The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection occurs when you have sex with another person. Even if you met a lovely, caring, pretty person on the best dating sites, there is no excuse to neglect your safety. Learning to avoid STIs and have safe and healthy sex is essential to maintaining good sexual health. In addition to STI prevention, “safer sex” is sometimes used to refer to contraceptive methods (which help prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancies). Be sure to follow these rules, whether you do it with your boyfriend or an acquaintance you meet on Tinder. Here are some rules for safe sexual behavior that everyone should follow.

Make Use of Barriers

Barriers during sexual intercourse are designed to prevent direct contact between the genitals of both partners, limiting contact with bodily fluids. Latex condoms (external polyurethane) and internal condoms are two of the most common barriers to safe sex (sometimes called female condoms). Internal condoms are inserted into the vaginal canal before intercourse. In contrast, latex condoms are barriers placed on the penis during intercourse. Other barriers include latex gloves, which can be used as a barrier on the hands to prevent contact with an open wound, and dental dams, which can be used as a barrier on the vulva or anus during oral sex. You can use condoms or other barrier techniques not only during sex but also on sex toys to prevent fluid transfer.

Talk to Your Partner About Sexual Activity

Talk to your partner(s) about the use of barriers (condoms, dental dams), behaviors that can spread STIs, and whether to have sex outside of your relationship to negotiate sexual activity. Discuss the sexual activities you plan to engage in if your partner does not want to use a barrier. Even if you only engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, obtaining consent is essential to effective sexual communication.

Limiting partners’ contact with each other’s bodily fluids through kissing, masturbation, and fingering reduces the risk of STD transmission (compared to high-risk activities such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex). However, non-penetrative sexual practices do not offer protection against STDs such as herpes or syphilis, which are transmitted through close, personal skin-to-skin contact.

Know Your “No”

Being consent is the key to healthy and safe sex. You have the explicit right to stop if you feel distressed, insecure, uncomfortable or tired. Saying no in sensitive situations and incredibly open boundaries can be challenging. It is good to talk to yourself first if you are meeting a person for the first time or feel guilty because you had too much to drink at dinner. Sex should never be forced.

Learn to pay attention to your body’s internal signals. This process of moving from sight to perception is called interoception. Do not ignore your instincts, but learn to recognize the triggers that make your body anxious. You may want to see a sex therapist if you find that your thoughts are preventing you from engaging in the sexual activities you would like to engage in. Sexual discomfort is very typical of anxious people. You should not feel guilty if you take a break before or during sex.

The fear of appearing angry or disinterested may be due to society’s expectation of being friendly and sociable. Many women also know this as sexism. It can also be a practiced cuddling response. You can practice setting boundaries so that they feel more natural to you over time. It does not have to be an unattainable ideal reserved for your imagination to enjoy great sex. Start by learning to feel safe enough to let go and create a safe environment for sex.…