Safe Love: A Smart Couple's Guide to Condoms and Contraception
Sexual health is an important part of personal health. Safe sex and proper contraception are essential to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. And in addition to their basic contraceptive and protective effects, condoms also provide multiple benefits during sexual intercourse. This article will explore the possible harms of no contraception or inappropriate contraception and the additional benefits of condoms, and emphasize the importance of proper contraception.

Ⅰ、Importance of Safe Sex
Safe sex refers to a series of measures taken during sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy. This includes:
Use condoms: Condoms are one of the most effective barrier methods for preventing STIs and contraception.
Know your sexual partner: Know your sexual partner's sexual health history and STI test results.
Regular sexual health check-ups: Regular sexual health check-ups to ensure timely detection and treatment of STIs.
Ⅱ、The harm of not taking contraception or using inappropriate contraception methods
Not taking contraception measures or using inappropriate contraception methods may cause the following harms:
Unwanted pregnancy: Not using contraception measures or contraception failure may lead to unplanned pregnancy, which may affect personal life plans and health.
Sexually transmitted infections: Not using condoms or using condoms incorrectly increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc.
Long-term health effects: Sexually transmitted infections may lead to long-term health problems, such as infertility, chronic pain, or cancer.
Psychological and social effects: Unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections may cause psychological stress and affect personal social relationships and quality of life.
Ⅲ、Additional benefits of condoms
Reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections: Condoms are an effective barrier to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc.
Prolong the duration of sexual intercourse: For some men, condoms can reduce sensitivity, thereby prolonging the duration of sexual intercourse and enhancing the sexual satisfaction of both parties.
Reduce sensitivity: Condoms can reduce the sensitivity of the penis and have a certain effect on alleviating premature ejaculation.
Female partner comfort: Using lubricated condoms can reduce friction during sexual intercourse and increase female comfort.
Prevent semen allergies: Some women may be allergic to the components of their partner's semen. Condoms can prevent direct contact and reduce allergic reactions.
Easy to obtain and use: Condoms are easy to buy and carry, simple to use, and do not require a doctor's prescription.
Can be used in combination with other contraceptive methods: Condoms can be used in combination with other contraceptive methods such as oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices to provide an additional layer of protection.
Economical: Compared with other contraceptive methods, condoms are relatively cheap and are an affordable contraceptive option.
Reduce the psychological pressure of unwanted pregnancy: Using condoms can reduce concerns about unwanted pregnancy and allow both parties to enjoy sex more relaxedly.

Ⅳ、Real-world example
Anna and Ben’s story
Anna and Ben are a new couple who decided to use condoms during their sex. In addition to preventing STIs and contraception, they found that condoms have other benefits. Ben found that condoms helped him last longer during intercourse, while Anna felt that using lubricated condoms made her experience more comfortable. In addition, condom use reduced their concerns about STIs and unwanted pregnancies, allowing them to relax more and enjoy each other’s intimate moments.
Ⅴ、Conclusion
Safe sex and effective contraception are the responsibilities of both men and women. The risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancies can be minimized through open communication, condom use, regular checkups, and choosing the right contraceptive method. Condoms are not only an effective tool for contraception and STI prevention, but also provide additional benefits to sexual intercourse. By using condoms correctly, couples can enjoy safer and more satisfying sex while reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy and STIs.