Unsafe sex

Unprotected sexual intercourse
Failure to use safe sex procedures

Nature

Unsafe sex means penetrative sex without the use of condoms.

Background

Unsafe sex emerged as a global concern in the late 20th century, notably with the HIV/AIDS epidemic highlighting its severe health consequences. International attention intensified as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies rose, prompting public health campaigns and research. Over time, the problem’s complexity became evident, intersecting with cultural, economic, and educational factors, and leading to ongoing international efforts to address its widespread impact. [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)]

Incidence

Bisexual men in the UK are twice as likely to follow safe sex procedures with their men partners than with women. The 6% of men who have both full vaginal intercourse with women and anal intercourse with men used safe sex procedures with eight of of 10 homosexual episodes and 4 out of 10 heterosexual encounters.

Thai men dislike condoms and see them as a restriction of freedom, the most important of which is sexual freedom. In a culture of sexual promiscuity, this is a very significant cause in the spread of AIDS amongst the entire Thai population. (In 1995 it is predicted that HIV incidence for Thai men and women will be equal, whereas in 1986 there were 17 male cases for every one female).

One good indicator of unprotected sex with multiple partners is infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and gon-orrhoea. Using this indicator, evidence indicates that many drug injectors also have unprotected sex. Clearly, these people are at extraordinarily high risk of HIV infection because of their drug-injecting behaviour. The fact that they have unprotected sex would indicate that their sex partners are also at risk, whether or not they use drugs.

Claim

Unsafe sex is a critical and urgent problem that cannot be ignored. It fuels the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and leads to unintended pregnancies, often with devastating consequences for individuals and communities. The lack of protection and awareness puts countless lives at risk every day. Addressing unsafe sex through education, access to contraception, and open conversations is absolutely essential for public health and the well-being of society as a whole.

Counter-claim

The concern over unsafe sex is vastly exaggerated. In today’s world, with widespread access to information, contraception, and healthcare, the risks are minimal for most people. Society’s obsession with policing sexual behavior distracts from more pressing issues. Adults are capable of making informed choices, and the supposed dangers of unsafe sex are blown out of proportion. It’s time to stop treating this as a major problem and focus on real challenges.