Safer Sex Product

The last memento you’d want to bring home from your holiday is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or an unplanned pregnancy. It’s important not get caught up in the moment and end up having unprotected sex on holiday.

Casual sex while abroad is a serious problem that adds to the spread of HIV and STDs like gonorrhoea and puts both holidaymakers and resort staff at risk.

So what happens to the safe sex rules when on holiday? People let their guard down and can end up doing things they wouldn’t dream of doing at home. Studies show that single holidaymakers have more sex with more people than at home and that many people don’t bother using condoms.

Infections such as HIV and syphilis are much more common in other countries than in the UK. Most heterosexual HIV infections that are diagnosed in the UK are caught when overseas.

Safer sex

You may not have sex at all when you’re on holiday, but it’s good to be prepared. Take a pack of condoms with you and make sure any condoms you buy have the CE mark on the pack. This symbol means they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe.

Oil-based products such as suntan lotion, baby oil and lipstick, and heat can damage condoms, so store them in a cool, dry place.

It’s not unusual to get sick on holiday, so remember that vomiting or diarrhoea can make the contraceptive pill less effective, as can some medicines, including some antibiotics and some anti-malaria drugs. Use a condom to help protect against pregnancy and STDs.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that oral sex is any less risky than intercourse. A cold sore (herpes lesion) on the mouth can transfer to the genitals, and gonorrhoea can live in the throat and transfer to the genitals as well.

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can be transmitted by unsafe sex and sharing needles. You can include a vaccination against Hepatitis B when you’re having other jabs before travelling.

The best advice for bringing only happy memories back from a holiday is to practice safer sex when you’re away, just as you would at home.

Sam Teal is moderator or http://www.my-sexhealth.com My sex health is site providing news, products and articles for a better sex life. Regard less of sexual orientation creed or gender.