The words safe sex today in any individual’s context means
one that would not end up in pregnancy and infections. Although this term was
initially penned down in the 1980s during the HIV/AIDS epidemic which meant
sexual activity in a way that would protect against sexually transmitted
Infections (STIs) such as HIV infection, chlamydia, and syphilis.
In
today’s era it has become very important to impart safe sex education as the
main reason for spread of infection is ignorance about sex.
The
practices involved for safe sex are to use contraception, having single
partner, knowing the sexual history of your partner and taking all the
necessary precautions. Imparting safe sex education includes the knowledge
about transmission of STIs through the exchange of body fluids, the importance
of using contraceptive methods, types of methods available, how to make best
use of these methods, failure rate of these methods and what precautions need
to be taken in case a particular method fails, importance of discussion in a relationship
and that infection may be present without obvious symptoms and hence precaution
is always necessary.
When
we talk about contraception, it should be taken into consideration that there
are different contraceptive measures for preventing pregnancies which do not
provide protection against infections and then there are barrier methods for
preventing pregnancy as well as infections. The different contraceptive methods
being used are;
- Intrauterine devices – These are inserted
inside the uterus by a medical professional. It can be either copper T or
hormone releasing devices. They come with a fixed duration of insertion marked on
them after which they need to be replaced.
- Oral contraceptive pills - There are
various preparations of the hormones estrogen and progesterone available in the
market. Before use one has to consult the doctor and rule out
contraindications. Also progesterone only pills are available which carry fewer
side effects. They have to be taken on daily pills as missing dose would lead
to failure of the method.
- Injectables contraceptives - These are
intramuscular preparations that are given at 3-6 months interval. It avoids the
daily dose hurdle and also there are no estrogen side effects.
- Implants – These are available in the form
of capsules that inserted under the skin for duration of 5 years. It is highly
effective for long term use for those who have completed their families.
- Emergency contraception – This consists
of pills that need to be taken immediately after unprotected sex to avoid
pregnancy.
- Condoms - Protection against STIs can be
provided by the use of barrier method that is condoms (male and female). The
act of using male condom requires male partner co operation so it is very
important to have a healthy discussion prior to the act. Each of the partners
should understand that it is for the safety of both. The
main advantages of using condoms are that it is cheap and easy to use. If the
male partner refuses to use a condom, the option left is female condom. It is a
pouch made up of polyurethane with one flexible ring at each end. Proper
knowledge about the method of insertion should be sought before use.
As it is said that prevention is better than cure, the
knowledge of safe sex should be imparted to all so that the risk of STIs is
reduced. Also it is necessary for all parents to have a healthy discussion with
their children to avoid the incidence of teen pregnancies leading to an
increased number of illegal abortions. Contact us to get expert advice -
http://www.sciivf.com
