How to have safe sex while hooking up
How to have safe sex is a topic we certainly don’t talk enough about. To ensure the best experience, especially when it comes to casual sex and hookups, it’s important to know about safe sex practices.
So, if you’re interested in exploring casual sex (which can be super fun and sexy!), let us guide you through a few key tips and tricks to know on how to have safe sex while hooking up.
Your guide on how to have safe sex
Defining “safe” sex and why it’s important
Technically, sex with another person involved can never be 100% safe. There will always be higher or lower risks of contracting STIs and getting pregnant. So, instead of calling it “safe” sex, the correct way to say it is “safer” sex. And that should always be your aim – to have safer sex, especially when hooking up.
There are many reasons why you want to ensure that you’re having safer sex. For example, unprotected intercourse can lead to unplanned pregnancies, and you might also contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and even HIV.
Some STIs are more serious than others, and many don’t have visible symptoms. That is dangerous because if an STI goes untreated for a long time, it can have serious complications like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and many more.
To avoid health issues and complications, as well as unwanted pregnancy, it’s important to practice safer sex during casual sex.
Choose the right contraception method for you
The first step to having safer sex is to choose the right contraception method that suits your needs. There are so many different contraception methods to choose from nowadays, and everyone can find something.
A common piece of advice on contraception on how to have safe sex during a hookup is to use a barrier method, which means using a condom or dental dam. It’s fairly cheap, easy, and protects against STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
Other options include hormonal contraception like implants, hormonal IUDs, or the pill. These contraceptive options protect against unwanted pregnancies, but they don’t prevent STIs, so keep that in mind.
Some people even opt for double protection and use a combination of a barrier method and hormonal contraception. It’s a good idea to do some research and see which method works with your lifestyle.
Regular STI checks are a must
Even if you’re using barrier methods to protect yourself against STIs, there is still a chance of contracting an infection. As we mentioned, no sex with another person involved is even 100% safe. For this reason, it’s important to do regular STI checks either between changing partners or a few times per year.
You can find a place to get tested for STIs at your local Planned Parenthood clinic. If you have health insurance, the cost might be covered by it, so do make sure you check with your insurer. Without insurance, it can cost up to $250 to get tested.
Always be prepared
When hooking up with a casual partner, don’t assume that they will be the ones prepared with condoms and dental dams! It’s the responsibility of both partners to be prepared, so always have some with you if you’re using the barrier method.
Also, consider having other essentials on hand as well. For example, your favorite personal lubricant, arousal serum, or even your favorite vibe. If these things can make sex better for you and your partner, you should absolutely bring them with you with confidence.
Bloomi’s Smooth is a great water-based lube that nourishes the skin without leaving a sticky residue, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your sheets. Play Mini is the perfect on-the-go vibe that is non-intimidating looking and still packs a punch.
Luxe Arousal Serum is a CBD-infused pleasure serum that you can massage into your or your partner’s intimate areas before intimacy to enhance pleasure. It is compatible with latex and silicone, so you can use it with latex condoms and dental dams, as well as your favorite sex toys.
Have a conversation about safety with your partner
Having a conversation about safety with your new casual partner is a must. You have every right to ask your new sexual partner to get tested for STIs before you have sex. So, don’t shy away from having this conversation despite it being uncomfortable. Here are some questions you might want to ask your hookup before you have sex:
When was the last time you got tested for STIs?
Have you ever had any STIs and have you received a treatment?
Do you always use barrier methods when having casual sex?
Are you having unprotected sex with anyone else?
Having safer casual sex is sexy, and if your new partner refuses to even talk about it, it’s a good indication that it might not be the right sexual partner for you.
Be prepared for Plan B
Even if you come prepared, sometimes unexpected things happen – the condom might break or slip off during sex. It’s okay, so don’t stress about things not going as planned. The key is to have a Plan B.
If you worry about contracting HIV, there are medications, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), that you can take soon after the possible exposure to the virus. You must take them within 72 hours.
In the case of the condom breaking during intercourse when you don’t want to get pregnant, you can take emergency contraception called the “morning-after pill” which you can find at any drugstore. You must take it within 72 hours, and it should never be used instead of regular contraception methods.
Talk about sex with your hookups
Talking about sex is difficult, even in long-term committed relationships. But it is one of the most important aspects of a healthy, happy, and safe sex life. So, don’t shy away from having important conversations with your hookup.
Consider asking them what they like and enjoy, and share what you enjoy yourself. Talk about any sort of boundaries you might have, and ask them about theirs as well. It’s important to establish a clear understanding of consent as well and ensure that your partner understands that consent can be revoked anytime during hookup.
If you engage in more kinky activities during sex with a casual partner, it’s important that you have a conversation about a safeword. A safeword is a non-sex-related, easy-to-remember word that you can use during sex to stop or pause activities, for example, pineapple, avocado, sunset, Chicago. You want to avoid having sex with partners who don’t follow kink safety protocol.
Physical safety
Lastly, when you are thinking about how to have safe sex, always remember that your physical safety matters. So, when you go to your hookup house, let your friends know where you are going, with whom, and how long you expect to be there. Consider sharing your location with your friends, so they can keep an eye on you.
If you are going out for a date with a person you don’t know well, we recommend going to a public space like a coffee shop, or a restaurant. Coffee or a meal can be a great way to get to see if you're compatible with someone before engaging in intimacy. You can even bring up conversations around boundaries or things you enjoy during the date. Having these conversations outside of the bedroom helps to minimize pressure.