How safe is your sex?

[Guest Lo***si*****e]

The issue of safe sex seems to be raising it's head again, with news reports pointing to a rise in STMs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) here in Canada.

See today's (Nov. 4) article in the Globe and Mail.

 

Syphilis: how the old disease is becoming a modern problem

 

So my questions to the community are:

1. "How safe is your sex?" (Do you use protection always, usually, sometimes, seldom, never?) and

2. "Do articles such as this influence your safe sex practices in any way?"

 

Thanks in advance to to those who reply.

[Kathryn Bardot 99339]

The only safe sex is masturbation.

 

However, there are safer sex practices which can reduce the risk of acquiring STIs (side note: they're mostly referred to as sexually transmitted infections as not all infections will have symptoms or develop into a disease. Also, infections can be and generally are treatable, whereas disease can carry a lot of stigma. See: http://www.beforeplay.org/blog/the-difference-between-stds-and-stis/)

 

This topic comes up frequently and can often dissolve into pretty nasty arguments. My piece:

 

• You can only know with 100% certainty your OWN sexual health status. Get tested. And remember that there are screening windows, and that tests are only accurate as of that period of time.
  
• Educate yourself. There is a lot of information available, and some of it is not always accurate. Stick to reputable sources of information and use your critical thinking skills.
  
• Communicate! As providers, we have often taken the responsibility to educate ourselves. If you're unsure about something, or want to clarify what practices will be used, please ask but remember to do so respectfully. Asking someone "what diseases do you have?" is not going to get you off to the right start. (And yes, I have been asked that!)
  

[peacectryguy 12547]

• Educate yourself. There is a lot of information available, and some of it is not always accurate. Stick to reputable sources of information and use your critical thinking skills.
  
• 
  

This is the thing that I think needs to be stressed. I don't trust the media to give an unbiased report with all the facts. I'm not denying that there is some concern, just saying that keeping ones wits about them is important. A lot of "misinformation" gets spewed out every day in our world and we have to think for ourselves and not just trust everything we read.

As for being safe, I always use protection and expect the same from my partner. To me, that's just common sense. And yes, get tested if you have any doubt whatsoever. Learn how to spot even the most minor symptom and deal with it accordingly. Honestly, it's not brain surgery here and we all know our own bodies.

[VedaSloan 119179]

Treat everyone as if they already have an STI and protect yourself accordingly.

 

That's it, that's all.

[Guest C*****tte]

Pressing the provider for information on her testing practices and proof when you don't get tested yourself is not smart or cool.

 

And seeing your family doctor for a health check up doesn't count unless it involve swabs and blood tests for STIs.

 

Yes, I am speaking from experience.

[Guest *Ste***cque**]

I liked Berlins' approach, treat everyone like they have an STI because there is no way of knowing your partners status for certain. These articles about STI outbreaks just make me focus on maintaining my safety practices.

 

I went for testing this week as I had an encounter in August with an escort where the condom slipped off during intercourse(she used an XXX Large condom and I only take XX Large). I honestly didn't notice it came off until I could no longer see it when checking to make sure things were still "safe". Given the circumstance above I had the complete works including throat swabs, urine and blood tests for everything. I waited as I was told it can take time for certain markers to manifest and be spotted with testing. I've not had any symptoms but to be cautious I've not had sex since August and will know my status next week.

 

I didn't like being in the clinics waiting room so next time I might go back to my doctor.

[Guest C*****tte]

I love the Clinique A in Montreal. The testing is private so it is expensive but the staff is incredible and there is very little wait time. It also does testing and vaccinations for travel so if you ever see anyone there then you can say you are going on a trip!!

[FunValerie 8573]

Life is never 100% safe. Something can go wrong at any time. We all get to decide what risk we are willing to take.