Safer Sex Starts with Self: Redefining Practices Beyond Condoms
When asked how to reduce STI transmission between partners, two of the most common answers that people respond with are 1) using barrier methods; and 2) avoiding individuals with STIs. These answers are typically the results of a lack of comprehensive sex education and do not offer a complete picture of engaging in safer sex practice.
Safer sex with our partners starts with safer sex with ourselves. By that I mean, a developed awareness of our STI status, sexual self-care routine, and an ability to communicate about this with our partners. Here are a few of my tips:
1. Know your STI status.
2. Make STI screening a part of your sexual self-care routine
3. Prioritize communicating with your partners about sexual health
4. Utilize barrier methods and medications (ex. herpes antivirals) as appropriate)
Folks are so quick to jump to barriers and often rely on this as a mechanism avoidance. Many of these individuals also see barrier methods as a scapegoat for communication about seemingly “awkward” topics and do not realize that one can still contract an STI, like herpes, when using certain barrier methods.
One could argue that avoiding these topics with our sexual partners is a means of avoiding them within the self. Avoiding regular STI screenings, avoiding sexual health checks because you are asymptomatic, avoiding discussions with partners can all be the results of deeply ingrained STI stigma. We have to start with self.