Sexual Intercourse - Imortance of foreplay | Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What is sexual intercourse?

• Sexual intercourse is not merely a physical act with your partner. It is important that both of you are ready for it and enjoy it for fulfilment. 
• It is, therefore, necessary that the mood be right and both partners be adequately aroused sexually. Arousal can be heightened by foreplay, which is an important part of intercourse.
• Sexual intercourse involves the male inserting his erect penis into the vagina of the woman. This must be done slowly and gently so as not to cause much discomfort to the woman.
• In a virgin, the initial insertion can be extremely painful, and this discomfort may be reduced with the help of lubricating creams. 
• After this, the penis is moved forward and backwards in the vagina without withdrawing it completely. This rhythmic motion is continued till both partners reach their orgasm. 
• An orgasm is a feeling of extreme pleasure that starts from the genital region and washes over the whole body. It ends in a climax, which is a state of heightened pleasure for both the partners.
• In the male, the orgasm is usually reached with the discharge of semen. In the female, there is a white discharge from the vagina. 
• After an orgasm is reached, the male’s penis becomes deflated again and comes out of the vagina easily.

What is foreplay?

• In foreplay, the partners fondle and kiss each other, and stroke each other's genitals. This increases the sexual urges and also lubricates the sex organs to facilitate a pain-free intercourse. 
• As a result of the sexual arousal during foreplay, the man’s penis becomes filled with blood, causing it to become erect. This process is called an erection.

How should a condom be used?

While using condoms you must be careful of the following:

• The condom must be rolled onto a fully erect penis and should be in place from the beginning to end of sexual activity
• While rolling the condom care must be taken to press out all the air that may collect inside
• After the act, the condom must be carefully taken out of the vagina along with the erect penis
• The condom must never be reused.

What should newly weds be aware of?

• Newly weds must be aware of the contraceptive devices that are available. Unwanted pregnancy may be avoided with the help of condoms or contraceptive pills for, which a doctor must be consulted. 
• Safe sex also means taking precautions during sex that can keep you from getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or from giving an STD to your partner. 
• These diseases include genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and others.

How can one have safe sex?

Here are some additional safe-sex steps:

• Know your partner: before having sex, establish a committed relationship that allows trust and open communication. You should be able to discuss past sexual histories, any previous STDs or IV drug use. You should not feel coerced or forced into having sex.
• Stay sober: alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, communication abilities, and ability to properly use condoms or lubricants.
• Be responsible: if you have an STD, like HIV or herpes, advise any prospective sexual partner. Allow him or her to decide what to do. If you mutually agree on engaging in sexual activity, use latex condoms and other measures to protect the partner.
• Safe sex requires prior planning and good communication between partners. Given that, couples can enjoy the pleasures of a sexual relationship while reducing the potential risks involved.

How can sexually transmitted diseases be prevented?

• Abstinence is an absolute answer to preventing STDs. However, abstinence is not always a practical or desirable option. 
• Next to abstinence, the least risky approach is to have a monogamous sexual relationship with someone free of any STD. 
• Ideally, before having sex with a new partner, one should get screened for STDs, especially HIV and hepatitis B, and share the test results with one another.