The winter season is upon us, and everyone has been experiencing the cold. This is the type of weather that presents an opportunity for being indoors cuddling, which eventually leads to having sexual intercourse. As you may know, having unprotected sex may have serious consequences, which you might regret for the rest of your life.

You must be prepared and think about how you want to protect yourself before you engage in risky sexual behaviours in this baby-making weather. These are some tips to protect yourself:

Use condoms.

Condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia, not only that, but they can protect you from having an unwanted pregnancy.

Know your HIV status.

The only way to know your HIV status is by getting tested. Knowing your status can give you important information and help you make good decisions when it comes to sex, like negotiating safe sex.

Use contraceptives if you are not planning to get pregnant.

When having sexual intercourse, you need to think about protecting yourself from both unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You must know that condoms are the only method that offers dual protection when used in conjunction with other contraceptives, but there are also different forms of contraceptives you can use like the pill, IUD, implant, injection and so many more to provide added protection against pregnancy when you do not have access to condoms in the heat of the moment.

Take PrEP

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis is a medication used to protect you from getting infected with HIV. It comes as a daily dose and if used as directed by your healthcare provider, it reduces your risk of getting infected with HIV. However, it does not protect you from getting STIs and unwanted pregnancy. You would still need to use a condom.

Indulging in some baby-making weather can be so much fun but remember to stay safe Choma.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message, an  Instagram message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).