Information AboutSafe Sex |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SAFE SEX | |
| birth control | |
| hiv---aids | |
| prevention | |
| sexual health | |
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Safer sex practices became prominent in the late 1980 s as a result of the AIDS epidemic. From the viewpoint of society, safer sex can be regarded as a Harm Reduction strategy. Safe sex is about risk reduction, not complete risk elimination. Although safe sex practices can be used as a form of Family Planning , the term refers to efforts made to prevent Infection rather than Conception . Many effective forms of Contraception do not offer protection against STIs. TERMINOLOGY Recently, and mostly within the United States , the use of the term ''safer sex'' rather than ''safe sex'' has gained greater use by health workers, with the realization the grounds that risk of transmission of sexually-transmitted infections in various Sexual Activities is a continuum rather than a simple dichotomy between risky and safe. However, in most other countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia , the term ''safe sex'' is still mainly used by sex educators. Because these terms are virtually synonymous with each other, they will be used interchangeably throughout this article. FOCUS ON AIDS Much attention has focused on controlling HIV , the virus that causes AIDS , through the use of Condoms , but each STI presents a different predicament. However, sex educators recommend that some form of barrier protection as a Harm Reduction measure should be used for all sexual activities which might potentially result in the exchange of body fluids. SAFE SEX PRECAUTIONS Abstinence One way to avoid the risks associated with Sexual Contact is to abstain from sex entirely, which virtually elimates the chances of contracting STDs . This approach is advocated by the members of many Religion s who oppose sex outside marriage, and is sometimes encouraged by the promotion of Virginity Pledge s and Sexual Abstinence education for teenagers. Masturbation Solitary Masturbation (including " Phone Sex " and " Cybersex ") is a safe form of sexual activity, so long as contact is not made with other people's discharged bodily fluids. Approaching sex with caution Acknowleding that it is usually impossible to have entirely risk-free sex with another person, proponents of safer sex recommend that some of the following methods be used to minimize the risks of STI transmission and unwanted pregnancy.
Preventing fluid exchange Various devices are used to avoid contact with Blood , Vaginal Fluid , and Semen during sexual activity:
INEFFECTIVE METHODS Note that most methods of Contraception other than the barrier methods mentioned above are ''not'' effective at preventing the spread of STIs. The more easy points of entry into the system. As a result condoms with a Nonoxynol-9 lubricant are not to be promoted. Coitus Interruptus (or "pulling out"), in which the Penis is removed from the Vagina , Anus , or Mouth before Ejaculation , is not safe sex and can result in STI transmission or Pregnancy . This is because of the formation of Pre-ejaculate , a fluid (which may contain sperm) that oozes from the Urethra before actual ejaculation. In addition, open sores on either partner can permit transmission. This does reduce the chance of STI transmission, however, and is sometimes recommended as a Harm Reduction strategy for those habitually engaging in unsafe intercourse. CONTROVERSY Some conservatives object to safe sex programs because they believe that providing education about condom use and other protective measures promotes non-procreative and promiscuous sex. As an alternative, they endorse abstinence before Marriage and monogamy during marriage, arguing that this is the only reliable way to stop STIs. Many safe sex advocates believe that Harm Reduction is more practical than merely exhorting people to avoid having sex outside of marital relationships. Some governments and organisations have been criticised heavily for promoting their beliefs in their HIV/AIDS programmes. UNFPA 's request for $28 million dollars to offer birth control to Tsunami survivors is just one example. {Link without Title} SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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