| Revision as of 22:03, 1 February 2006 edit64.12.116.198 (talk) →Focus on AIDS "alleged HIV?????"← Previous edit | Revision as of 22:04, 1 February 2006 edit undoChooserr (talk | contribs)3,619 editsm added quotes to "safe sex" as in the "war on christmas" article so it is clearly expressed to be a term not endorsed nor unendorsed(?) by wikipediaNext edit → | ||
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| '''Safe sex''', also called '''safer sex''', is a set of practices designed to reduce the risk of sustaining or imparting ]s (STIs) (also known as ''sexually-transmitted diseases'' or ''STD''s). Conversely, ''unsafe sex'' refers to the participation in a ]ship without the use of any ] or preventive measures against STDs. | '''Safe sex''', also called '''safer sex''', is a term for the set of practices designed to reduce the risk of sustaining or imparting ]s (STIs) (also known as ''sexually-transmitted diseases'' or ''STD''s). Conversely, "''unsafe sex''" refers to the participation in a ]ship without the use of any ] or preventive measures against STDs. | ||
| Safer sex practices became prominent in the late ]s as a result of the ] epidemic. From the viewpoint of society, safer sex can be regarded as a ] strategy. Safe sex is about risk reduction, not complete risk elimination. | Safer sex practices became prominent in the late ]s as a result of the ] epidemic. From the viewpoint of society, safer sex can be regarded as a ] strategy. "Safe sex" is about risk reduction, not complete risk elimination. | ||
| ==Terminology== | ==Terminology== | ||
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| Much attention has focused on controlling ], which causes ], through the use of ], but each STD presents a different predicament. However, sex educators recommend that some form of barrier protection as a ] measure should be used for all sexual activities which might potentially result in the exchange of body fluids. | Much attention has focused on controlling ], which causes ], through the use of ], but each STD presents a different predicament. However, sex educators recommend that some form of barrier protection as a ] measure should be used for all sexual activities which might potentially result in the exchange of body fluids. | ||
| ==Safe sex precautions== | =="Safe sex" precautions== | ||
| === Controlling social factors === | === Controlling social factors === | ||
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| The ] and lubricant ] used to coat condoms is capable of increasing the risk of Sexually Trasmitted Infections, according to the ]. For more information click ]. | The ] and lubricant ] used to coat condoms is capable of increasing the risk of Sexually Trasmitted Infections, according to the ]. For more information click ]. | ||
| ] (or "pulling out"), in which the ] is removed from the ], ], or ] before ], is not safe sex and can result in STI transmission or ]. This is because of the formation of ], a fluid (which may contain sperm) that oozes from the ] 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 ] strategy for those habitually engaging in unsafe intercourse. | ] (or "pulling out"), in which the ] is removed from the ], ], or ] before ], is not "safe sex" and can result in STI transmission or ]. This is because of the formation of ], a fluid (which may contain sperm) that oozes from the ] 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 ] strategy for those habitually engaging in unsafe intercourse. | ||
| ==Controversy== | ==Controversy== | ||
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| Some studies show that ] who make an external commitment to maintain their ] until marriage have similar rates of STI infection as those who have not made an external commitment. Other studies show that the effect of ]s typically include the delay of vaginal sexual intercourse by 12 to 18 months, but with decreased likelihood of condom use at the first encounter. Additionally, those who commit to sexual abstinence are more likely to participate in ] and ] than those who have not made that commitment. However, the pro-abstinence ] states that "pledgers" are 40% less likely to have children outside of marriage. | Some studies show that ] who make an external commitment to maintain their ] until marriage have similar rates of STI infection as those who have not made an external commitment. Other studies show that the effect of ]s typically include the delay of vaginal sexual intercourse by 12 to 18 months, but with decreased likelihood of condom use at the first encounter. Additionally, those who commit to sexual abstinence are more likely to participate in ] and ] than those who have not made that commitment. However, the pro-abstinence ] states that "pledgers" are 40% less likely to have children outside of marriage. | ||
| In the ], some have claimed that condoms are ineffective against HIV transmission, particularly during anal sex. These claims have been disputed by many medical researchers, who view correctly used condoms as effective protection. Some studies have shown that, even with the best of intentions, condom users can often use condoms improperly, so that the transmission rate remains disturbingly high. Advocates of safe sex education point out that it has to start at an early age to be effective, a notion which arouses even heavier opposition from conservatives given the ] of ]. | In the ], some have claimed that condoms are ineffective against HIV transmission, particularly during anal sex. These claims have been disputed by many medical researchers, who view correctly used condoms as effective protection. Some studies have shown that, even with the best of intentions, condom users can often use condoms improperly, so that the transmission rate remains disturbingly high. Advocates of "safe sex" education point out that it has to start at an early age to be effective, a notion which arouses even heavier opposition from conservatives given the ] of ]. | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 22:04, 1 February 2006
Safe sex, also called safer sex, is a term for the set of practices designed to reduce the risk of sustaining or imparting sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) (also known as sexually-transmitted diseases or STDs). Conversely, "unsafe sex" refers to the participation in a sexual relationship without the use of any contraceptive or preventive measures against STDs.
Safer sex practices became prominent in the late 1980s 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.
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.
Ways to prevent STIs
Abstinence
Sexual abstinence, while it virtually eliminates the chance of contracting any STIs or getting of pregnancy, is technically not a method of pursuing "safer sex". It is, however, an option which eliminates risk of STI transmission.
Masturbation
Solitary masturbation (including "phone sex" and "cybersex") is semi-safe form of sexual activity, so long as contact isn't made with discharged bodily fluids (e.g. autofellatio). This can spread infections from one part of the body to another.
Focus on AIDS
Much attention has focused on controlling HIV, which causes AIDS, through the use of condoms, but each STD 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
Controlling social factors
Outside of total abstinence and masturbation, proponents of safer sex recommend that some of the following methods can minimize the risks of STI transmission and pregnancy during sexual activity.
- Monogamy. However, be aware that many monogamous people have been infected with sexually-transmitted diseases by non-monogamous partners, partners who use injection drugs, or previously infected partners. Monogamy can only be considered "safer sex" with frequent STI testing. Since preventing pregnancy is also part of safer sex, at least medical contraception is technically required.
- Knowing your partner(s), especially their STI status.
- Treating existing STIs and infections of the genitals or mouth (which may increase the chance of transmission).
- Communicating with your partner. Being assertive in saying what you want and don't want. This includes discussing beforehand what is acceptable and what is not to avoid "heat of passion" decisions.
- For those who are not monogamous, reducing your number of sexual partners, particularly anonymous sexual partners, will also reduce your potential exposure to STIs.
- Not using recreational drugs, including alcohol, in a way that increases the likelihood you will be negligent of other safer sex guidelines.
Preventing fluid exchange
Avoiding any contact with blood, vaginal fluid, and semen of the partner:
- Use condoms. Condoms cover the penis during sexual activity. They are most frequently made of latex, but can also be made out of polyurethane for those who have a latex allergy, or they can be made out of animal intestine. Polyurethane is thought to be a safe material for use in condoms, since it is nonporous and viruses cannot pass through it. However, there is less research on its effectiveness than there is on latex. Any condoms made out of animal skin or intestine, such as Trojan NaturaLamb, are not thought to be safe because they are porous and viruses such as HIV can pass through them. (See the article on condoms for a more detailed treatment of condom use.)
- Female condom. This condom is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. It is also sometimes used for anal sex.
- Dental dam. A sheet of latex (originally used for dentistry) for protection when engaging in oral sex. It is typically used as a barrier between the mouth and the vagina during cunnilingus or between the mouth and the anus during anilingus. A piece of plastic wrap (such as Saran wrap) may also be used as a dental dam; Saran wrap has been tested by the FDA and CDC and found effective in preventing the transmission of virus-sized particles, although "microwave-safe" wrap may be ineffective. Latex condoms may also be cut to form an improvised dental dam.
- Medical gloves. Gloves made out of latex, vinyl, nitrile, or polyurethane may be used as dental dams during oral sex, or to protect the hands during mutual masturbation. Hands may have invisible cuts on them that may admit pathogens that are found in semen or vaginal fluids. Although the risk of infection in this manner is thought to be low, some people use gloves as an extra precaution. Gloves also make mutual masturbation more comfortable by preventing sharp fingernails from accidentally scratching the genitalia.
- Another way to avoid contact with blood and semen is outercourse (non-penetrative sex), or forms of penetration that do not involve a penis, such as the use of dildos (when cleaned or covered with condoms), especially strap-on dildos when thrusting is desired.
Ineffective methods
Note that most methods of contraception (birth control) other than the barrier methods mentioned above are not effective at preventing the spread of STIs.
The spermicide and lubricant Nonoxynol-9 used to coat condoms is capable of increasing the risk of Sexually Trasmitted Infections, according to the World Health Organisation. For more information click here.
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 the "safer sex" movement on the grounds that it promotes what they hold to be immoral and high-risk behavior, namely sex outside of marriage. This, they argue, increases rather than decreases the risk of contracting STDs. They believe that the best way to avoid sexual disease is abstinence before marriage followed by lifelong mutual fidelity thereafter. By way of contrast, proponents of the safer sex movement contend that it is often difficult to compel adolescents to refrain from sexual activity, and impossible to compel adults to remain sexually monogamous. They conclude that it is better to offer comprehensive sexual education involving "safer sex" techniques as a practical measure rather than risk infection or pregnancy to uphold a moral ideal.
Some studies show that adolescents who make an external commitment to maintain their virginity until marriage have similar rates of STI infection as those who have not made an external commitment. Other studies show that the effect of virginity pledges typically include the delay of vaginal sexual intercourse by 12 to 18 months, but with decreased likelihood of condom use at the first encounter. Additionally, those who commit to sexual abstinence are more likely to participate in oral and anal sex than those who have not made that commitment. However, the pro-abstinence Heritage Foundation states that "pledgers" are 40% less likely to have children outside of marriage.
In the US, some have claimed that condoms are ineffective against HIV transmission, particularly during anal sex. These claims have been disputed by many medical researchers, who view correctly used condoms as effective protection. Some studies have shown that, even with the best of intentions, condom users can often use condoms improperly, so that the transmission rate remains disturbingly high. Advocates of "safe sex" education point out that it has to start at an early age to be effective, a notion which arouses even heavier opposition from conservatives given the taboo of child sexuality.
External links
- "Guide to Safer Sex" from the Society for Human Sexuality's sexuality.org site. Very explicit information on making various sexual practices safer:
- Tiny Nibbles Safer Sex Chart. Presents risk levels of a variety of sexual activities and most major STIs.
- Condom use — In french, but with many pictures.
- The Strategy. Get tested together before you have sex for sexually transmitted infections.
