Prioritising Sexual Health: Essential Safety Steps for a Healthy Sexual Relationship
If you wish to maintain a healthy sexual relationship, one of the most critical aspects is prioritising your own personal sexual health. If you can do that, you’ll ensure both your own comfort and safety – and indeed that of your sexual partner.
In this article, we’ll share some essential safety tips that will help you build a strong foundation for a healthy sex life. Here’s what you should know…
Use Protection
You should always use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and any unwanted pregnancies. Of course, if you are in a long-term, committed relationship, there are other forms of contraception you can explore, however, in the early days, prioritising the use of condoms is a great place to start.
Communicate Clearly About Consent
Consent is paramount in any sexual relationship and you owe it to yourself and to your partner to set clear boundaries. So, communicate openly and effectively, listen to one another’s desires, and move forward together at a pace that suits both of you.
Get Regular STI Check-ups
Particularly if you engage in sexual intercourse with multiple partners, it’s important to regularly get checked for STIs – even more so if you have taken part in high-risk sexual activities (i.e., a one-night stand with a stranger, absent protection).
The best way to find out about an STI is by going to see a specialist, rather than receiving a text message from a previous sexual partner when you are in a new, budding relationship with someone that you care about.
Choose Quality Sex Toys
If you and your partner have decided to incorporate sex toys into your relationship, make sure that you invest in high-quality products that are made from body-safe materials.
It’s OK to explore your bodies and use certain items to enhance your sexual pleasure, but it is far better to use purpose-designed items like rechargeable vibrators, butt plugs, and dildos.
Additionally, you should regularly clean your sex toys to prevent the transference of bacteria and possible infection between sexual partners.
Use Lubricant
While the body certainly does a very good job at self-lubricating – not to mention the use of saliva – lubrication plays a vital role in having comfortable and pleasurable sexual experiences with your partner. This is especially important when engaging in different parts of the body, such as anal play.
Practise Good Hygiene
Practising good hygiene is important in life no matter what, but even more so when it comes to your sexual health.
Be sure to regularly wash your genitals with mild soap and warm water and clean underneath your fingernails.
Additionally, (particularly for women), you should urinate after having sex to flush out any accumulated bacteria and reduce the risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections).
Discuss Sexual History
Just as you have a duty of care to be open and honest about your sexual history with a new partner, you should encourage them to do the same – especially when it comes to STIs.
If you find that your new partner has frequently engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners, you are well within your rights to ask them to get an STI check before you consent to allowing them to engage with your body.
Final Thoughts
Prioritising your own sexual health is an essential step in maintaining a healthy sexual relationship with your partner. But remember, it takes two, so encourage your partner to take care of themselves. If they are unwilling to follow the appropriate steps and take the necessary precautions, you may wish to consider finding someone else who will respect your boundaries.
In any case, we hope you’ve found this article insightful and wish you the best of luck in your sexual adventures. Sex should be fun and fulfilling, but never at the risk of your own personal well-being.
