{"id":18643,"date":"2021-01-15T12:39:30","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T11:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=18643"},"modified":"2021-01-15T12:39:30","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T11:39:30","slug":"redefining-safe-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/redefining-safe-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"Redefining Safe Sex"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019ve never had sex before, or you\u2019ve been at it for a while we can all agree that the sexual education most of use were exposed to growing up was lacking in real depth and helpful information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The term we hear repeated over and over again is \u201cpractice safe sex\u201d. But what does that actually mean?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re anything like me, all you can remember from your high school sexual education is your teacher awkwardly sliding a condom over a banana, and your classmates giggling at every mention of \u201cpenis\u201d or \u201cvagina\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This overgeneralized approach doesn\u2019t exactly leave young, blossoming teens feeling prepared and empowered as they start to explore their sexuality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They are then left with the words \u201cpractice safe sex\u201d ringing in their ears, with no tangible ways as to how to put that into practice outside of grabbing a pack of condoms from the health center on their school campus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Back to Basics<\/b><\/p>\n

The idea that condoms and birth control are the only tools that make sex safe is backwards and outdated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course you will want to cover all your bases, especially when it\u2019s with a new partner, or you practice <\/span>non-monogamy<\/span><\/a>. That means getting tested regularly for STDs (every six months or after a new partner), discussing your STI status with each other, as well as talk about birth control choices if that applies to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to mention that although you should be discussing birth control and STI status\u2019 with your partner, this makes sex \u201csafer\u201d, not \u201csafe\u201d. Sex inherently comes with some risk or chance of becoming pregnant and contracting a <\/span>sexually transmitted infection<\/span><\/a>, no matter how \u201csafe you are\u201d. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you do happen to contract an STI, this is a natural part of biology, and not something to be ashamed of. Many are easily treatable when detected early, or go away on their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But there\u2019s so much more to safe sex\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication is Key<\/b><\/p>\n

Sex in of itself is a form of communication, but talking things through before, after, and possibly during your intimate interactions can help clarify that communication, and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building your <\/span>sexual communication<\/span><\/a> skills allows you to discuss your boundaries, STI status, turn ons and turn offs, <\/span>traumatic experiences<\/span><\/a> you may want to disclose, desires and <\/span>kinks<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication builds trust, which in turn leads to a feeling of safety. When you feel safe, your body can relax, allowing you to be present in the moment and your pleasure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Checking in With Yourself<\/b><\/p>\n

In order to make sure your needs are being met, it\u2019s helpful to have guidelines about what you\u2019re looking for in a sexual experience, and what lends to your feeling of safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can start with your outside environment. Do you feel comfortable in the physical space you\u2019re in? Is it somewhere you are able to relax and be in the moment?<\/span><\/p>\n

Safe sex is also checking in with your body and your <\/span>nervous system<\/span><\/a> before, during and after intimate encounters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Try asking yourself these questions\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n