A great deal of attention was paid to safe sex in the 1980s, when HIV first became a concern. Mass awareness campaigns highlighted the necessity of using condoms during sex to minimise the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). But in time, it became apparent that no sex can be called 100% safe. This is particularly true in case of genital herpes. When you have the herpes virus in your body, you need to engage in ‘safer’ sex practices to reduce the risk of transmission to your healthy partner. People often think that sex is only about intercourse. It is not. Kissing and oral sex are physical manifestations of sexual intimacy. When you have herpes and are actively into sex, you may think that using condom is a safe option to prevent transmitting the virus to your partner. But think twice. Can a condom cover your genitals completely? What if the condom breaks? How do you prevent transmission while kissing or engaging in oral sex? These are some of the questions that should make you think about safer sex options. How to make love in a ‘safer’ way? Many couples have sex in creative ways to minimise the risk of herpes transmission. To make sex creative, you need to talk to your partner first. Mutual cooperation and understanding must be there for trying out innovative postures that reduce outright exposure of the genitals. But such activities are usually very difficult to perform. So the next option you have is using protective methods such as condoms, latex gloves and sheets. But using all types of barriers at the same time may make sex a bit clumsy. Besides, if the sore is at the base of the penis, or to one side of the labia, a barrier may not fully cover the infected area. So there are more safer sex options you can try. Single partner Having a single sex partner helps prevent transmission of herpes and other sexually transmitted infections. As for herpes, the virus that causes it can stay inactive inside the body for an indefinite period of time. So if you are having sex with more than one partner, the chance of you knowing about the medical history of your ‘present’ partner is very less, as you may have struck up the relation only recently. Learn how to wear and remove a condom This may sound trivial, but it is not. Many youngsters still fumble while wearing or removing condoms. Do not rush while putting on a condom; take your time and wear it properly. Probably a good time to learn is when you are alone. One condom at a time Condoms are not made for reuse. So throw away the used condom after sex, buy a new one and use it the next time. No sex after drinking alcohol Avoid sex when you are under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol can reduce your situational awareness and you may not be able to wear the condom properly.

Sexually transmitted diseases have taken a plunge into the environment. So it is better to go with some safe sexual methods to restrict the spread out of such diseases. STD is one of the diseases which have taken a larger amount role in making the environment polluted. The people of age ranging from 16-25 years are mostly affected by the outbreak of such disease. The statistical record gave estimation that more than 64% of people are affected by the disease that have unprotected sex or have indulged in sex with more than two partners. The influence of the western society has made the evolution of such diseases. Safe sex must be practiced so that the people must not get vulnerable to any dangerous consequences. Some of the bad effects of indulging in unprotected sex include cervical cancer, infertility, and unwanted pregnancy. Some of the incurable STDs include hepatitis, herpes or AIDS. One of the best ways to move way from such consequences is to take a proper prevention within suitable time period. Oral sex has certain risk also but the most risky method is the penetrating one. Usage of condom certainly restricts the occurrence of harmful transmitted disease. One of the best means of proceeding with safe sex is to use a condom. The rubber sheet protects the internal organ from getting into any danger of transmitting some harmful germs. The condom blocks the any watery contact and also restricts the danger of getting pregnant. Use of latex and plastic evolved condoms are far more protective compared to those made from animal skins. The condom must be stored in a cool and dry environment for the better usage. It is better to go with a condom to protect yourself and protect others from getting a STD. There is however very less chance of getting a STD at a very tender age. However protection needs to be taken always to ensure proper safety. The petroleum jelly, body lotion, butter are used as a lubricant. A STD test can also be done so that both partners are ensured that both of them are devoid of any unnecessary threats. This process can also build up a trust between both the partners and they can enjoy lovemaking as long as they want. The proper expiry date of the condoms needs to be noted also. If the product crosses the date it cannot give you the extra protection.

Sex is the most pleasing activity of our life. Its attractions and rewards are enormous. It is not untrue to say ‘no sex no life. ‘ Life without sex will certainly become a dull and bore routine, meaningless and fruitless. While this natural process is full of such tremendous excitements, it is also full of life threatening hazards. We all know the alarming situation of sexually transmitted diseases, where AIDS or HIV is more dominant and deadly. The toll is rising fast since people seek illegitimate sexual outlets where you do not know your sexual partners’ standing (perhaps you are not the only one having sex with him or her); you do not know with what diseases he or she is suffering from. The answer to such a question is, avoid unprotected sex with new partners or while having sex outside the marriage boundary. But how safe is the use of condom, is it 100% safe? The safest mean, of course, is the sexual relations between a husband and wife. This is what we consider the natural limits. When we cross any limit set by the nature, it will certainly punish us. Anal sex and sex between two identical sexes, all are like crossing the nature’s boundary that invites certain punishments. As a result of crossing the limits set up by the nature, we find the rising cases of sexually transmitted diseases, and the life threatening hazards of AIDS or HIV. Unprotected sex invites negative consequences, such as incurable diseases (HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis, and Herpes), curable diseases (Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonnorhea), Infertility, Cervical cancer, unwanted pregnancy and other complications associated with its termination, etc. It is not fair and logical to advice to stay away from sex to save oneself from getting any sexually transmitted disease. Sex is a great gift of the nature which has to be enjoyed as much as possible. You can’t stay away from sex and yet find the life enjoyable. Of course legitimate sex between a wife and husband is the safest mean to enjoy with this precious gift, but it is, of course, not always possible. We should, therefore, try to find more tips and methods for safer sex. The use of condom prevents you from acquiring many sexually transmitted diseases; but this method is not 100% safe, be careful. Put on the condom carefully; pinch the air out of the top when putting it on otherwise the condom can break. If you have to use lubricants, use a water-based one, otherwise other lubricating media like body lotion, butter, petroleum jelly, etc can break down latex condoms. Use condoms of very high quality and only certified ones. Ensure condom’s health (validity, proper storage, etc). Avoid having sex with completely strange people. Remember, condoms are not 100% safe. While engaging in oral sex, do not forget the hygienic side. Both he and she must clean the private parts before the act. Avoid anal sex at all (don’t forget nature’s punishment). Avoid anal and vaginal penetration during the course of single intercourse session. Avoid using uncertified oils (in case of vaginal dryness), and other substances for lubrication; this is essential to prevent fungal and other infections. Avoid having sex with sex workers, for the very apparent reasons which we all know. Do not rely on condoms. Sex is a natural drive which, if done properly while taking care of the necessary precautions, can give you the pleasure which no other act can offer.