Are You Making These Sexual Mistakes?

Even the smartest person can lose his or her head over sex. While it’s only natural to be lost in the heat of the moment, it often carries several risks especially if the partners involved are not prepared for the possible consequences. Below are some key ideas on what makes sex safe and what makes it unsafe:

It is safe sex if...

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  partners expressly agree to engage in it without coercion or threats.



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  partners are aware of the moral, psychological, physical, and emotional aspects of having sex.



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  partners are sexually healthy and free from sexually transmitted infections or diseases and have informed each other about their health risks.



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  partners use effective and proven means of contraception like birth control pills.



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  partners use condoms to prevent transmission of possible infections and conception.

It is unsafe sex if...

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  any of the above-given conditions is not met or satisfied.

Yes. It’s as simple as that. But unfortunately, to err is human. Check if you’ve been bad and put yourself at risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Below are some mistakes often committed by people that can result in unfavourable sexual outcomes:

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   Having sex before talking. A lot of people, especially those who practice casual sex often commit this mistake. Before having sex, make it a point to discuss with your partner what type of protection are to be used. To be safe, always carry condoms regardless of your gender.

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   Giving in to pressure. Do not give in when someone plays the trust or love card. If you are not comfortable about having sex, say so. It’s better to wake up in the morning without the feelings of guilt and shame. Sex should make you feel comfortable, not pressured.

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   Drinking too much. If you have any inclination that things could get physical, limit the number of your drinks. Consuming too much alcohol can distort your judgment and prevent you from making the right calls in terms of protection. At best, avoid drinking too much as this can give another person an opportunity to attack you sexually.

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   Using one type of protection only. Condoms may break while pills can be unreliable at times; but together, they can give you superior protection compared to using just one method. Using this combo also gives you two-headed protection; one for STDs and the other for pregnancies.

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   Following the crowd. Just because everybody’s doing it or hooking up at the party doesn’t mean you have to do it. The decision on when, where, and how you should have sex depends only on you and not on other people.

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   Taking the invincible stance. It doesn’t matter whether you have a successful career or if you are at the prime of your life. Having one instance of unprotected sexual intercourse is enough to give you an unplanned pregnancy or a slew of sexually transmitted infections.

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   Getting caught off-guard. Of course, no matter how much you prepare, the chances of accidents still exist. For these cases, it’s better to have a back-up plan. If you are worried about being pregnant, consult your doctor for emergency contraception like Plan B. If your concerns are STDs, get yourself checked immediately. The earlier these infections are caught, the easier you can get them treated and managed.