Safe sex (also called safer sex) is a term describing practices designed to reduce the risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sexual abstinence obviously virtually eliminates the risk of STDs, but also the possibility of natural reproduction and the pleasure of sex.
Most attention has focussed on controlling HIV, which causes AIDS, but each STD presents a different situation.
__Recommended practices__
* Solitary masturbation (including so-called "phone sex" and cybersex) is completely safe.
* Monogamy. However, be aware that many monogamous people have been infected with sexually transmitted diseases by non-monogamous partners.
* Knowing your partner, especially their STD status.
* Communicating with your partner. Being assertive in saying what you want and don't want. This includes discussing beforehand what is acceptable and what is not to avoid "heat of passion" decisions.
* Not using recreational drugs, including alcohol, in a way that increases the likelihood you will "forget" other safer sex guidelines.
* Avoiding any contact with blood and semen of the partner:
* Using condoms for men. Do not handle with sharp fingernails, do not use together with oil-based lubricants, never reuse, ensure that the condom is not past its expiration date. Never keep a condom in a wallet!
* Female condom. For women having sexual intercourse
* Dental dam. A sheet of latex, (originally for dentistry) for protection when engaging in oral sex on a woman (a piece of Saranâ„¢ wrap may also be used; regular plastic wrap is too porous).
* Another way to avoid contact with blood and semen is outercourse, which is sexual activity not involving penetration. Despite that the method is effective it is only sometimes mentioned by safer-sex educators.
Note that most methods of contraception (birth control) other than the barrier methods mentioned above are not effective at preventing the spread of STDs.
The spermicide Nonoxynol-9 has been claimed to reduce the likelihood of STD transmission, however more evidence is needed to verify this, and it cannot be recommended for this purpose at this time.
"Pulling out," in which a man removes his penis from the vagina, anus, or mouth before he ejaculates, is not safe sex and can result in STD transmission. This is because of the formation of pre-cum, a fluid (which may contain sperm) that oozes from the urethra before the man actually ejaculates.
__Change in terminology__
With the realization that risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases in various sexual activities is a continuum rather than a simple dichotomy of risky/safe, US health workers began to talk of "safer sex" rather than "safe sex." However, in most other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany, the term "safe sex" is still mainly used by sex educators, perhaps in the recognition that with the strict adherence to these techniques the risks of catching the more dangerous STDs are quite low.
__Controversy__
Some conservatives object to the "safer sex" movement on the grounds that it promotes what they hold to be immoral and high-risk behavior, namely promiscuous sex outside of marriage. This, they argue, increases rather than decreases the risk of contracting STDs. They believe that the best way to avoid sexual disease is abstinence before marriage followed by lifelong mutual fidelity thereafter.
In the U.S., some have claimed that condoms are ineffective against HIV transmission, particularly during anal sex, citing studies that indicate that condoms are somewhat permeable to the tiny HIV. These claims have been disputed by many medical researchers, who view correctly used condoms as effective protection. Some studies have shown that, even with the best of intentions, condom users can often use condoms improperly, so that the transmission rate remains disturbingly high. Advocates of safe sex education point out that it has to start at an early age to be effective, a notion which arouses even heavier opposition from conservatives given the taboo of child sexuality.Select The Materials Fashion Style, Nb Balance Shoes, Balance Footwear, Sneakers Balance Quality Assurance