"The most common symptoms of STDs are no symptoms at all," says the expert. How to have safe sex (whether you're a top or bottom)?
Even using a condom can be a bit of a "science"
When it comes to safe sex, often the only thing that comes to mind is sex with a condom. Yes, it is indeed possible to prevent contracting sexually transmitted diseases by using a condom. While sex is great, one should still have a warning light somewhere in the corner of one's mind that goes "boo-boo". Of course, we don't want to downplay the importance of protection during sex, condoms are very important in limiting the spread of nasty (and dangerous) infections. But they're not self-sustaining.
"A very common mistake is improper condom use," says certified sex therapist Kate Balestrieri. And what do she says people most often do wrong? First and foremost, they use condoms that are past their "glory days." Pulling a relic of days gone by out of your pockets simply may not be worth it. Just like opening a condom with your teeth. "Tearing open a condom wrapper with your teeth may look really sexy, but it increases the likelihood that the condom will break or otherwise get damaged," she explains. In addition, you need to make sure you put the condom on correctly and, above all, choose the right size (because whether the condom is too small or too big, it risks ending up where it shouldn't during intercourse). But a condom is not all you need to think about when it comes to 'safe sex'.
Zdroj: Giphy
Hygiene has many dimensions
While sex is undoubtedly a great activity, it's also inherently quite unclean. I mean, let's be clear about what we mean: naked bodies rubbing against each other and people exchanging various bodily fluids. When sex is described like that, it's not actually sexy... which doesn't mean the experience isn't worth it. It's just that hygiene shouldn't be left out. And this applies not only to traditional hygiene (i.e. showering), but of course also to hygiene of the private parts. If you are passive, you should pay closer attention to your anal sphincter a few hours before sex (it is advisable to use an anal shower, although not always, at least if you yourself feel that an accident might happen). In addition to physical hygiene, it is also advisable to think about the cleanliness of the bed, sex toys and all other things you use during sex. By the way, not only condoms, but also lubricant has an expiry date, so don't forget that.
Regular testing is essential
Despite all the precautions, of course, the transmission of various unpleasant infections cannot be ruled out. So if you have a regular sex life, be sure to get tested regularly. This applies not only to HIV, but also to many other sexually transmitted diseases. If you have no idea which ones they should be, just visit hiv-pomoc.cz, the pre-test questionnaire will advise you. By the way, you should also pay attention to possible infection with the HPV virus, which is also sexually transmitted - and can cause some cancers (e.g. cancer of the anus). If you're responsible, ideally mark the date of your test/doctor visit in your diary so you're in the loop on when you should go for a recheck (you can also find a function to set your last test date on Grindr). Then, if you're not sure what the frequency of testing should be, you can consider, for example, the international recommendation that people who have multiple sexual partners should be tested for STDs every three to six months (and that's whether you're having anal or just oral sex).
And since it takes two to have sex, all these rules should apply to your counterpart as well. There's nothing worse than passing the infection to each other in the mistaken belief that you would recognize the symptoms of an STI. "One of the most common signs of an STD is absolutely no symptom at all," summarises sexologist Jess O'Reilly laconically.
Communication above all
Adequate communication is also necessary for not only great but also safe sex. One does not necessarily have to be in a long-term relationship for this "rule" to apply. While you will probably hardly exchange information about your sexual health with your partner before a "one-off" (although that would undoubtedly be great), in more casual situations you should. Just as you should talk about what you prefer during sex and what practices you plan to engage in. "Communication not only makes sex more pleasurable, it makes it safer. Talking about safer sex can also put you at ease, so you can enjoy sex with fewer worries and concerns," O'Reilly concludes.
