What is safe sex? Let's first indulge in this for a few seconds. By definition, well my definition, it means having sex in a protective way between you and your partner to prevent getting sexually transmitted infections. It is a great way to stay healthy and probably make your sex life a lot better. There will be less worry about catching an STD.

How can it protect you?

Simple – STDs are infections that are passed from one person to next during sexual encounters. We all share body fluids while having sex, even these diseases. Anybody who practices oral, anal, vaginal sex or just skin-to-skin genital contact can be the cause of an STD infection. While practicing safe sex, you are protecting yourself and your partner from STDs.

There are many options for making sex safer. We all know our friend the condom! We just refuse to use him at times, but he still does exist, you know. To females – there are vaginal condoms as well and also dental dams. These items help certain parts of your genitals to be protected from any harmful germs and infections.

Getting tested is a very important thing. I believe, or know, you’ve had sex with more than three partners a month, get tested. It helps keeping track of the men or women you’ve been with and keeps you safe for the next encounter. It’ll prevent anyone else from getting infected as well. People with STDs don’t always show symptoms or know they are infected. They can easily pass STDs to their partners without them knowing. That is a big No NO! We love our bodies; we love to have fun – so please, I urge you to get tested!

Many people suggest having sex in your underwear or having mutual masturbation. Do we really want to get to that? Um, no! So play safe. Although people that practice this are safer than any of us, and of course there is nothing wrong with this, it is a great barrier from STDs and a very safe way for sexual activities. This can also test your intimacy level with your partner and can be thrilling. Maybe I should give it a try and get back to you all.

Getting wasted also interferes with making smart choices. When you are drunk you don’t believe in safe sex, and this can increase the chances of getting an STD. It also become harder to use a condom while wasted and sometimes having sex with a broken condom, lead to many outcomes. And to be frank, the only way we can never get an STD is by never having sex. Yes I said that. Never having sex can definitely keep you safe from any STD. If you are going to have sex, than be safe, because you enjoy it and you don’t to become unavailable for the wonders you want to explore.

I implore the idea of safe sex. I am all for fun and games, but your protection is much more important to me and to all those who love you. If there is a problem with your partner not wanting to practice this you can always communication the reasons why this is a better choice. If he/she thinks you are cheating or think there is no trust, well screw them! Your safety is key and trusting someone you love doesn’t mean your safety shouldn’t be a concern. Trust should through the idea of keeping someone safe and this can test any relationship.

Don’t be scared to talk about this, there are worse fates than this. It is all about the way you approach the situation and having a timely manner with it. Just play safe and have fun.

Like always, with love

• J.