Short guide to Sex without stress

Here’s a 6-step guide to enjoying the big S without worrying about the nagging P

For a majority of us, it’s easier to have sex than it is to talk about it. Most of us grapple with unanswered questions, our middle class moralities make sure that we learn by trial and error than approach an expert for advice.

Ignorance is not always bliss, especially if you land up with an unwanted pregnancy. We present you with a fool proof plan to safe sex, without the stress.


Sex During Menses
If you think it’s messy, wait till your heaviest flow days are over. Buy black sheets, do it in the shower, or pick positions where you can lie on your back.
Pros : An orgasm releases endorphins, natural painkillers and mood enhancers, which can help with the cramps, headaches, and irritability sometimes associated with periods.
Cons : STDs even more easily contracted. Some scientists believe, sex during menstruation puts a woman at higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
How effective?
Pregnancy is unlikely, but not impossible

Sex Week Before Menses
Generally, the week before and the first few days of your cycle should be the safest time to have sex. If you have really short cycles, the end (last days of bleeding) could be unsafe because sperm can live inside a woman for several days, and still fertilise the egg that may be ripe within a few short days after
menstruation.
How effective?
Best avoided

Morning After Pills
The emergency birth control pill is used after having unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Technique: Designed to be taken within 72 hours of intercourse, with a second dose taken 12 hours later.
Pros :Can prevent pregnancy, if taken in time.
Cons : Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, menstrual changes and headaches.
How effective?
80% according to manufacturers

Condoms
Great to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy. It’s a barrier contraceptive made from latex rubber or a very thin plastic called polyurethane. Available in different sizes for men and women.
Technique: Hold the condom by the tip to squeeze out air. Leave some space at the tip to hold the ejaculate. Unroll the condom all the way over an erect penis. After sex, the man should hold the condom at the rim and pull off slowly while penis is still hard.
Pros : Lowers risk of STDs and effective against pregnancy.
Cons : It can be used only once. It can lower pleasure levels. Some women are allergic to latex.
How effective?
86 to 97%

Contraceptive Pills
Contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Technique: You should start taking them on the fifth day of your period, whether bleeding has stopped or not.
Pros : Effective against pregnancy if used correctly, and doesn’t interrupt lovemaking.
Cons : Doesn’t protect against STDs. Can’t be used by all women, depending on what medical problems they have. Can cause side effects such as nausea, increased appetite, headaches, and very rarely, blood clots.
How effective?
95 to 99%

Oral sex
Refers to mouth contact with the vagina, or the penis.
Technique: Kissing, licking, and nibbling are great ways to arouse your partner. The pressure (light or firm), speed (fast, slow, or changing), and the type of motion used can be varied endlessly to produce different sensations. The warm, moist feeling of the mouth and tongue on the genitals can prove very erotic.
Pros: No fear of pregnancy.
Cons: STDs like gonorrhea, herpes, Hepatitis B, chlamydia and HIV could be transmitted through oral-genital contact.
How effective?
100% against pregnancy