Introduction
Individuals labeled as members of the "pride" like any other group require accurate information to promote their sexual health and well-being. Traditional safer sex manuals, however, are not always diverse enough to meet the requirements of LGBTQIA people. The state of one's sexual health is crucial to one's entire well-being.
Good Sexual Health Includes:
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The ability to have happy relationships.
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Being devoid of sexually transmitted infections.
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Controlling one's fertility.
Why Is It That the Typical Sex Guide Does Not Apply to LGBTQIA?
Videos, drawings, and diagrams used in safer sex education frequently do not reflect or convey information regarding same-sex and queer relationships. These instructions often refer to body parts as "male parts" and "female parts," even though many people believe that persons, not body components, have a gender. Resources frequently refer to "sex with women" or "sex with men," omitting nonbinary people. The narrative is less visible without inclusion. As a result, the LGBTQIA tribe may be left with more questions than addressed. This can put them at risk because they might not acquire the knowledge to stay safe sexually if their experience is not replicated.
What Does LGBTQIA Stand For?
The acronym LGBTQIA+ can refer to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual sexual orientation refers to a person's physical, emotional, and romantic attraction to another person. Gender identity refers to an individual internal sense of being feminine, male, or someone who does not fit into either of those categories.
How Is Self-Love and Exploration of Ones Body the First Step Toward Safe Sex?
Being acquainted with one's own body is known as self-love. It includes all about seeing and feeling what different body sections are like. This is especially essential for queer and trans people because it allows them to discover the most affirming and joyful contact types.
Masturbation, while comparable, is usually more sexual. It is a means to determine what gives one pleasure, what aids climax, and what does not.
Is It Still Necessary for the LGBTQIA Community to Be Concerned About Pregnancy?
Two things must be present for a pregnancy: sperm and an egg. Testicles where sperm are formed, the prostate, and a urethra are all required in one person. Another individual must possess an ovary where eggs are included and a uterus where the sperm meets the egg. On testosterone, people born feminine may still be able to conceive. Similarly, people born male but are taking estrogen or other hormone replacements may still be able to get pregnant with partners who have uteruses. The crucial factor here is your anatomy and that of your partner(s), not your gender identification or sexual orientation.
What are Birth Control Choices are Available to Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Nonbinary and Transgender People?
Most trans men and women and nonbinary folks who have penetrative sex and do not want to get pregnant are advised to use birth control. One should use birth control irrespective of the orientation if they have vaginal intercourse and have not yet undergone a hysterectomy or a bilateral oophorectomy (when the doctor removes your fallopian tubes and ovaries). The choice of birth control depends on the sexual anatomy of one and the partner involved.
Condoms - Condoms(outside condom, inside a condom, finger cot, dam) are a standard method of birth control, but they aren't always efficient at preventing pregnancy.
IUDs - Nonhormonal copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are another alternative. These are safe to use and will not interfere with hormone therapy.
The use of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (IUS), implants, injections, or pills are all examples of progestogen-only treatments.
CHCs - Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) should not be used by transgender males or nonbinary people on testosterone treatment.
Options for the Long Term - A vasectomy or tubal ligation can be performed on either partner.
How Can STIs Be Avoided?
STIs affect people of all genders and sexualities. The only method to determine whether you have an STI is to have it tested after each new sex partner.
Fortunately, there are several risk-reduction strategies available in the case of STIs -
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Use of condoms in penetrative sex.
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Observing changes in the vaginal area, such as dryness.
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Keep an eye out for STD signs and symptoms, including discomfort during intercourse, bruising, and odd discharge.
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Vaccines should be kept up to date, specifically: Hepatitis A, B, and HPV vaccines. While the HPV vaccine was initially solely advised for persons who were assigned female at birth, but now recommended for everyone aged 11 to 26.
What Is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill that HIV-negative people can take to lower their chance of getting the virus while having sexual contact with an HIV-positive person.
This is recommended for -
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Those who have a sexual relationship with an HIV-positive person
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Persons who do not employ barriers regularly.
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Anyone who employs or has a companion who uses injectable substances and shares needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment during the last six months.
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Anyone who has been diagnosed with STI within the last six months.
What Safety Considerations for Oral Sex?
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Despite popular belief, STIs can be passed from person to person during oral play.
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As a result, ask your partner(s) when they were last tested for STIs. Use a dam if one or all of you have not been tested in a while for STI.
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Avoid intercourse if you see wounds, sores, pimples, or blood in secretions, as this could be a symptom of infection and raise the risk of transferring an STI.
What Safety Considerations for Anal Sex?
The flexibility of anal tissue differs from that of vaginal tissue. During penetrative anal sex, lube is exceptionally crucial. The anus produces no natural lubricant, and the anal canal tissue is fragile. There is too much friction without lubricant, which is uncomfortable and can harm the anal lining. It could also lead to piles.
Conclusion
Physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually, sex is supposed to make you feel good. However, it is time to bring in a therapist if you find that sex has become difficult for you — whether it's because it fills you with guilt, makes you feel dysphoric, or makes you physically uncomfortable. Another essential aspect of sexual health and wellness is finding the correct healthcare professional. So, make sure they are queer-inclusive and gender-affirming.
