By Aidyn Jarek
Summer is a great time to be outdoors, and being sexually active during the summer can be a great way to enjoy the season. However, before you start, you need to know what you are getting into. You also have to be aware of sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
So, if you plan on being sexually active this summer, here are a few tips:
Wear Protection
The summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and relax with your partner, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. This means that you should be extra cautious when engaging in sexual activity during the warmer months.
Wearing condoms or dental dams during sex will protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infections, and other health issues that are caused by unprotected intercourse.
Get Tested for STIs
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through personal STI testing is a smart idea for anyone who wants to protect their health. Testing ensures that you will know if you have an STI and can take any necessary steps to treat it. In addition, if you are at risk of passing on an STI, your partner(s) can be tested and treated as well.
You should consider getting tested:
- Before starting new sexual relationships with partners who may not have been recently tested themselves (for example, if there is suspicion that one or more partners might have been unfaithful).
- On a regular basis, based on your personal risk factors (like the number of partners, condom use).
Check With Your Doctor About Medication You May Be On
It is important to check with your doctor about any medications you are taking before the summer, especially if you have recently started a new medication. Your doctor may have information about the risks of mixing medications and side effects that you would not otherwise know about. Ask your doctor about the following:
- The health risks of mixing medications
- The side effects of each medication
- The interactions between different medications (if there are any)
- Any interactions between alcohol and sex
Limit the Amount of Alcohol Consumption
So, you’re a sexually active person who enjoys drinking. You may be wondering if there is a way to have your drink and drink it too. Well, the answer is yes. The key is moderation and knowing your limit.
When you drink alcohol, it can lower your inhibitions. It makes it easier to forget that you only want to have sex with people that are not married or in relationships. The problem is that when alcohol lowers those inhibitions, it also makes it easier for you to do things without thinking about them first. For example, you might decide that talking on Tinder isn’t enough of an outlet for all of your sexual energy, and so decide to meet up with someone in person. This could lead to an STI or pregnancy if they don’t use protection—neither of which is good for anyone involved.
If we go back even further than this scenario, you could get so drunk one night that you don’t remember what happened the next day, like waking up naked at a party after having unprotected sex with someone. Things can get blurry when alcohol is involved.
Use Lube and Stay Hydrated
Using lube is not just for comfort. It’s also an ideal way to have intercourse. However, do ask for consent regarding this from your partner.
Get Excited, but Set Boundaries
To protect yourself and your partners, it’s important to get excited about new adventures, but set boundaries and discuss consent with partners. This can be a hard hurdle for some people to overcome. If you have trouble setting boundaries or communicating them, consider bringing in a third party. You can find someone who can help you talk through the process of setting limits with your partner.
By setting clear and respectful boundaries from the beginning of any sexual encounter, both partners will know what they’re getting into. If anything feels off after the fact, there’s no confusion about whether or not someone is allowed to say something about it. This also gives people more freedom in deciding how far they want to go during sex without worrying about crossing any lines accidentally.
You must take care of your sexual health if you plan on taking part in any of these activities so that you don’t get an STI or other medical issues while having fun this summer. So, have fun, but keep these tips in mind and enjoy responsibly.
