Tips to Protect Yourself from STIs

Even with the best intentions, people can still get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)from their partner. But the more informed you are, the easier it is to protect yourself and your partner from STIs. 

Here are some tips to help you avoid STIs. Consider which will work for you:

• always use barriers like condoms or dental dams
• choose safer sexual activities like kissing, touching and massaging
• avoid sex altogether
• reduce the number of partners you have sex with
• get tested regularly
• ask your partner if they’ve been tested or to come get tested with you
• know how to use condoms effectively
• talk to your partner about safer sex (protection, testing, STI history)
• avoid sharing needles
• avoid getting unprofessional tattoos or piercings

STIs can have different effects depending on the person and which STI it is. And STIs can even be present but show NO SYMPTOMS. They only way to really know if you have an STI is to get tested. 

For information on STIs and where to get tested in Calgary, visit us at http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/the_basics_about_stis.html.

And to see what its like to go for STI testing, view our "How to Be a SexPert" podcast:

 

The "First Time"...Part 2

Our next episode of the “How To Be A Sexpert” podcast is PART 2 of our discussion about “First Times”.

When it comes to sex, the pressure of the first time can cause all kinds of anxiety.   To reduce the stress, it is really important that you feel ready for the experience.  So, before you get into the heat of the moment, decide if you are ready to become sexually active.

In this episode of our "How To Be A Sexpert" podcast, our SexPerts talk about their decisions and thoughts about "First Times".

The "First Time"

Our latest episode of the “How To Be A Sexpert” podcast talks about “First Times”.

When it comes to sex, the pressure of the first time can cause all kinds of anxiety.   To reduce the stress, it is really important that you feel ready for the experience.  So, before you get into the

heat of the moment, decide if you are ready to become sexually active. 

You might ask yourself, how do I know when I am ready for sex? How do I know what sexual activities I am comfortable with? How will I know what my boundaries are?

The answer to these questions is different for every person.

There is no magical age when a person is ready to have sex and it is a question that may come up repeatedly over the course of someone’s lifetime. Deciding what you feel comfortable doing or “how far” you want to go is a personal choice that you have to make each and every time you become physically or emotionally involved with another person. Having a physical desire to enjoy sexual pleasure is not the same thing as being emotionally prepared for sex with another person.

There is also no rule about how long people should date before getting sexually involved.  As a rule, if you are having doubts, then you are probably not ready for sex with another person at that time.   Only you can decide when you feel ready for sex and what you are comfortable doing. You might be comfortable with certain sexual practices and activities and not with others.

Determine your sexual boundaries before you get involved with a partner and you will be more prepared to have this discussion when you need to. Things may change as your relationship progresses, but thinking about your limits will help to make sure that you don’t give in to peer pressure and end up doing things outside of your comfort zone.

Sex will not always be that “wow” we have always dreamed of, but if you know you are ready to take that step, you feel connected to your partner, and your body is ready, it is much more likely you will have a great experience.

A great resource is a book by Kim Martyn, All the Way: Sex for the First Time.  You can find this, and lots of other great resources at:

http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/PrintablePDFfiles/Sexual_Health_Resource_Centre_Catalogue_Feb_2011.pdf

Stay tuned … more about the First Time in the next episode of our podcast!

Quiffs and other quagmires

Our recently released podcast, Quiffs and other Quagmires, takes a look at the more awkward, and realistic experiences that occur during sex.  Sexperts take to the streets and talk to people about some of the less sexy moments during sex.

We are bombarded by messages of what sex should be like. 

The portrayal of sex on TV and in movies is not how it often plays out in real life.  Sex should be a fun, intimate experience, free of unrealistic expectations of yourself or your partner.

Sex for the first time, and every time after, should be consensual and you should always feel permission to stop when you don’t feel comfortable doing something. 

Communication is the key.  When you discuss sex with your partner, it will be sexy like on TV.

Check out our website for information and support when exploring sexual relationships.

http://calgarysexualhealth.ca/relationships_intro.html