Sex can be so deliciously, delectably exciting. As individuals and as play partners, we can truly embrace our inner Lexual animal when we feel open and comfortable to explore our Lexuality. And part of that comfort is making sure we’re playing it safe.
With plenty of tantalizing experiences to be had, here are some tips to stay up to date with your sexual health, whether you’re single or partnered up.
1. Get tested often.
Even if you weren’t in a non-monogamous space, as a sexually active adult, it’s good to get tested often for STDs and STIs. Some of the most common STIs/STDs do not show symptoms, and we can even go years without knowing we have them. If you’re with more than one partner, I recommend getting tested every three months (which is what I usually do) to six months. The more active you are and the more partners you’ve had within the time since your last test, the more often you should get tested. And make sure to get tested ASAP if there was a slip in using protection (for instance, if the condom breaks).
Getting tested often is a great way to take care of yourself, and your current and future partners. It’s also a wonderful conversation piece when exploring new relations, because you’re showing your partners that your and their sexual health matters to you.
2. Protect yourself and your partners.
Getting tested is important, but wearing protection is even more important. Having that saucy one night stand? Having an experience in the heat of the moment? A barrier such as a condom is easy to carry, relatively affordable (with some health clinics also giving them out for free). When used properly, internal and external condoms protect against most STIs/STDs, and pregnancy.
I ALWAYS have at least a few condoms with me anywhere I go (because you never know when you’ll get lucky) and you should, too!
Taking charge of our sexual health is so empowering (and incredibly important)!
3. Don’t forget mouth protection!
Yes, mouth protection: common STIs and STDs can be transferred via oral sex, from genitals to mouth or from mouth to genitals. Condoms are a great way to stay protected when giving oral sex on a penis, and a dental dam is a wonderful tool to protect the vulva or anus during oral sex. You can also get yourself a pair of latex underwear by Lorals that makes protection during cunnilingus sexy. Easy to carry, oral sex can still stay delicious!
As another tip, if you don’t like dental dams or don’t have one on hand, you can also carefully cut open a condom lengthwise, which will cover more surface area than a dental dam, while still offering protection. You can also try using a latex or nitrile medical glove as a dental dam, as per sex educator Sunny Megatron’s amazing how-to video.
Lexual Tip: while playing with multiple people in a group setting, try using antibacterial mouthwash between partners. Besides being more hygienic and respectful for all the people involved, this can help reduce the chances of getting a cold! Because there’s nothing like getting sick to put a cramp in your sexual life…
4. Ask partners about sexual health.
When exploring with a new partner or playing with a new couple, don’t be shy to ask about the last time they got tested. Share when you or you and your partner last did, talk about any concerns, boundaries, or needs that you may have before going all in. After a simple convo, you can get to your play in no time!
5. Fluid bonding: be transparent.
A fluid partner is a partner that you have sexual interactions in which you exchange fluids (i.e. saliva, cum, squirt juice, etc.), without using protection. For example, non-monogamous couples may be fluid with their primary partner, and wear protection with everyone else. This is something that must be agreed upon beforehand, and it’s still recommended to get tested often to ensure health and safety for all of your partners.
6. Disclose your status.
Being STD or STI positive is not the end of your sex life. There’s no shame in having an STD or STI! In fact, you can have multiple and wonderful sexual relations while knowing your status! It’s important to disclose your status to potential partners before play, and discuss methods of protection, safety and comfort for all those involved.
If you have an STI and you’re undergoing treatment, refrain from playing with others until the STI has cleared up and your doctor says you’re good to go.
What safe sex practices would you add to this list? Share with us in the comments below!
Until next time, Stay Lexual, my friends!
XXX
Lexi
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