One of the best parts of being single is the carefree lifestyle. You aren’t tied down to one person, and you have the opportunity to meet so many people without having to worry that your partner will get jealous. Good, bad, or indifferent, you’ll probably experience a one-night stand along the way. Whether it’s a regular occurrence or a fluke, it doesn’t change the fact that you need to be cautious when putting yourself in those circumstances. You may think you’re taking precautions, but if you misjudge someone and give your trust to the wrong individual, it can turn into a costly mistake.
Let’s face it. Agreeing to have sex with a relative stranger puts you in a precarious position. You become exceedingly vulnerable because frankly, you haven’t had the opportunity to learn very much about the person. Not only is your personal safety potentially at risk, but if you do manage to leave the liaison unscathed, that doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be any consequences.
Sexually transmitted diseases or infections are a very real threat when you decide to engage in sex. Most people don’t want to live their lives in a bubble, so they do what they can to avoid getting STDs. For starters, try not to kiss anyone you just met. If you start dancing with someone in a club, it’s often too dark to see whether they have any type of oral infection or not. While it may be tempting and you may be intoxicated, do your best not to get too caught up in the moment. Your future self will thank you.
Be on the lookout for people who actually try to spread their STDs to others. Unfortunately, some get a sick thrill from transmitting disease, or they feel justified in doing so based on some thread of illogical reasoning. You typically can’t spot these individuals by merely talking to them. Usually, they become more and more manipulative the closer they are to getting intimate with you. Watch out for red flags like trying not to use a condom or employing guilt trips until they get their way. Sometimes, they will even stick around for multiple hook-ups until you trust them enough to not use protection. There will always come a time when you have to stand your ground and ensure your partner is clean, no matter how awkward the discussion is. Whenever there’s a doubt, trust your instincts and walk away.
Whenever you have multiple partners, it’s advisable to get checked regularly. Not only is it essential for your health and peace of mind, but for that of your future companions as well. An undiagnosed STD can lead to unforeseen complications that can be avoided if dealt with in a timely manner. Thanks to advances in medical technology, it’s so much quicker and cost-effective to keep tabs on your sexual health. Online services like Self Collect allow you to test confidentially from home. These tools don’t mean you should let down your guard, though. Continue to use dependable protection and common sense. It’s possible to find that balance between fun and safety.
