The goal of safer sex practices is to lower the risk of STIs and other diseases. Since there is no such thing as entirely safe sex due to the inherent risk of STIs in sex, most experts prefer the term "safer sex practices." STIs are rather typical. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of Americans had an STI on any given day in 2018. The Kaiser Family Foundation also predicts that over 50% of Americans will get an STI at some point in their life.
Why safety measures after having sex?
The reasons to have safety measures during sex are simple - condoms and other safety measures protect them against STIs. Reduced exposure to high-risk sex can lessen a person's risk of contracting an STI. Any sexual act or conduct that puts others in danger, such as engaging in sex without barrier protection, is considered high-risk sex. There is one approach for lowering danger during sex which is avoiding penetrative sex with a partner who has open sores or warts They can choose non-penetrative options, such as manual stimulation over penetrative sex, therefore, experimenting with lower contact options, such as mutual masturbation. Many diseases can be fatal and have long-lasting harmful impacts on people's lives, following are the diseases:
HIV: HIV is an illness that can be spread when bodily fluids come into contact with another person's bloodstream. The early phases of HIV infection may be symptom-free. The disease impairs the immune system over time.
Syphilis: A bacterial infection called syphilis can be contracted by coming into touch with syphilis sores on the skin, in the penile, anal, or vaginal area. The only way to determine for sure whether one has syphilis is to get tested because the sores may be minor or undetectable.
Hepatitis B and C: Contact with bodily fluids containing the infection can cause them to spread. Flu-like symptoms could start. The virus may in some persons result in either acute liver failure or long-term liver issues.
Human papillomavirus: Human papillomavirus causes genital warts, which are lumps and bumps on or around the genitalia (HPV). People who come into contact with a genital wart can contract the illness. Many persons with genital warts don't exhibit any symptoms, however, some have itchiness and pain close to their genitalia.
Chlamydia: Chlamydia that spreads through vaginal, oral, penile, or anal contact with a person who has the infection. Most people do not have symptoms. For those who do, genital itching or burning may occur, along with difficulty or pain in urinating.
Pubic lice: Pubic Lice are tiny insects that feed on the blood and live in the pubic hair. The insects can also live on other body hair, but not on the scalp. Pubic lice can jump from one person to another through physical contact.
Ensuring Safety Measures After Sex
Safer sex doesn't have to be difficult, and everyone may enjoy sex more when they feel secure and at ease. Sex can be made safer by following a few easy tips:
Regular STI testing: A person may be tested for STIs, for instance, each time they begin having sex with a new partner.
Open communication: Before engaging in sexual activity, practice honest and open conversation with all parties.
Creating a barrier defense: Pick a condom brand that you like and can afford. Place them in the car, handbag, and bedside table to make sure they are always accessible.
Putting protection first: Practice using condoms until it is effortless and comfortable to put one on. Include condoms during foreplay to make them seem natural.
What are safety measures to take after having sex in case the condom breaks?
We understand that accidents can occur occasionally, therefore it's okay if the condom broke, you didn't wear one, or you forgot to take your medication. However, there are a few things to consider regardless of whether it was a one-night stand, sex with your partner, or something in between. We've put together a simple checklist of what you need to know (and do).
Reduce your risk of getting a UTI (urinary tract infection): Urinating promptly after sex may help wash out any bacteria you may have come into contact with during sex. Water consumption is also very beneficial. Bacteria that enter the urethra, where urination occurs, can lead to an infection, which can result in painful urination, the urge to urinate more frequently, or abdominal pain. The risk of getting a UTI rises with sex, and females are more susceptible to getting one due to the structure of their bodies. Make an appointment with your doctor to receive antibiotics if you later suspect you have a UTI.
Nearly 72 HOURS: Use the pill for emergency contraception. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is effective up to four days after sex and can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
Seven Days Later: Take an STI test. Two weeks after engaging in unprotected intercourse, especially if it was with a stranger, you should get an STI test, whether or not you have experienced any symptoms. However, if it was unprotected sex with your usual partner and you've both had tests and been found to be STI-free in the past, you should be fine.