It’s about time for a safe sex intervention because, honestly, the things we’ve heard people do in the name of protection have us jaw dropped…and not in a good way.
Some people swear by pulling out, others think doubling the condoms, like you’re layering clothes for the cold weather, offers twice the protection. And then there are those who say drinking salt water after sex will magically wash away the pregnancy. In case you can’t tell, we are side-eyeing all of you!
The online and physical streets are full of advice that might sound right, but with all due respect, it’s premium-grade nonsense. So, yes, we’re breaking all tables today, because if you’ve been trusting these “safe sex hacks”, you’re not actually practising safe sex, but you’re leaving yourself wide open to pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the very things you were trying to avoid.
Lie 1: The Pull-Out Method Works
You’re in the heat of sexy time and your partner says, “Trust me. My pull-out game is strong”. Don’t fall for it!
The reason why is pre-cum, the fluid that comes out before ejaculation, can actually contain some sperm, which are very fast and very determined little swimmers with one mission – fertilise the egg and make a baby. So, unless your partner has the precision of a deadly world-class sniper and the restraint of a monk, then there is a very high chance of misfiring, which equals a little bun in the oven.
Medic Advice: The pull-out method has a high failure rate, and it doesn’t even protect you from STIs. If you’re serious about preventing both pregnancy and STIs, then use actual contraceptive methods like condoms.
Lie 2: Double Condoms = Double Protection
We sort of get the logic behind this. If one is good, then 2 condoms would be better, right? Wrong! Two condoms rubbing together doesn’t cause extra protection, but friction. And if we do a little bit of maths, friction = tiny tears and tiny tears = babies and infections. So, congratulations, you’ve personally engineered your failure with this little hack.
Medic advice: One properly worn condom is way better than wearing two condoms.
Lie 3: Post-Sex Salt Washes Away Pregnancy
Let’s be very serious here, salt water can’t prevent pregnancy. Once the sperm has entered, then no amount of saltwater drinking or washing would stop them from fertilising the egg, and leaving you with a little RSVP in your womb.
Medic advice: Aside from being totally useless for pregnancy and STI prevention, it can irritate your vagina, throw your pH off balance, and increase your risk of infections.
Also Read: Contraceptives Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All: 5 Women on Finding (or Avoiding) What Works
Lie 4: Oral and Anal Sex = Zero Risk of STIs
There’s this idea that we need to perish right now, which is that as long as it’s not vaginal penetration, then you are protected. Oral and anal sex can still hand you a free VIP pass to the STI club, where you get to chill with the Avengers-level star-studded cast from HIV, to gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, and syphilis.
Anal sex carries a higher risk of HIV transmission because the lining of your rectum is thin, delicate, and tears easily. As for oral sex, do not think saliva can wash away the infections. These infections do not discriminate. As long as fluids are mixing or skin-to-skin contact is happening, whether it is your mouth, anus, or genitals, the risk is very real.
Medic advice: If you’re going to have some sexy fun, be sexy smart about it too. You and your partner should get tested regularly, use condoms for anal and vaginal sex, and dental dams for oral sex.
Lie 5: Douching After Sex Prevents Pregnancy
This one deserves a seat at the special high table of wrong advice. Some people mix all sorts to “flush it” out. Friendly reminder, once the sperm is inside, they have one mission: fertilise the egg. So, before you have the chance to grab your concoctions and cleanser bottle, and even if you jump up and down to “drain” all the sperm away, it might just be too late.
As you’re trying to flush away the sperm, you’re also flushing your vaginal flora, the very mechanism made to protect you from having vaginal infections.
Medic advice: Forget the DIY flushing. Stick to actual contraceptive methods like condoms, pills, intrauterine devices, and more. If you are confused about which to try, speak to a gynaecologist to find out what works for you.
Lie 6: You Can’t Get Pregnant When You Have Sex For the First Time
Your ovaries don’t care if it’s your first time having sex. If the conditions are right, that is, if you’re in your fertile window or ovulating and your sperm meets an egg, then surprise, surprise, pregnancy can happen. The same thing applies to STIs.
Medic advice: If you’re not ready for a baby and don’t want to get an STI the very first time you have sex, use protection.
Lie 7: Sleeping with Clean People Means You’re Safe
It doesn’t matter if your partner looks squeaky clean, smells like a million bucks, or dresses expensively. Most STIs do not have symptoms and do not show on the face, especially in the early stages.
Medic advice: The only way to know if someone is “clean” is for both of you to get tested regularly. Trust doesn’t block infections; smart, safe protective methods do.
Lie 8: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
Some ladies treat period sex like a “get out of pregnancy free” card. But here’s the thing: the sperm can live inside the body for up to 5 days! If your cycle is short and you ovulate soon after your period, those sperm can chill around patiently until your egg drops.
Medic Advice: Having sex during your period to prevent pregnancy is not a guaranteed protective method. If you’re not ready for pregnancy, you still need contraception, period or not, or else you can just start planning for your baby shower and a naming ceremony.
So, What Actually Works for Safe Sex?
- Contraception: We’re talking about using actual contraceptive methods with better success rates than the pull-out method. Use a condom and other birth control methods like birth control pills, implants, shots, and the intrauterine device.
- Regular testing: Even if you trust your bae 1000%, the only way to know for sure that both of you are STI-free is to go for regular testing. Remember, most of the symptoms are not so obvious in the early stages.
- Consent and communication: Talk with your partner about what you want and don’t want. Don’t be guilt-tripped or gaslighted into doing what you’re not comfortable with. Having honest conversations about sex is way better than having that awkward conversation when an unplanned pregnancy occurs or an STI shows up later.
The “Wrap-Up”
The truth is that safe sex is smart sex. So, let’s wrap up properly, ditch all the safe sex lies, and keep our safe sex game strong. Your future self will thank you.
Read Next: The Orgasm Gap: Why Women Get the Short End of the Stick (and How to Fix It)
