Sexual activities with potential hazards: Description, instances, and strategies to minimize risks
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies are preventable issues that can have serious consequences for an individual's health and wellbeing. Here's a guide to understanding the risks and strategies for prevention.
High Risk Sexual Behaviors
High risk sexual behaviors increase the likelihood of STIs and unintended pregnancies. These behaviors include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, engaging in sexual activity with partners whose sexual history or STI status is unknown, having sex with open sores or cuts present, and exchanging sex for money or drugs [1][2][5].
Prevention Strategies
To reduce these risks and prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies, effective strategies include:
- Consistent and correct use of condoms and other barrier methods for all types of sexual contact. Use male or female condoms appropriately, avoiding using male and female condoms simultaneously. Dental dams or latex sheets are recommended for oral sex [2].
- Use water-based lubricants only with latex condoms to reduce irritation and avoid condom breakage. Avoid oil-based lubricants which weaken latex, and avoid chemical irritants such as spermicides that can cause sores and increase STI risk [2].
- Cover any open sores or cuts during sexual activity to prevent pathogen entry; avoid oral sex if there are open sores or cuts in the mouth [2].
- Limit number of sexual partners and engage in mutually monogamous relationships where both partners have been tested and are aware of each other's STI status.
- Avoid sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as impaired judgment may lead to risky sexual choices [1].
- Use dual protection—a condom combined with another form of birth control—to prevent both STIs and pregnancy [2].
- Avoid sharing sex toys or using saliva as lubricant to prevent germ transmission [2].
- Get regular screening and treatment for STIs, especially when sexually active with multiple partners or new partners.
- Education and interventions targeting at-risk groups, like adolescents, have been developed to reduce unplanned pregnancies and STIs, e.g., mHealth programs like MARSSI for safer sex behavior [4].
- Address underlying behavioral issues, such as sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behavior, which may lead to increased risk-taking despite known dangers [1].
- Recognize and intervene in cases of grooming or sexual abuse, as victims may have difficulty establishing healthy boundaries or protecting themselves in relationships [5].
Implementing these practices jointly enhances protection against STIs and unintended pregnancies by reducing exposure risk, preventing condom failure or misuse, and promoting informed and consensual sexual behavior.
Common STIs
Chlamydia is a common STI that most people who have contracted do not realize. Symptoms can be mild or absent, making it easy to spread unknowingly. Syphilis is another bacterial infection that can lead to sores on the genitals, lips, mouth, or anus. Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that may not cause symptoms [3].
Anal Sex
Anal sex involves any sexual activity that involves a person's anus. This type of sex increases the risk of contracting STIs, including herpes, genital warts, HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea [6]. Using a new condom before transitioning from anal sex to vaginal sex can help reduce the chance of developing a urinary tract infection. Using water-based lubricants can help reduce the chance of damaging the rectum during anal sex [7].
Preexposure Prophylaxis
Preexposure prophylaxis can help reduce the chance of contracting HIV for those who exchange sex [8].
By being informed, taking precautions, and seeking regular screenings, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of contracting STIs and unintended pregnancies.
- Women's health-and-wellness encompasses not only sexual health but also the prevention of health issues like STIs and unintended pregnancies, which can be addressed through contextual strategies such as the consistent and correct use of birth control along with barrier methods.
- Pfizer's Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, has been used in certain cases for treating HIV/AIDS, showing the advancements science has made in dealing with these health situations.
- In the context of sexual health, it's crucial to be aware that high risk sexual behaviors, such as those involving unprotected sex or multiple partners, can block the path to a healthy and fulfilling life by increasing the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies.
- Sexual health isn't solely about the prevention of STIs; it also involves addressing underlying behavioral issues like sexual addiction or compulsive behavior, which could lead to increased risk-taking and potentially blocked opportunities for a healthy lifestyle.
- To ensure comprehensive sexual and health-wellness, it's fundamental to consider preventive measures like getting regular screenings and treatment for STIs, especially in cases where there are multiple partners or unknown STI statuses, to avoid being blocked from maintaining good health and wellbeing.
