'Safe Sex' or 'Safer Sex - Which one is better?

The terms 'safer sex' and 'safe sex' are used interchangeably, as the difference is not commonly known. Many people do not know the difference. The difference, however, is very subtle.

'Safe Sex' is all about having a sex safely. It doesn't involved several things that are linked to maintaining overall sexual health. It is also a term that provides people with a false sense of security and makes them believe that they are indulging in safe sex.

It starts and ends with the sexual activity. In reality, condom or any other protection doesn't guarantee 100% protection. When sex happens between two people, there is always going to be some kind of risk involved. No couples can be guaranteed of 100% safety. Condom is just an element in the safe sexual practices, though it is highly effective and less cumbersome compared to other methods.

'Safer Sex' is an umbrella tem that encapsulates overall attitude towards maintaining a sound sexual health. It includes using condoms, periodical testing, resorting to safe sexual practices, maintaining physical hygiene, eating healthy, staying in healthy relationships and much more.

It denotes a group of activities more closely linked with overall sexual health and includes safe sexual practices. In a nutshell, safer sex is not just the act of covering your organ (using a condom) but what you do before and after your sexual activity to ensure your overall sexual health remains sound.

So, what constitutes safer sex?

Safer sex involves 4 key components.

Open communication
PeriodicalSTDScreening
Using Condoms Regularly and Correctly
A Lifestyle Choice that is risk-free

Open Communication - Discuss with your partner before the start of your physical intimacy. Though this could be little awkward, but it can go a long way in helping you stay healthy.

- Find out if your partner ever hadSTD. If yes, what is the current status, is it treated completely? Does it require any re-testing or treatment.

- If you had ever tested positive, make your partner aware of it.

- Know the number of sexual partners your partner had in the last six months, did your partner resorted to safer sexual practices

- When was the last time your partner tested?

- What normally your partner does during sex to keep him or her safe?

Be open and ask your partner about everything. Don’t leave anything for a chance. More openly you communicate with your partner, safer it can get.

Periodical STD Screening - Get yourself fullSTD screening atleast once a year and more often if you have sex with a new partner or multiple partners. This can help you alleviate fears and feel good about yourself.

Use Condoms - Make sure you use condoms regularly and correctly. There are number of videos available in internet about correct ways of using a condom. Make sure you wear a condom or make your partner wear a condom compulsorily every time.

Make a healthy lifestyle choice - More than protection, only your lifestyle choice can make you remain healthy in the long run. Make sure you have steady and reliable partner.

Avoid indulging in multiple partners, or have more than one partner at a time. Limit or completely eliminate the use of alcohol. Stay away from drugs and usage of steroids or other stimulants for enhanced sexual activity.