• 30-35 million episodes of STDs in India every year.
• 2.4 million Indians are living with AIDS with 83% of them in the age group of 15-49 years.
• Almost half of 48.1 million pregnancies a year, in India are unintended
• 33% of all pregnancies result in induced abortions (15.6 million abortions a year)

Safety during sexual encounters is not something that should be taken lightly, especially if one or more of those involved have had more than a single sexual partner.

Health professionals believe that there is no such thing as safe sex as all forms of sexual contact can carry some risk. Oral sex spreads syphilis, gonorrhea among others; anal and vaginal sex spreads chlamydia, HIV, hepatitis B among others; and genital skin to skin contact spreads herpes, HPV and pubic lice. Even kissing can spread herpes.

The phrase ‘safer sex’ was coined to imply that there are things people can do to reduce the risk. Safer sex is about ensuring that both the partners have lower risk of contracting diseases that can be transmitted through sexual activities. Safer sex can also help avoid unwanted pregnancies.

While abstinence would be most effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs, most adults are sexually active at some point in their lives. Complete abstinence might be rather impracticable, but monogamy certainly isn’t! Having only one partner limits the chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases though it offers no protection against unwanted pregnancies.

Other methods of contraception including contraceptive pills, emergency morning after pills, and intra uterine devices like Copper T offer no protection against STDs.

The most common way to prevent both STDs as well as unwanted pregnancies is through the use condoms. Condoms are of two kinds, male and female. Male condoms are the most popular and widely available. It is a thin rubber sheath which should be wrapped around the penis before any kind of sexual contact. The condom prevents the semen from entering the vagina and the vaginal fluids from coming in contact with the penis. People with latex allergy can use polyurethane condoms. Female condoms, also called internal condoms are also made of polyurethane and can be inserted by women. Polyurethane condoms are less reliable than latex condoms. Condoms should be worn during oral sex also to prevent contact between semen and saliva. However, keep in mind that condoms can break, they are only about 85% effective, and they offer protection only for diseases spread through fluid exchange.

Irrespective of the method, the key to safer sex is communication. Before starting a sexual relationship with a new partner, openness about previous partners, history of sexually transmitted diseases and whether the relationship will be monogamous will help.

It is also important to avoid situations that increase risk – such as sex under the influence of substances. Both alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions which result in unwise decisions such as unprotected sex. It is also harder to use a condom when one is inebriated.

It is a good idea to get yourself tested regularly for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you have more than one partner. Genital warts, sores, pain and itching can all indicate the presence of an infection. However most people with STDs can pass on the infection to others before the symptoms become visible and hence frequent testing is the only sure way to ensure that one is not spreading infection.

While ensuring safety during sex can seem like a tedious process, being prepared can prevent regret later. These easy precautions can lead to a more enjoyable sexual experience. Stay safe!