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Choosing to have safer sex is a decision many people have to make. What are the factors influencing this important choice?
Whether someone actually knows the importance of taking precautions obviously influences their decision-making regarding safer sex. And even being aware of the risks there is often a discrepancy between what they know and what they do.
There are factors that influence decision-making. These fall mainly into three categories, namely:
1. Interpersonal factors
2. Intrapersonal factors
3. Environmental factors
1. Interpersonal factors
Decisions influenced by interpersonal factors include peer pressure, general societal perceptions on the use of condoms and the type of power structure that exists in a sexual relationship.
In some groups of adolescents the pressure to have sex can be quite strong. Often the emphasis is on having sex rather than on having safe sex. Avoiding making decisions is often most apparent in this group as many adolescents who become sexually active do so on the spur of the moment, rather than making a well-considered choice after weighing up their options. Norms in society can be a strong force exerting pressure on individuals.
The power structure in a relationship also plays an important part. If a couple is not used to joint decision-making, this will also be the pattern in their choices of sexual practice. In other words, the person in charge will be the one making the decision regarding the use of condoms during intercourse. In more traditional societies this often places women at a disadvantage as they are not consulted.
2. Intrapersonal factors
Intrapersonal factors would be those internal issues that influence a person's decision-making. This could include religious convictions, traditional perceptions, self-image, personal upbringing, personal perceptions on the use of condoms, and their needs and desires that could have an effect on their decision-making.
Traditional or religious beliefs tend to feature strongly when making personal decisions. How they feel about themselves, their standing in society and their self esteem are also important contributory factors.
But even if someone has all the information regarding what constitutes risky sex, it is no guarantee that they will always practise safer sex. There is often a huge discrepancy between what people say and what they do.
3. Environmental factors
These are factors that that will influence decision-making regarding practicing of safer sex in a given situation. Substance abuse, alcohol abuse, the availability of condoms and where someone is at that given moment are all examples of environmental factors that could influence decision-making.
When under the influence of alcohol or drugs people often do things they wouldn't dream of when sober. But there is definitely a growing awareness among sexually active people regarding the importance of safer sex.
What is safe sex?
Understanding what constitutes safe sex and how to ensure you are in a position to have safe sex when the situation arises is vital when it comes to preventing the transmission of HIV.
Safe sex is defined as “sex where semen, vaginal secretions or blood are not exchanged between sexual partners”.
• Most commonly condoms are used for safe sex, and if used appropriately with enough lubricant can reduce the risk of spreading HIV both vaginally and anally.
• Water-based lubricant should be used as others (like oil or Vaseline) will cause condoms to break. Female condoms are also available and should be used with lubricants.
• The safest sexual activities include mutual masturbation, touching, cuddling, body-to-body rubbing, and erotic massage.
• Safe sex can also reduce your risk of picking up any other sexually transmissible infections such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
Whether someone actually knows the importance of taking precautions obviously influences their decision-making regarding safer sex. And even being aware of the risks there is often a discrepancy between what they know and what they do.
There are factors that influence decision-making. These fall mainly into three categories, namely:
1. Interpersonal factors
2. Intrapersonal factors
3. Environmental factors
1. Interpersonal factors
Decisions influenced by interpersonal factors include peer pressure, general societal perceptions on the use of condoms and the type of power structure that exists in a sexual relationship.
In some groups of adolescents the pressure to have sex can be quite strong. Often the emphasis is on having sex rather than on having safe sex. Avoiding making decisions is often most apparent in this group as many adolescents who become sexually active do so on the spur of the moment, rather than making a well-considered choice after weighing up their options. Norms in society can be a strong force exerting pressure on individuals.
The power structure in a relationship also plays an important part. If a couple is not used to joint decision-making, this will also be the pattern in their choices of sexual practice. In other words, the person in charge will be the one making the decision regarding the use of condoms during intercourse. In more traditional societies this often places women at a disadvantage as they are not consulted.
2. Intrapersonal factors
Intrapersonal factors would be those internal issues that influence a person's decision-making. This could include religious convictions, traditional perceptions, self-image, personal upbringing, personal perceptions on the use of condoms, and their needs and desires that could have an effect on their decision-making.
Traditional or religious beliefs tend to feature strongly when making personal decisions. How they feel about themselves, their standing in society and their self esteem are also important contributory factors.
But even if someone has all the information regarding what constitutes risky sex, it is no guarantee that they will always practise safer sex. There is often a huge discrepancy between what people say and what they do.
3. Environmental factors
These are factors that that will influence decision-making regarding practicing of safer sex in a given situation. Substance abuse, alcohol abuse, the availability of condoms and where someone is at that given moment are all examples of environmental factors that could influence decision-making.
When under the influence of alcohol or drugs people often do things they wouldn't dream of when sober. But there is definitely a growing awareness among sexually active people regarding the importance of safer sex.
What is safe sex?
Understanding what constitutes safe sex and how to ensure you are in a position to have safe sex when the situation arises is vital when it comes to preventing the transmission of HIV.
Safe sex is defined as “sex where semen, vaginal secretions or blood are not exchanged between sexual partners”.
• Most commonly condoms are used for safe sex, and if used appropriately with enough lubricant can reduce the risk of spreading HIV both vaginally and anally.
• Water-based lubricant should be used as others (like oil or Vaseline) will cause condoms to break. Female condoms are also available and should be used with lubricants.
• The safest sexual activities include mutual masturbation, touching, cuddling, body-to-body rubbing, and erotic massage.
• Safe sex can also reduce your risk of picking up any other sexually transmissible infections such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
