I don’t know what your personal stance is on sex. You may not agree with me as well. But that’s fine, everyone is entitled to their personal opinion. You may be waiting until marriage to engage in sexuality activity.

If you are not, I would highly suggest using protection.

Protect Yourself

First and foremost, you are safeguarding yourself from STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). If you’re not ready to become pregnant but want to be intimate with your partner, using a condom or some form of birth control is a good idea.

Protect Your Partner

It’s only responsible to also protect your partner’s health and body. Sex is beautiful and intimate and obviously it requires both partners’ consent. There should be open, clear communication between both partners. Before you engage in any sexual activity, sit down and have a chat with your partner about what his thoughts are on protection.

It’s always best to be on the same page. If he or she doesn’t feel comfortable using protection, then you should communicate your desires and reasons. Be calm and reasonable. If he or she still doesn’t agree, then it’s up to you to make a final call. Whatever your decision, make sure you are always comfortable and don’t get pressured to do anything you don’t want.

Sexual Activity Can Still Be Enjoyable

There’s a misconception that using protection diminishes your pleasure and satisfaction during sex. That is not true, many couples and partners have experienced pleasure.

Here is another great resource to learn more about protection, sex, and body image featured from my earlier blog, an Interview With Adela.

Adela is certified to provide basic family planning education and has worked as a reproductive health educator since 2011. She provides education about contraception and STDs to teens, college students, and also presents to parents on how they can communicate with their children about reproductive health.

What are your thoughts on this post? Please share with me in the comments.