Having a sexual encounter can be fun and intimate, but if the right safety precautions aren’t taken, it can also lead to awkward situations, pain, and even physical or emotional harm if the right steps aren’t taken. Some common mistakes to avoid before, during, and after sexual activity are listed below.

WebMD says that one of the most dangerous things to do before sexual activity is to not talk to your partner. This is because talking to your partner is one of the most important things to do, but it is often forgotten. Talking about comfort levels, preferences, and limits can make it more likely that both people will have a good time.

Failure to use protection: It is important to use protection to prevent unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Make sure you and your partner talk about protection and that both of you have access to a variety of options, like birth control and condoms.

When you are under a lot of stress, have been drinking, or are high on drugs, you might do something sexual that you will later regret. Before you do anything sexual, you should make sure you are not only sober but also in a good mood.

Inadequate preparation: If you aren’t ready, like if you don’t have lubricant, it can be painful and uncomfortable to do sexual things. If you know what to expect, both of you will probably have a better time and feel more at ease.

When making love:

Consent is an important part of sexual activity that is often overlooked. It would be wrong to ignore it. Before doing something that might make someone uncomfortable or put them in danger, it’s important to get their permission first.

ignoring how comfortable your partner is Pay attention to your partner’s body language and vocal cues, and respect the level of comfort they’ve set for themselves. If you don’t, you might end up feeling uncomfortable or even in pain.

Use of lubricant in the wrong way: Using lubricant in the wrong way during sexual activity can cause discomfort, pain, or even harm. If you don’t want bad things to happen, make sure you choose a lubricant that is made from water.

If you don’t switch positions, it can be uncomfortable or painful, especially for women, to have sexual activity in only one position. Forgetting to switch positions during the activity. Trying out different positions can help relieve discomfort and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

When you’re done:

Failure to clean up: If you don’t clean up after sexual activity, bacteria can grow and infections can spread. After sexual activity, it’s important to clean up. Make sure to wash your hands, genitalia, and any used protection thoroughly before throwing it away.

If you don’t take care of your body, sexual activity can make you feel uncomfortable, like when your vaginal area is dry, sore, or hurts. You can avoid this pain by taking good care of your body. Taking care of your body after sexual activity, like by using a heating pad or taking a warm bath, will help ease any painthat may have been caused by the action.

failure to talk to your partner: After sexual activity, it’s important for both people to talk about what happened and talk about any problems or worries that may have come up. It’s important to talk to each other, because not doing so can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Refusing to engage in safe sexual behavior: Refusing to engage in safe sexual behavior after even one sexual contact can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Make sure you keep yourself safe and get checked out regularly.

In conclusion, taking the right precautions before, during, and after sexual activity can help make sure that both partners have a good time. This is true whether the safety measures are taken before, during, or after the activity. When engaging in sexual activity, it’s important to remember a number of important things, like how to talk to the other person, get permission, keep yourself safe, and take care of your body. If you don’t make these common mistakes, you can make it more likely that your sexual encounters will be safe and fun.