New York psychiatrist and sex therapist Madeleine Castellanos, MD, offers updated, “new school” information that everyone should know to stay in the safe sex zone:
• According to the CDC, nearly half of the 19 million new STDs contracted each year are among young people aged 15–24 years (2011).
• Oral sex is not considered ‘safe sex.’ HIV, HPV, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis may all be transmitted via oral sex. In addition, a 2011 study found that the proportion of oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV increased from 16.3% to 71.7% between 1984 and 2004.
• More than $8 billion is spent each year to diagnose and treat STIs and their complications, not including HIV (Guttmacher Institute). STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are definitely out there. Protect yourself from getting them and/or spreading them.
• Make oral sex safer by using a flavored condom like DKT’s Prudence brand condoms, which offer a wide variety of flavors and scents (banana, watermelon, strawberry, grape, chocolate and more) guaranteed to tickle your taste buds as well as your partner’s fancy!
• Oil and latex do not mix—so using petroleum jelly, baby oil, moisturizers or everyday kitchen oils with a condom can cause the latex to break down and increases your chance of breakage and infection. Wet® Platinum® Premium Silicone Lubricant and WET® URANUS™ Anal Lube are both latex- friendly. When used correctly, Wet lube also helps to reduce excess friction, thus lessening the risk of tears.Wet hopes these tips from sex therapist, MD and psychotherapist, Dr. Madeleine Castellanos will keep you and your partner safe and intimate.
