Sexual Wellness

It’s important to remember that “safe sex” isn’t just about protection, but is also about having sex when you and your sexual partner are ready, and having sex that’s enjoyable and respectful.

Ways that you can practise safer sex include: 

• Only engaging in any sexual activity when both parties have given enthusiastic consent.
• Being aware that drugs and alcohol may affect your ability to make good decisions. Protect yourself from having sex that you might regret or were pressured into because you weren’t thinking properly.
• Only sleeping with one person at a time and knowing that you have both been tested and are free from any STI’s.
• Being STI free by getting tested for common infections and, if positive, having treatment. Avoid sexual contact until the doctor or nurse tells you that you are no longer infectious and until both you and you partner have been treated.
• Communicating with your sexual partner about what you want and enjoy sexually.
• Using other types of contraception in addition to a condom to avoid unplanned pregnancy. 

Some of the factors that can make unsafe sex more likely include:

• Being drunk (which may lead to you being less careful)
• Using recreational drugs
• Feeling pressured to have sex
• Thinking that it’s okay “just this once”
• Believing that you can tell if someone has an STI because they will have symptoms

Contraception protects against unplanned pregnancy. There are currently 15 methods of contraception available in the UK. Condoms are the only contraception that help to protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Safe sex doesn’t have to be difficult. Tips include:

• Be prepared. It doesn’t have to be a passion-killer. Carry condoms in your wallet or purse and keep them handy at home, so that you don’t have to interrupt having sex to look for one.
• If you find condoms reduce the pleasure that you or your partner experience, drop a bit of water-based lubricant in the tip of the condom for extra feeling and sensitivity.
• Learn how to use condoms. They may take a little getting used to, but it’s better than catching an STI.
• Involve condoms in foreplay.
• If you feel too embarrassed to buy condoms in a pharmacy or supermarket, buy them from vending machines in (some) public toilets, buy them online or grab a handful from a community health centre or sexual health centre. 
• Educate yourself about STIs. Anyone who has sex is at risk.
• Be mature about STIs and reassure yourself and your partner that an STI is not a moral judgement of character, but an infection like any other.
• Have STI tests if you are in a relationship and you want to have sex without a condom. Both partners should be tested. Think of STI testing as a sign of respect for each other.

The USW nurses can offer advice on all forms of contraception including free “emergency contraception”. Free condoms are available as part of the C-Card Scheme. In addition, free pregnancy testing is also available. Contact the USW Health Team if you would like advice or wish to join the condom scheme.

It is important to be aware that people can carry and pass on sexually transmitted infections without knowing they have an STI. Some people also deliberately do not disclose they have an STI. Protect yourself by avoiding casual sex or by using a condom.

Examples of unsafe sexual activities include:

• Having sex without a male or female condom
• Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation instead of using condoms (pre-ejaculatory fluid may be infectious and can also contain sperm, resulting in pregnancy)
• Trying to re-use a condom or using a condom that is past its use-by date
• Using a condom incorrectly or continuing to have sex once the condom is broken
• Exchanging bodily fluids like menstrual blood, semen or vaginal fluids inside another person’s body (for example, mouth, vagina or anus).

Frisky Wales offer both free postal STI testing and condom provision on their website.

For more advice on this subject please book an appointment to speak to the USW Health Team.