Being sexually active comes with both joys and risks. While it can bring pleasure and connection, it also carries the potential for things such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To ensure that you enjoy your sexual encounters as much as possible, it is important to take proactive steps to safeguard your health.
Use Protection
One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself is to use protection during intercourse. Condoms are a great way to reduce the risk of both pregnancy and STIs. When purchasing condoms, check the expiration date to know if they will effectively protect against infection and pregnancy. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask your partner about their sexual history or the results of their last tests, as it’s important to talk openly with your partner about these sorts of things to protect both of you. You should also be prepared to talk about using protection well before having sex. All these things will help ensure both parties are comfortable and safe during the experience and can walk away happy and worry-free afterward.
Get Tested Regularly
Another important step in protecting your health while being sexually active is getting tested regularly for STIs. Depending on your risk factors, this could mean undergoing std testing every three months or even more frequently if you engage in risky behavior such as not using a condom or having multiple partners. By getting tested regularly, you can identify any potential infections early on so that treatment can begin quickly and limit further transmission or spread of infection if present.
Practice Healthy Habits
Finally, practicing healthy habits is key to safeguarding your health while being sexually active. This includes eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep each night, abstaining from drugs and alcohol before engaging in sexual activity, and avoiding forms of genital cleaning products that could disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body. All these practices will help keep your body healthy to fight off infections should you contract any while being sexually active.
Being proactive about your health is essential when engaging in sexual activities with another person. Taking steps such as using protection during intercourse, getting tested regularly for STIs, and practicing healthy habits contribute to a safer overall experience. Remember – knowing how best to protect yourself is essential for enjoying pleasurable sexual experiences without worrying about unintended consequences down the road.
