Look, we know you’re an experienced lot, but it doesn’t hurt to brush up on the basics about safe sex!
We’ve scoured the internet for your top questions on safe sex, whether you’re curious about condoms or anxious about anal.
So, read on and find out how to keep your sex life safe and satisfying.
How Do I Have Safe Sex?
Use protection! Condoms are the common go-to, but you might prefer dental dams or latex underwear specially designed for oral.
These are “barrier methods” of contraception, and are the only form of protection that prevent most STIs and bacterial infections.
As well as size, there’re lots of different kinds of condoms; thin, flavoured, extra safe, delay, warming, dotted and ribbed. There’s no excuse not to use one!
Just to be on the safe side (badumtsh), let’s quickly go over how to use a condom:
- Carefully tear open the packet, DO NOT use your teeth, this risks damaging the condom.
- Once the right way around, pinch the tip to remove air and prevent splitting
- Pull back your foreskin (if you have one), place the condom over the tip and unroll go down the shaft.
- During sex, check nothing has slipped or broken. Replace or stop if so.
- After ejaculating, hold the base firmly as you withdraw BEFORE going soft. Tie off or wrap in tissue and throw it in the bin, NOT down the loo.
Why Did The Condom Break?
Condoms are stress tested to survive even the most rigorous session. Splitting, breaking, or tearing are usually the result of incorrect use or ignoring instructions. Here’s the most common reasons why they break:
- Bad Fit: Make sure you get the right fit! Condoms that are too big or small are likely to slip or split. Sizes are on the packaging, or you can try this condom size calculator.
- It’s Expired: Yes, condoms have expiry dates. Generally, their shelf life is 3-5 years, so don’t panic yet, but always check the packet before use.
- Poor Storage: Do you keep a condom in your wallet? You’re risking it being damaged by friction and heat. Keep your condoms away from hot cars and direct sunlight too!
- Not Put On Correctly: Did you remember to pinch the tip? Rushing leads to accidents. Don’t put one on in the dark either!
- Wrong Lube: Only use a water-based lubricant. Oil or silicone-based lubes can degrade condoms, same for vaseline, baby oil, and moisturisers.
- Doubling Up: Never wear more than one condom at a time; friction between layers makes ripping more likely. If you’re worried about safety, use extra safe condoms.
Is Anal Sex Safe?
Yes! With a condom. Butt you can make it safer following these tips:
- Use lube to prevent micro tears that could leave you or your partner exposed to bacteria. And yes, condom-safe anal water-based lube exists!
- Anal sex requires more preparation than vaginal sex, and a proper warm-up helps protect against harm. For more detailed instructions, read our post on anal sex.
- A normal bowel movement and a thorough clean is ideal, you don’t have to douche (unless you want to).
- Don’t swap between anal and oral or vaginal without cleaning yourself, or changing condoms. This goes for toys too!
I’m Safe If It’s Just Toys, Right?
WRONG. Unless you’re using a condom or other barrier, sharing your toys can spread STIs and bacteria just as much as a body part.
Check out our sex toy care top tips to keep your toys clean.
Help, It Burns! What Do I Do??
We’re not doctors, please don’t ask us. If you think you have an STI or infection, GO. TO. A. DOCTOR.
Don’t put it off, don’t risk it spreading – find your local sexual health clinic using the NHS website or use a service like SH:24.
You don’t have to wait for symptoms before having a checkup. Once every six months or testing with each new partner is good practice.
Anything Else?
So, you’ve got protection sorted and clean test results, what more is there to satisfying safe sex?
- Be Prepared – This means practising good hygiene and stocking up on lube and condoms. Getting caught short isn’t sexy.
- Wetter Is Better – No matter how or who you’re having sex with, use lube! It feels great, plus the extra slip and slide reduces the chances of abrasions and microtears.
- Kink Aware: If you’re engaging in the kinkier side of sex, make sure you’ve got your safewords and talked to your partner about your limits.
Hopefully, you already knew that and have been practising safe sex since you lost your V-card. As for the rest of you, I’m not mad, but now you have no excuse. I don’t want to see syphilis in the news anymore!
Linda
January 18, 2024 at 2:49 pmI thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post. Your writing style is engaging, and you presented the information in a clear and concise manner.