NationStates Jolt Archive

How do you protect yourself from things like stds and pregnancy? The poll will explain more

The pill, condoms, regular check-ups.

How do you protect yourself from things like stds and pregnancy? The poll will explain more

Monogamy.

use my hand. You seem to be very obsessed with sex, why?

How do you protect yourself from things like stds and pregnancy? The poll will explain more

I find being married helps in protecting myself. But when I was single a condom and being a bit picky were the best defense.

How do you protect yourself from things like stds and pregnancy? The poll will explain moreDon't have sex?
Die young?

I cannot stress how important it is to have regular check ups at your local STD clinic...ive had alot of partners in my time but every time I have a new partner I always go for a check up just to be safe...that way you can trace where the infection has come from if one is detected and remedy it...there is a stigma attached to STD clinics which is ridiculous...some of my partners have looked at me strange when I tell them I go regular...but my philosophy is better safe thean sorry...and id rather have the peace of mind which comes with a clean bill of health...protection in new relationships is also very important

use my hand. You seem to be very obsessed with sex, why?

me?

me?

obsessed might have been the wrong word, but a lot of topics you make are about sex or gays etc. at least more than the average.

None, lol. Virgin.

Can't say I've had the safest sex always, but generally condoms and the pill to prevent the most heinous of STIs...AIDS and pregnancy. (thank you Mr. Dan Savage) I've had occasion to use dental dams during oral on women, but I don't like it, nor do I like sucking on a condom.

My ex gave me a couple curable STDs when he cheated on me, so just trusting in monogamy isn't necessarily the best. Also, ended up getting herpes, though that's a tough one NOT to get since most people don't seem to understand that yes...cold sores ARE herpes.

I get regular testing, and have regardless of being in a 'monogamous' relationship because frankly, I don't trust anyone enough to put my sexual health in that much danger. Getting something is bad enough...not treating it because you don't know about it is much, much worse.

None, lol. Virgin.

That's a dangerous state. What if you end up being given to some dead muslim terrorist?

:eek:

That's a dangerous state. What if you end up being given to some dead muslim terrorist?

:eek:

It's like...a sigfantastic day!

That's a dangerous state. What if you end up being given to some dead muslim terrorist?

:eek:
Don't predict a gloomy picture for me. It makes me sad. :(

obsessed might have been the wrong word, but a lot of topics you make are about sex or gays etc. at least more than the average.

I make more threads than average overall. Very, very few have had anything to do with sex. Hell, I've made more threads about booze and weed. It doesn't make me a drug addict or alcoholic

pills, condoms and I usually end up having check ups for no apparent reason

I also avoid using the services of hookers

I'd pray I don't get anything, but I'm an atheist.

I have yet to have "safe" sex but I am really picky so I haven't had anything yet. And avoiding pregnancy is simple... just don't let off in her. I don't see the big deal. Oral is better anyway;)

I'd pray I don't get anything, but I'm an atheist.

I have yet to have "safe" sex but I am really picky so I haven't had anything yet. And avoiding pregnancy is simple... just don't let off in her. I don't see the big deal. Oral is better anyway;)

Hon, if I were you I'd ask wiki about precum (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_chances_of_getting_pregnant_from_pre-cum)...

I make more threads than average overall. Very, very few have had anything to do with sex. Hell, I've made more threads about booze and weed. It doesn't make me a drug addict or alcoholic

fair enough

And avoiding pregnancy is simple... just don't let off in her.

You know that isn't really very safe, do you?

Always use condoms, and pay attention to where bodily fluids go.

It is generally a good idea to always keep condoms (both lubed and unlubed, and no spermicide as it can irritate some women, a polyurethane condom might be a good idea too), powder-free latex gloves, and some disinfecting wipes (benzalkonium chloride towelettes FTW!) in your toy bag.

Education is the best means of preventing STDs (and I mean actual medical information on the transmission of various infections - not twisted 'education' kids get from religious people).

Some of my friends have the policy of just assuming everyone has something and playing accordingly. I think thats a bit of overkill and am a little more risky than that. I play safe until things get a little serious with a girlfriend, then we get 'fluid-bonded' - essentially we both go together to get tested (even if it hasnt been long since our last test) and if the results are clean we stop using protection.

Just stopped using condoms with my current girlfriend last week - now all we have to do is worry about pregnancy. The Paragard T380a is what we have been talking about - its a non-hormonal IUD thats good for at least 10 years.

Hon, if I were you I'd ask wiki about precum (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_chances_of_getting_pregnant_from_pre-cum)...

meh...
Journal of Assisted Reproduction Genetics, 2003 Apr;20(4):157-9. Zukerman asked "Does preejaculatory penile secretion originating from Cowper's gland contain sperm?" - conclusion: "Preejaculatory fluid secreted at the tip of the urethra from Cowper's gland during sexual stimulation did not contain sperm and therefore cannot be responsible for pregnancies during coitus interruptus."

See? Read more carefully in the future. There is absolutely no scientific evidence you can get pregnant from that and if you become the counter-evidence you can always just have an abortion;)

meh...


See? Read more carefully in the future. There is absolutely no scientific evidence you can get pregnant from that and if you become the counter-evidence you can always just have an abortion;)

What a stupid-as-fuck position to take.

If you've been jerking off lately, there will likely be sperm in your precum. Taking a piss helps clean out the urethra of sperm, so consider making that a ritual after every ejaculation if you're going to continue to use one of the least effective methods of pregnancy prevention.

meh...


See? Read more carefully in the future. There is absolutely no scientific evidence you can get pregnant from that

It is well known that you can in fact get pregnant from that. Did you fall sleep when they taught that in health class?

See? Read more carefully in the future. There is absolutely no scientific evidence you can get pregnant from that and if you become the counter-evidence you can always just have an abortion;)

I suspect that by now your a walking STI

What a stupid-as-fuck position to take.

If you've been jerking off lately, there will likely be sperm in your precum. Taking a piss helps clean out the urethra of sperm, so consider making that a ritual after every ejaculation if you're going to continue to use one of the least effective methods of pregnancy prevention.

funny... I actually NEED to piss after I ejaculate. Don't know why but it just gives me a pissing thirst:D

It is well known that you can in fact get pregnant from that. Did you fall sleep when they taught that in health class?

Never been to health class:)

I suspect that by now your a walking STI

Not a one. Not even herpes which is really really common where I come from. As I said: very VERY picky with partners.

Not a one. Not even herpes which is really really common where I come from. As I said: very VERY picky with partners.

How do you determine if someone lives up to your high standards? You get them tested first or something?

Never been to health class:)

that would explain it. If I were you I would go on planned parenthood's website( I'm not their biggest fan but they do have some good info) and read up before you do something stupid and something happens that affects your life forever.

funny... I actually NEED to piss after I ejaculate. Don't know why but it just gives me a pissing thirst:D

It's recommended for men and women after sex.

Doesn't stop you from getting an STD, nor does it prevent pregnancy, but it may help prevent urinary tract infections.

And the words 'pissing thirst' make me wonder about your proclivities.

How do you determine if someone lives up to your high standards? You get them tested first or something?

Nope... the ones I go for tend to be very anally retentive about these sort of things so I don' need to be;)

Never been to health class:)

Did your parents yank you out of them or are you homeschooled?

Did your parents yank you out of them or are you homeschooled?

I'm European. Eastern European :cool:

Nope... the ones I go for tend to be very anally retentive about these sort of things so I don' need to be;)

You're trusting your sexual health to someone else?

Well, good luck with that.

Yeah, I've noticed that. Usually becuse it hurts.

If it hurts is bad. Well... usually:)

I'm European. Eastern European :cool:

Are you trying to say that Eastern Europeans don't understand or learn about sexual health in any way, shape or form?

funny... I actually NEED to piss after I ejaculate. Don't know why but it just gives me a pissing thirst:D

Yeah, I've noticed that. Usually becuse it hurts.

You're trusting your sexual health to someone else?

Well, good luck with that.

So far so good:D

It's just that I seriously hate worrying about stuff that's supposed to be fun. It gets on my nerves.

Oh, did I mention I don't go on wild orgies with strangers? That also tends to help.;)

Not a one. Not even herpes which is really really common where I come from. As I said: very VERY picky with partners.

Oh, so you can tell when someone has herpes?

Wow! That is a seriously marketable skill considering that there is only one, very expensive test available (and not in most countries) to detect herpes in someone not having an outbreak.

Are you also aware that herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible signs of an outbreak? Kissing someone with a coldsore is a sure fire way to get herpes, but even without a cold sore, the virus can be transmitted.

But really, my take on herpes is that outside of people with compromise immune systems, there's really little point in trying to avoid it. You probably got it as a child, being kissed by an older relative. And it's entirely possible that as an adult, you'll pass it onto your partner during oral sex.

Are you trying to say that Eastern Europeans don't understand or learn about sexual health in any way, shape or form?

Not in school they don't. Not in a meaningful way. Nor do they from their sexually repressed parents. One thing no one seems to notice is that the most socially pervasive effect of communist regimes in Europe is to create generations of prudes. And they wondered why they had falling birth rates:rolleyes:

Oh, so you can tell when someone has herpes?

Wow! That is a seriously marketable skill considering that there is only one, very expensive test available (and not in most countries) to detect herpes in someone not having an outbreak.

Are you also aware that herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible signs of an outbreak? Kissing someone with a coldsore is a sure fire way to get herpes, but even without a cold sore, the virus can be transmitted.

But really, my take on herpes is that outside of people with compromise immune systems, there's really little point in trying to avoid it. You probably got it as a child, being kissed by an older relative. And it's entirely possible that as an adult, you'll pass it onto your partner during oral sex.

I am perfectly aware of the particulars of herpes. I also think there's no point in avoiding it, but so far it has avoided me.

I am perfectly aware of the particulars of herpes. I also think there's no point in avoiding it, but so far it has avoided me.

I thought you didn't know very much about sexual health?

I thought you didn't know very much about sexual health?

I do actually, but I'm just not as phased by all the doom-saying.

That, the fact that, as I already said, am very careful in choosing partners (i.e. the soonest I have had sex with someone after knowing them is 4 months), and the fact that the most common diseases (well except herpes) are generally cured by one trip to the doctor, means I don't really see the point of using any protection.

I do actually, but I'm just not as phased by all the doom-saying.

That, the fact that, as I already said, am very careful in choosing partners (i.e. the soonest I have had sex with someone after knowing them is 4 months), and the fact that the most common diseases (well except herpes) are generally cured by one trip to the doctor, means I don't really see the point of using any protection.

Well it's your right to risk your health...are you at least getting tested, or are you relying on your partner to do that to? I ask, because while you might not care that you could have an STI, it would be manifestly wrong of you to pass it on to someone else simply because you're too lazy to get tested yourself.

Also, ended up getting herpes, though that's a tough one NOT to get since most people don't seem to understand that yes...cold sores ARE herpes.

And that roughly 90% of the population has it. linky (http://pennhealth.com/ency/article/000857.htm)
Most just don't know that they do.

My last ex gave me that gift(genital-type 1) and was not aware that he had it. And it was a recent infection so that the antibodies did not show up in his blood.(it takes about 3-4 months)And I had not slept with anybody for a while before him.

I use condoms, the pill, and have monogamous relationships. Though nothing is as safe as abstinence..it helps.

Well it's your right to risk your health...are you at least getting tested, or are you relying on your partner to do that to? I ask, because while you might not care that you could have an STI, it would be manifestly wrong of you to pass it on to someone else simply because you're too lazy to get tested yourself.

I've never been with anyone who had anything ever. I don't really see the point of getting tested, if I had no exposure to anything wouldn't you say? And please spare me the better safe than sorry argument. One needs to get these things from somewhere, and in my case there is no somewhere.:)

I've never been with anyone who had anything ever. I don't really see the point of getting tested, if I had no exposure to anything wouldn't you say? And please spare me the better safe than sorry argument. One needs to get these things from somewhere, and in my case there is no somewhere.:)

And how do you know they never had anything? Cause they told you?

And how do you know they never had anything? Cause they told you?

That's what I'm getting at. It's nice to trust people, but in this case...it's also pretty fucking stupid to just take their word for it.

Experience tells me that most women I am interested in, or who may be interested in me, or who are of adult age, carry some sort of STD. And also that they have cold, dead hearts and their veins are thick with black ichor.

You seem to be attracted to the kind of woman that you aren't actually attracted to.

Experience tells me that most women I am interested in, or who may be interested in me, or who are of adult age, carry some sort of STD. And also that they have cold, dead hearts and their veins are thick with black ichor.

...
You just blew my mind.

Seriously. Love/hate thing going there. Maybe you should turn your attention to women you won't despise.

You seem to be attracted to the kind of woman that you aren't actually attracted to.

...
You just blew my mind.

Seriously. Love/hate thing going there. Maybe you should turn your attention to women you won't despise.

I'm not sure there are such women.

I'm not sure there are such women.

Might be time to try being gay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUIRJiYEWo).

Men are just as bad, with the added disadvantage of not being sexually attractive.

You love me though right? :p

Might be time to try being gay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUIRJiYEWo).

Men are just as bad, with the added disadvantage of not being sexually attractive.

Seck-shoo-lee. But I know that you have ichor too, and it's only a matter of time before you'd drain me of my essence and leave me an energy vampire like in Lifeforce.

It's all true.

You love me though right? :p

Seck-shoo-lee. But I know that you have ichor too, and it's only a matter of time before you'd drain me of my essence and leave me an energy vampire like in Lifeforce.

I'm married. We don't use anything because we are in a monogamous relationship and we are trying for a baby. When we are not trying for a baby, I use the pill. Before we became monogamous, we used condoms. Sex with a new partner should always include a condom. Call me crazy, but I was actually paying attention in sex ed when they where explaining how babies are made and what STD's can do. I continue to be blown away by people who don't take this into consideration.

Well.. I used to make visits every 3 to 6 months to the clinic for tests, and I would get tests during my yearly physical too. Condoms and I never agreed I always break out in rashes when I use them, it doesn't matter what kind latex, sheepskin, what have you, however I alway look into other means of birth control. I stopped sowing my wild oats about a year ago and havn't actualy done anything sexual for nigh on a year so its currently not apriority to get check ups.

How do you protect yourself from things like stds and pregnancy? The poll will explain more

One partner for the last 16 years, and my wife has had a tubal ligation.

It's called abstinence.

It's recommended for men and women after sex.

Doesn't stop you from getting an STD, nor does it prevent pregnancy, but it may help prevent urinary tract infections.

And the words 'pissing thirst' make me wonder about your proclivities.

LOL

I am perfectly aware of the particulars of herpes. I also think there's no point in avoiding it, but so far it has avoided me.

How very odd. Why would there be no point in avoiding it?

How very odd. Why would there be no point in avoiding it?

I think he means it's very difficult if not impossible to actually avoid it, considering how many people have herpes and don't know it...and that even if you get it, most people don't ever really suffer from it.

I think he means it's very difficult if not impossible to actually avoid it, considering how many people have herpes and don't know it...and that even if you get it, most people don't ever really suffer from it.

Obviously, he doesn't realize that Oral & Genital Herpes are two different, albeit related diseases.

Obviously, he doesn't realize that Oral & Genital Herpes are two different, albeit related diseases.

I think he gets it. Could be wrong. But either way, how does that factor in? Herpes simplex I, commonly referred to as 'oral herpes' is increasingly being found in the genitals, so the old 'oral and genital' descriptors aren't really appropriate anyway.

Not having sex works. It's no fun though, so I don't reccomend it.

I think he gets it. Could be wrong. But either way, how does that factor in? Herpes simplex I, commonly referred to as 'oral herpes' is increasingly being found in the genitals, so the old 'oral and genital' descriptors aren't really appropriate anyway.

True, I was just to lazy to type out Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 before. ;)

I have gay sex, but not to avoid pregnancies. Gay sex is it's own reason to have it. It rocks! ;)

I have gay sex, but not to avoid pregnancies. Gay sex is it's own reason to have it. It rocks! ;)

Agreed.

I have gay sex, but not to avoid pregnancies. Gay sex is it's own reason to have it. It rocks! ;)

Never been that kind of attracted to another male.. thats about all thats stopped me.

I have gay sex, but not to avoid pregnancies. Gay sex is it's own reason to have it. It rocks! ;)

Only if you're attracted to members of your own gender, which I'm not.

Not having sex works. It's no fun though, so I don't reccomend it.

Just because you're not having sex in a relationship, doesn't mean it's not fun. You can have fun without having sex. Not like.... Sexual fun, but it doesn't mean you have to be a nun! Lol. I plan to stay abstinate till marriage.

I have gay sex, but not to avoid pregnancies. Gay sex is it's own reason to have it. It rocks! ;)

I've really, REALLY got to try it...

Cheese graters ftw!

Never been that kind of attracted to another male.. thats about all thats stopped me.I was actually in the *one* multi-sexuality bar last night watching people dance, after watching The Misfits concert, explaining that particular issue to a guy who, just before entering the establishment for the first time, kept insisting to his gf that she needed to sweep him and give him a huge face-suck to assert his heterosexuality to all curious/interested onlookers.
He eventually got up and danced like everyone else when he realized there wasn't anyone in there who was particularly interested in "converting" him. :)

Cheese graters ftw!

I don't think I want to know.... :eek:

the short answer:

know what you're getting into before you get into it(them), very very very well!

which is probably why i never got as much as i wanted, but never came down with any plague either.

=^^=
.../\...

I don't think I want to know.... :eek:Wasn't a poll option :(

Are you trying to say that Eastern Europeans don't understand or learn about sexual health in any way, shape or form?
Not in school they don't. Not in a meaningful way. Nor do they from their sexually repressed parents. One thing no one seems to notice is that the most socially pervasive effect of communist regimes in Europe is to create generations of prudes. And they wondered why they had falling birth rates:rolleyes:
We must have been raised in different alternate realities. That, or maybe the Eastern Europe is not homogenous. Or maybe by Eastern Europe you mean the former USSR, in that case everything is correct and I'm from Central Europe.
I had lessons on sexual health in my primary school (when we were 13-14). We also received nice colourful brochures to educate ourselves. Unfortunately due to shortages only the version for girls was delivered and we read, to our unending entertainment, questions like "I'm growing female breasts, is something wrong with me?" :D

My wife and I avoid STDs by being monogamous and if we want to avoid pregnancy she takes the pill.

the short answer:

know what you're getting into before you get into it(them), very very very well!

which is probably why i never got as much as i wanted, but never came down with any plague either.

=^^=
.../\...

Ditto.;)

My wife and I avoid STDs by being monogamous and if we want to avoid pregnancy she takes the pill.

And how do you know she is?

I have an STD test every year when I get my girly check up, it's not that I don't trust hubby so much as the insurance requires it.

It's kinda meh, I never have had an STD nor do I ever expect to have one, but as long as I am having sex it seems prudent to keep an eye on the situation.

I went the post-divorce stupids. You know, the one where you must prove you're still desirable to men, regardless of what your ex-husband says. I was lucky. I didn't get pregnant. I did get herpes. Fortunately, while it's not curable yet, with proper care and check-ups it doesn't have to be a problem. The best bet is abstinence, failing that condoms and require checkups of any partners (which, in some cases, leads to abstinence).

Well.. I used to make visits every 3 to 6 months to the clinic for tests, and I would get tests during my yearly physical too. Condoms and I never agreed I always break out in rashes when I use them, it doesn't matter what kind latex, sheepskin, what have you, however I alway look into other means of birth control. I stopped sowing my wild oats about a year ago and havn't actualy done anything sexual for nigh on a year so its currently not apriority to get check ups.

Have you tried polyurethane condoms?
If you break out in a rash with both latex and sheepskin, perhaps you are reacting to whatever lubricant is on it or maybe the nonoxynol-9.
There is no reason why just using a condom will cause you to break out in a rash - if it happens no matter what the condom material or lubricant you use, it is probably psychological because you just dont want to use condoms. Or you are just plain making it up as an excuse and dont want to admit it - perhaps even to yourself, so you imagine a rash.

If it isnt the condom material, the lube (or spermicide), or psychological, then you seriously need to talk to a doctor about it as it could indicate something a little more serious going on.

How do you protect yourself from things like stds and pregnancy? The poll will explain more
Abstenance.

or in other words... waiting for the right girl.

And how do you know she is?

If she's not then I get a disease. This is the level of t rust you have in someone you marry.

I mean, what's the alternative? I wear condoms with my wife?

Unless I misunderstood and you meant "how do I know she's taking the pill?"

In which case the answer is the same except that instead of getting a disease I get a new crib ;)

I mean, what's the alternative? I wear condoms with my wife?

Why not, exactly?

Why not, exactly?

Why in the world should a married couple need condoms?

(Th eonly exception I can think of is if condoms are the only method of birth control useable at the moment)

Why not, exactly?

tis not fun.

tis not fun.

That too. :D

tis not fun.

Condoms suck.

If you don't HAVE to use them, why would you?

Why in the world should a married couple need condoms?

(Th eonly exception I can think of is if condoms are the only method of birth control useable at the moment)
The same reason anyone else would.
tis not fun.

OIC

Condoms suck.

If you don't HAVE to use them, why would you?

You know, I once actually sat through a brief lecture from a doctor about how people should ALWAYS use condoms no matter what. (Was there with a family member who had a kidney infection and the doc thought it might have resulted from luvin' so we all got the lecture since we were sitting there.)

I was thinking to myself, the whole time... "YEAH RIGHT"

The same reason anyone else would.


Most people use condoms to avoid disease. This shouldn't be ain issue in a marriage. As a form of birth control it's not reliable enough to be the primary means.

So seriously, why should a married couple use condoms? (Excluding the exception I noted earlier.)

Condoms suck.

If you don't HAVE to use them, why would you?

I would rather abstain than use a condom again.

If she's not then I get a disease. This is the level of t rust you have in someone you marry.

I mean, what's the alternative? I wear condoms with my wife?

Unless I misunderstood and you meant "how do I know she's taking the pill?"

In which case the answer is the same except that instead of getting a disease I get a new crib ;)

Well, trust is good but condoms are better. ;)

Me and my BF get regular check-ups, just in case.