the bedroom

Having sex is fun but you need to build the anticipation before you get into bed. Penetrative sex and an orgasm don’t need to be the only goals – you can have fun by simply arousing each other as well. Use your seduction skills by leaving a note or a sexy voicemail while you’re partner is out at work, or set the mood with a romantic massage or by lighting candles. Get creative – there are loads of ways you can get each other excited, without relying on penetrative sex all the time.

Take sex out of the bedroom

On a similar note, why not be creative with your locations as well? You don’t need to limit your sex life to the bedroom – why not take it to other areas of the house such as the shower? You could even see how adventurous you both feel and take it to a secluded spot outside.

Categories: based, Condoms, Ideas, penetrative sex, safe sex, Sex, sex fun, sex life, sexually transmitted, silicone based, transmitted diseases

How Can Healthcare Screening For Gay Men Be Improved?

Men who have sex with other men don’t often reveal their sexual practices or sexual orientation to their GP. But this lack of disclosure could lead to a number of health problems being overlooked, either through a lack of information or an inadequately trained physician. Because of the greater societal pressure and lack of emotional support leading to the practice of unsafe sex could puts the risk of sexually transmitted diseases higher. This is especially the case when combined with drug abuse, psychological issues and behavioural disorders. Recent trends show that an increasing rate of sexual risk takers among these men, especially among young men. Periodic screening is thought to be more successful the earlier it is started, to assess the health risks and current health state, as well as giving GPs a better understanding of their patients’ medical past for any future appointments. The physician should offer advice and question their sexual orientation in a non-judgemental and confidential manner, to ensure that their patient feels comfortable in talking about their sexual practices.

Targeted screening for depression, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and a host of other disorders, should be performed routinely. The guidelines for these screenings do offer some suggestions for the care of men who have sex with other men, though they are inconsistent and subject to change. Men who have sex with men may identify themselves as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Whatever label is used, it’s important to remember that these men are at an increased risk of HIV, anal cancer, and psychological or behavioural disorders. As such, their health care needs to be assessed differently regardless of how they classify their sexual orientation. The rate of men who had sex with men in the previous year was believed to be 1.7 to 2 per cent. However, surveys from 1996 to 200 show that this rate is at least 3.1 to 3.7 per cent. Previous estimates were, as a result, far too low and this could result in many men not being asked the right questions by their physician, leading to greater health risks.

 

This is something GPs need to consider when speaking to their male patients. Recent trends show that there has been a resurgence in the risky sexual practices that put men at risk of STDs and HIV infections. For example, the prevalence of men taking part in unprotected anal intercourse increased from 37 per cent to 50 per cent from 1993-94 to 1996-97. Particularly in the case of younger men, the disease risk isn’t assessed a lot of the time because if the numerous impediments to adequate care under the current healthcare system. Family GPs need to find an effective system in order to identify and assess the risk in men who have sex with men, so that the right screening can take place. Although men who have sex with men can be at a higher risk than other for preventable diseases and health problems, they don’t receive the appropriate preventative services. There are a number of hindrances for these screening guidelines, such as some physicians feeling uncomfortable discussing the concept of men having sex with men, or not understanding the issues these men face. As such, their patients will not feel comfortable in discussing these issues openly and that could put their health at risk. In creating a more in-depth and effective screening process, men who have sex with men won’t need to miss out on the health care services they require.

Categories: behavioural disorders, gay men, health care, health problems, Health Risks, risk, sexual, sexual orientation, sexual practices, sexually transmitted, STDs, transmitted diseases

Could HSV-1 Infection be More Risky for Teens?

New study data suggests that an increasing number of adolescents in American lack the antibodies to protect them later in life against a significant cause of genital herpes. According to the study, fewer teens have been exposed to their childhood herpes simplex virus known as HSV-1, a common cause of cold sores, than they were years previously. Without these antibodies, teens could be more at risk when they become sexually active, leading to genital infections that are also caused by the virus, particularly oral sex. HSV-1 and a similarly related virus, the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), both cause lifelong infections and there is currently no cure – it can go through periods where the infection is dormant after an initial outbreak. Most people develop this strain in childhood, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected adult. However, HSV-2 is only contracted sexually. Recent research has discovered that HSV-1 is becoming a significant cause of genital herpes in certain countries, according to new studies.

In the most recent study, Heather Bradley PhD looked into the prevalence of HSV-1 and 2 in 14 to 49 year olds in the U.S, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, including blood samples. The data found that an increasing number of U.S adolescents lacked the antibody at their first sexual encounter, making genital herpes more of a risk from that strain. The combination of increased oral sex behaviours among young people and the increased likelihood means that adolescents could be more likely to acquire HSV-1 than previous generations. The study’s key finding is that HSV-1 seroprevalence among 14 to 19 year olds has dropped by almost 23 per cent between 1999 and 2004, and 2005 to 2010. The difference that has occurred over the past ten years represents around a nine per cent decrease in the percentage of adolescents who’ve already had oral HSV-1 as they enter their sexually active years. During this time, exposure to the virus genitally is increasingly common, meaning that the risk of genital herpes is also common.

Teens could be making the problem worse by changing their sexual practices. An unintended consequence of the success of public campaigns which aim to limit the spread of HIV have led to some people believing that oral sex is safer. Naturally, this form of sex has its own set of sexually transmitted diseases and has increased the risk of genital herpes. Up to 30 per cent of infected infants will die from this infection if they have the most severe form of the disease, according to researchers. Sexually transmitted diseases are more common now, as young people are becoming sexually active earlier than they used to and are doing so with less understanding of contraception and safe sex practices. Although many teens don’t use it, there are many forms of contraception to make sex safer, both penetrative and oral sex. Finding the right form of contraception and following safe sex practices is important for anyone who is sexually active. The best advice if you’re unsure about contraception or how to use it correctly is to speak to your local GUM clinic or book an appointment with your GP who can advise you of the best forms of contraception for your needs. They will  be able to speak to you about how to use contraception correctly, which forms are available to you and also offer regular check-ups to ensure that you remain healthy and free of sexually transmitted diseases.

Categories: genital herpes, increasing number, oral sex, safe sex, Sex, sex practices, sexually active, sexually transmitted, teens, transmitted diseases, year olds

Women at Risk of Vaginal Infection Due to Petroleum Jelly

A new study led by Joelle Brown at the University of California, San Francisco suggests that women who use petroleum jelly vaginally might be at the risk of a common infection called bacterial vaginosis.

 

Earlier research on the topic has certainly linked douching to harmful effects such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD), pelvic inflammatory diseases as well as bacterial vaginosis. However, according to Brown, very less research has been carried out on other products used by women vaginally.

 

After studying 141 Los Angeles women, the research derived that half of them had used some varied products vaginally in the past one month including petroleum jelly, baby oil and other sexual lubricants. Around 45 percent of them reported douching.

 

While testing the women for any infections, the study showed that women who used petroleum jelly in the past month were at a greater risk of bacterial vaginosis compared to the non-users.

 

What causes bacterial vaginosis? What are the symptoms?

The infection occurs due to a disruption or an imbalance caused between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the vagina. Itching, burning sensation, discharge or pain can be a few symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. However most of the women suffering from this infection may not get any symptoms mentioned. The infection generally doesn’t cause long term problems.

 

Nevertheless, bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of contracting various STD’s including HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This can also lead to infertility in women due to a pelvic inflammatory disease.

 

Dr. Sten Vermund, director of the Institute for Global Health at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn supports the research too. According to him, it’s the alkaline properties in the petroleum jelly that increases the growth of bad bacteria in the vagina. He said, “An acidic vaginal environment is what protects women from colonization from abnormal organisms”.

 

As per Vermund, many studies have linked douching to a higher risk of vaginal infections as the practice disturbs the natural vaginal ecology. Experts believe that women don’t need to use products in order to clean the vagina. The area predominantly holds ‘good’ bacteria which produces hydrogen peroxide that works as a natural cleansing agent. However women continue to douche using various products available in the market.

 

These products might contain antiseptics and fragrances that can cause ill effects. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 40 percent of women aged 18 to 44 douche regularly. On this Vermund commented, “The frequency with which American women use unnecessary and harmful intra-vaginal products is unfortunate”.

 

What study suggests?

The research was conducted on a group of racially diverse women who were ready to test themselves for sexually transmitted diseases. The team found out that more than 25 percent of women were tested positive for HIV. Around 21 percent had bacterial vaginosis and 6 percent were suffering from yeast infection. As mentioned earlier, women who’d used petroleum jelly in the past month were 2.2 times more likely to be having bacterial vaginosis, keeping in mind the other factors such as age, race and douching habits.

 

It was found that the women were using the product not because they saw any symptoms. In fact, the ones affected did not show any sign or report vaginal symptoms. And the ones with symptoms said that they didn’t use petroleum jelly as a cure.

 

In contrast to Brown’s study, douching was not linked to bacterial vaginosis risk. This can be because of conducting the test on a small number of women as per Brown. Another fact she mentioned is that women use various other stuff to clean the insides that may comprise different chemicals and concentrations.

 

Likewise, sexual lubricants were not linked to bacterial vaginosis and as per Vermund, this research assures comfort to women who use sexual lubricants. However, Brown believes that more research and findings should be conducted on a larger basis in order to find out the effects of various products used by women vaginally.

 

As of now, Brown suggests that women should understand and know all the details of a product before using it. “Women should talk with their health care providers and ask them if the products they are using inside their vagina are known to be safe for use in the vagina,” Brown said.

Categories: bacterial vaginosis, infection, jelly, linked douching, pelvic inflammatory, petroleum, petroleum jelly, sexual lubricants, sexually transmitted, transmitted diseases, vagina

US City Leads the Way in Raising Sexual Health Awareness

Not talking about sex, and the diseases that come with it, may seem like the typically British thing to do, but those across the pond are tackling this very wellness problem. According to Carson City Health and Human Services, the residents of Carson City – the capital of the state of Nevada – need to address this taboo subject, and have “the talk.” The Health and Human Services department stresses that sexual health is part of overall wellbeing, and is joining with providers across the country to observe National STD Awareness Month, and remove some of the stigma and embarrassment that surrounds sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

20 million people are infected with a sexually transmitted disease every year, and at least half of those affected are between the ages of 15 and 24. This highlights that better education and prevention efforts are needed, especially among young people. Avoiding being infected in the first place is the best way to evade the negative health outcomes and stress associated with sexually transmitted diseases, and the Health and Human Services department recommends abstinence. According to the officials, choosing to not have sex is the only 100% effective way to keep from getting an STD or having an unwanted pregnancy.

However, even with the best of intentions, it’s hard for young people to remain abstinent and so Carson City Health and Human Services advises that, if you do choose to be sexually active, you need to do so responsibly – not only to protect your health, but also the health of your partner or partners. Every time you engage in sexual activity, including oral sex, you need to use a condom to prevent the spread of STDs. You can also reduce your risk of getting an STD by limiting the number of partners you have. It’s easy for a partner to pass on an STD, as the diseases often have no signs or symptoms.

As part of their sexual health initiative, Carson City Health and Human Services are offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment for STDs. Getting a quick and easy STD test is the only way to know for certain if you are infected, and it is recommended that you get tested annually or whenever you have a new partner. Luckily in this country, these tests are free and confidential on the NHS, so you have no excuse not to go get one.

US City Leads the Way in Raising Sexual Health Awareness

Categories: abstinence, carson city, city health, Condoms, health, human services, services department, sexual health, sexually transmitted, STDs, transmitted diseases, young people

Does Cheating Put You at a Higher Risk of STDs

If you cheat on your partner, not only are you putting your relationship wellness at risk, but you’re also threatening your sexual health. This is according to a new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine which has found that cheating on your partner could increase your risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

According to the researchers at the University of Michigan, people who jump into bed with someone without their partner’s knowledge are unlikely to practice safe sex, possibly because they are more likely to have had a drink. Yet, the wellbeing of those in open relationships is less at risk of contracting an STD, which is possibly due to the fact that these people are more often sober when they sleep with someone else and are more sexually aware,

Lead researcher Dr Terri Conley reported, ‘Our research suggests that people who are unfaithful to their monogamous romantic partners pose a greater risk for STDs than those who actively negotiate non-monogamy in their relationship.’ It has already been established that monogamy is an effective method for preventing STDs spreading, but this is only the case if you and your partner test negative for infections at the start of a relationship, and, obviously, don’t sleep with anyone else who may have one.

Therefore, the researchers posted an online advert asking respondents whether or not monogamy can be a preventative method for STDs, and if people in an open sexual relationship practice safe sex. 1,647 people responded to the advert, 801 of whom admitting to having sex with someone other than their partner. Of these people, 493 claimed that this had happened as part of a negotiated non-monogamous relationship, and 308 stated they were sexually unfaithful to their partner.

The study revealed that 27% of cheats use condoms, compared to 35% of those in an open relationship. Cheating partners in a monogamous relationship were also 64% higher in terms of drug and alcohol use. Dr Conley concluded, ‘If people do not find monogamy appealing or feasible, they clearly need to think about the risk this poses to their partner and consider whether an open relationship would suit their needs better, and better protect their relationship partners.’

Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, commented, ‘More work is needed in both prevention of and education about sexually transmitted diseases. This research is of particular interest because it reveals that monogamous relationships are not always monogamous which can have resultant sexual health implications.’

Does Cheating Put You at a Higher Risk of STDs

Categories: cheating, monogamous relationship, open relationship, practice safe, Research, safe sex, sexual health, sexual medicine, sexually transmitted, STDs, transmitted diseases