Many of us are aware that sex and sexuality education is, at best, inappropriate and, at worst, nonexistent. It is clearly visible that alarming statistics for teen pregnancy and a high incidence of sexually transmitted diseases support the need for education and intervention targeted at a young audience specially women in both rural and urban areas.
The traditional approach, to incorporate sex education into health education classes taught by school teachers specially to girls is still difficult to accomplish in rural school settings where adequate financial resources and community involvement are lacking. But if you’ve ever noticed the main contrivance people mention for safe sex is condom which is preferably worn by men and is very well promoted by educationalists all over the world. On the contradictory, people are mostly unaware about the protection women can use for safer sex.
Consequently today, I am here to voice my opinion on safe sex but with an approach siding the women. As a woman, you shouldn’t be afraid to take control of your sexual health and safety. Therefore, it is necessary for a female to understand the importance of using protections and not just be dependent on the opposite gender for safe sex. Being prepared, being ready, and being safe are healthy and wise and are very important for not just women but for every other gender out there.
What protections can women use?
Condoms of course are your safer sex superhero, they're the only way to get protection from pregnancy and STDs during vaginal sex. No birth control method is perfect, using condoms with another type of birth control like the implant, IUD, or pill gives you backup protection in case either method fails. Female condoms are not tight on the penis, and they don't inhibit dull sensation like male condoms. Hence, it is believed that they feel more natural compared to wearing male condoms. Some female condom products are made of heat-transmitting materials, which are more pleasurable as compared to latex condoms. However, it can’t be missed that condoms do not provide 100% protection even when used correctly, as they do not protect against infections spread from sores on the skin.
These days it is common in relationships to not use condoms for better pleasure, as one of the involved individuals claims to know what they’re doing. But that is where sensible decisions must be made to avoid any kind of stress in future regarding pregnancy or STDs. Even if one of the significant involved in that particular position is not ready to do sex or any other activity where condom is not involved, he/she/they should bluntly and openly talk to their partner about what they feel and why they feel. If your partner is mature enough to understand the situation appreciate it, if not then you should definitely take a stand for yourself. I assure you there is nothing sexier than believing in your beliefs and having a strong opinion.
According to studies, women bear disproportionate burdens from sexually-related health compromising outcomes. Imbalanced societal gender and power positions contribute to high morbidities. Safe sex doesn’t have to be a drag, it doesn’t have to be a passion-killer. Carrying condoms in your wallet or purse and keeping them handy at home must be normalized. One should be aware that hormonal contraceptives, such as the oral contraceptive pill, only provide protection against unplanned pregnancy, they provide no protection against STIs. Basically, it is important to prioritize your sexual health. Don’t think you can tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them, most STIs don’t have any obvious signs and it is important to be mature about STIs and reassure yourself and your partner that an STI is not a moral judgement of character, but an infection like any other. Having an STI does not mean that you are ‘dirty’ or ‘cheap’. Have STI tests if you are in a relationship and you want to have sex without a condom. Both partners should be tested. Think of STI testing as a sign of respect for each other.
My expression of women-controlled safe sex, aims to empower women to gain control of their sexual lives which is today one of the most important factors. As women we need to conquer our part, we cannot all succeed when half of us is held back. It is high time we decide to take the power in our hands and encourage women around the globe to do the same and stand up for themselves. We have the power to run the world and celebrate ourselves!!
Author - Khushi Mathur
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