Being aware of the signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the risks related to safe sex on holiday, and, how different forms of contraception can offer protection is all useful information worth knowing before those romantic encounters take place. What with all the cocktails, sun, and sand it’s common for inhibitions to be lost entirely. But completely neglecting to practice safe sex on holiday can lead to serious regrets further down the line, for both men and women.
Here are our five tips on how to practice safe sex on holiday.
Everyone wants to enjoy themselves when outside the normal bounds of life back home, but remember that you are the only one who can protect yourself against STIs and pregnancy. Watch your alcohol and drug consumption abroad as this reduces your chances of practicing safe sex on holiday and always try to act responsibly.
Just because you’re relaxing in sunny climes doesn’t mean unprotected sex on holiday won’t have the same results as back home. Chlamydia, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy are all very real possibilities if you don’t practice safe sex on holiday. Also bear in mind that certain STIs may be more common in different communities abroad, so having unprotected sex could put you at even more risk than it would at home.
Be responsible
Everyone wants to enjoy themselves when outside the normal bounds of life back home, but remember that you are the only one who can protect yourself against STIs and pregnancy. Watch your alcohol and drug consumption abroad as this reduces your chances of practicing safe sex on holiday and always try to act responsibly.
Know the risks
Just because you’re relaxing in sunny climes doesn’t mean unprotected sex on holiday won’t have the same results as back home. Chlamydia, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy are all very real possibilities if you don’t practice safe sex on holiday. Also bear in mind that certain STIs may be more common in different communities abroad, so having unprotected sex could put you at even more risk than it would at home.
NEVER forget that 'condoms are always in fashion'
Every time you and your partner have sex, you should use condoms and dental dams. Every time you have sex without condoms, you and your partner exchange bodily fluids. This increases your risk of infection.
Remember that not everybody who gets an STI has symptoms; research shows that around 50% of men and 75% of women don’t get symptoms at all with chlamydia, meaning they don’t even know they have it. However, HIV and other STIs are different; although HIV often causes no symptoms for several years, sometimes those who get infected may have flu-like symptoms and a rash or mouth ulcers two to six weeks after contracting the illness. With STIs, symptoms can vary, but the most common ones include:
Every time you and your partner have sex, you should use condoms and dental dams. Every time you have sex without condoms, you and your partner exchange bodily fluids. This increases your risk of infection.
Know the signs
Remember that not everybody who gets an STI has symptoms; research shows that around 50% of men and 75% of women don’t get symptoms at all with chlamydia, meaning they don’t even know they have it. However, HIV and other STIs are different; although HIV often causes no symptoms for several years, sometimes those who get infected may have flu-like symptoms and a rash or mouth ulcers two to six weeks after contracting the illness. With STIs, symptoms can vary, but the most common ones include:
➥Discharge from the vagina or penis
➥Itching, sores, and lumps on or around the genitals
➥Pain when peeing
➥In women, bleeding between periods or after sex
Remember: all contraception is not created equal
Condoms are 98% effective at avoiding pregnancy and are also the only form of contraception that reduces your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STI). If you are taking the contraceptive pill, know that traveling between time zones may affect the time at which you ingest it, and getting this wrong may reduce its effectiveness. Vomiting too can reduce effectiveness so always use condoms to protect against pregnancy if you get sick abroad and are also sexually active.
Act fast
If you’re concerned that you might have picked up an STI whilst on vacation, don’t wait until you get home to see a doctor; try and find a sexual health clinic right away. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication that can be offered as a last resort for those at increased risk of HIV exposure (e.g. if a condom breaks). Some STIs can become apparent quickly and may have serious repercussions if left untreated. Often, antibiotics are required to cure diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
FINAL WORD: Practice safer sex
Good sex should be enjoyed by all, but remember to stay safe wherever you are, with contraception and sexual health check-ups.