Information gaps on sex education are filled with myths and stereotypes that distort the way we view sexuality. And one of the most entrenched myths is the one that indicates that sexual intercourse is focused on penetration, either vaginal or anal.
If you choose to move away from this prejudice, you will have the opportunity to expand your erotic experiences, in addition to not running the risk of acquiring any of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Safe sex and protected sex
To delve into the concepts, we have to clarify that here we will use “sex” as a synonym for “sexual activity”, although we well know that the word sex refers rather to the condition of females or males in a species (in this case, the human).
So then, we can talk about the definitions of safe sex and protected sex. The first refers to all those activities that do not involve the exchange of sexual fluids, that is, pre-ejaculatory fluid, semen, vaginal fluids or menstrual blood. Likewise, skin-to-skin genital contact or your mouth on your partner’s genitals (or vice versa) is avoided.
This type of sexual practice has the quality that it does not expose people to contract or transmit an STI, including HIV, so it contributes to the health and well-being of those involved.
On the other hand, protected sex could be defined as those practices in which penetration is included and a barrier is also used to block the exchange of the aforementioned fluids. These barriers are the external (or male) condom, the internal (or female) condom, and the latex pads that are often used for oral sex, for example, into a vagina or anus.
In the case of protected sex, it can be said that it has the margin of error that condoms have, that is, from 2% to 15%, and that it is essentially due to human errors during use.
Some safe sex ideas
Now, if you don’t feel completely ready to have penetrative sex, then safe sex is for you. It does not matter if you have had sex before or if it is your first time, safe sex can be enjoyed by all kinds of people, and it will even help them to open their erotic repertoire and stimulate their imagination to find new ways of seeking pleasure.
For example, you can prepare a relaxed environment that invites you to sharpen your senses. A room with very little light, with scented candles and objects of different textures can provide an erotic atmosphere that both of you can enjoy.
Specifically, if you want to have safe sex, you can try things like:
- Caress, kiss and hug your partner (even with clothes on).
- Have explicit and detailed conversations about sex, whether on the phone, through text messages or face to face.
- Have each person use a sex toy in front of their partner.
- Masturbate in front of each other.
- Giving verbal directions while the other person undresses or masturbates in front of you.
- Dance erotically.
- Touch your partner’s bare skin with pleasant textures (explore what kind of sensations each one enjoys).
- Give massage with aromatic oils.
- Biting, licking or sucking on the skin of your partner’s body (except the genitals).
- Watch a sexual movie together and masturbate or talk about what you are watching.
As you can see, not everything is focused on the genitals or penetration, and eliminating that element from the sexual relationship helps to think of many other possibilities to enjoy without running the risk of an STI or an unplanned pregnancy, two of the consequences most feared of sexual activity.
But if you know that at some point you are going to practice protected sex, at AHF Latin America and the Caribbean we provide you with free condoms, as well as free HIV tests so that you are aware of your health status. Find our closest offices in your country and make your appointment now.
