Are you in a steamy relationship with a new partner you have just met or have multiple sexual partners? If you are not sure of your partner’s sexual health status, you are advised to always use a condom. Read on to know why a condom is a must.
Many people have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which they may not be aware of, or are aware of but have not sought medical attention. You are responsible for your own health so take care of your sexual health and don’t gamble with it. You should never have unprotected sex unless you know your partner well enough to be privy to his sexual history and health status.
Using a condom is the best way of protecting yourself from STIs. Also remember that infections such as Chlamydia can increase your risk of infertility, and you may have problems later in life when you want to start a family. Despite all the information available and knowledge of the consequences of STIs such as HIV, many women shy away from asking their partner to use a condom.
Some women feel that mentioning condoms at the first moment of passion when you are out on a date can make it look as if you want to have sex, when neither partner really knows what will happen later. Not only that, many women fear it may make them look “easy to get” when they talk about condoms at the first mention of sex. Whether sex will take place or not, make sure your partner knows that if you ever have sex, he must use a condom.
While discussing condoms may be an awkward conversation, especially with someone you don’t know very well or a steady partner you are not too sure about his sexual health status, it is still the best bet for protection against STIs. Put on before sex, a condom acts as an effective barrier, preventing infections spreading and is also a family planning method, though not 100 percent effective. So, not only will it guard your sexual health, a condom may also help you avoid unwanted pregnancy. Condoms are also vital for safeguarding after your fertility, as Chlamydia is often symptom-free and you may never know you have it until the time you are trying for a child, which may be too late. It is important for every sexually active woman to have regular gynaecological tests, as these can help detect various problems early and treatment offered in good time.
You must take sexual responsibility for yourself and not leave it to your partner. Make a rule to yourself to always use a condom and resolve to act on it. Don’t take your pants off before he puts a condom on. Humour can be a good way to broach the subject if you are not comfortable talking about condoms. For example, pulling out some colourful condom is a fun way to bring up a serious subject. Be jokey about the subject yet insist he uses a condom. No condom, no sex must always be the rule.
It’s best to use two lines of defense if you want to avoid STIs and pregnancy: the Pill or an IUD for contraception, and a condom to protect against STIs. However, at the early stages of intimacy, you need not mention you are using contraceptives if you think your partner may choose not to use a condom because for him the only risk he envisages is pregnancy. There is also now the female condom, which you have full control of, so if he won’t use one, use one yourself.
TO BE SAFE, OBSERVE THESE TIPS:
Always carry some condom with you when you go to places where you might drink and flirt and possibly end up having sex even though you had not planned it.
Buy reputable brands of condom and check the expiry date.
Keep condoms away from heat and oil-based products such as lipstick and hand cream, which can damage them.
If you drink, be aware of how alcohol affects your self-control. You could get raped or end up in bed with someone you didn’t intend to.