The answer is a definite yes, Choma. Unprotected sex can be risky, even in a committed relationship. That’s why it’s always important to take the necessary steps to protect your health and communicate with your partner about your expectations and boundaries. Talking about condoms and contraceptives before having sex can help you each voice your concerns and learn to use condoms properly. Here’s why you should use condoms with bae.

Preventing unplanned pregnancy

When you’re in a relationship, not using a condom may seem like the easier option but if you or your partner are not on any other form of birth control, there’s a high risk of falling pregnant. If you and your partner are not ready for a baby, then I recommend that you use condoms every time you have sex, no matter how steamy the moment might be.

Protection against HIV/STI infections

Did you know that some Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) don’t show any symptoms at all? This means if you or your partner have more than one sexual partner, it puts you at high risk of contracting an STI or HIV. Using a condom is the best way to protect your own sexual health. Remember, you can also get some STIs from oral sex, so it’s important to use a condom or dental dam when engaging in oral sex.

Total peace of mind

Sex can be fun, but it comes with the risks of pregnancy and STIs. Condoms are the only method of contraception that protects against both STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Condoms offer protection to both partners and choosing to use them shows that you respect and care for your partner. Protecting each other from STIs and unplanned pregnancy is a shared responsibility, so you both need to be able to talk openly  about using condoms or consider using the dual protection method. 

The benefits of using condoms

Both female and male condoms are designed to allow for safe and enjoyable sex. These are some of the benefits:

Condoms do not have side effects like other forms of birth control do. Even though some people may be allergic to latex condoms, the reaction usually take about 24 hours to go away.

Condoms are freely available and at no cost at public clinics, and some pharmacies.

Condoms come in all styles, colours, flavours, and textures while maximizing pleasure.

Condoms can add extra protection to almost all other birth control methods, like the pill, shot, ring, IUD, and implant. No method is 100% effective, so adding condoms as backup helps you prevent pregnancy if your other method fails.

Just remember that one condom is enough, you don’t need to wear more than one condom at a time.

Your health should be your top priority if you’re sexually active. Having safe sex is about being responsible and showing respect in your relationship. You have the right to protect yourself and your health by using a condom correctly and consistently. You deserve to have peace of mind and to not be pressured into having sex without a condom, so talk to bae and make sure that condoms become part of your relationship.

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