There are a wide variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that you may be exposed to when you choose to have sex with someone. Using a condom can help protect you from transmitting an STI. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Pregnancy is also a potential consequence of one partner with a penis and a partner with a vagina. There are a variety of ways to prevent pregnancy, so choose the method that works best for you. Barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps provide protection during each sexual encounter, while hormonal birth control methods such as pills, shots, patches, and implants prevent pregnancy for longer periods of time. [2] X Research source
Don’t feel like you have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing, no matter how badly your partner wants it. Being sexually empowered means you make the decisions that suit you best. The law protects you from more than just unwanted sex. If anyone ever touches you in any way that you are uncomfortable with, you have the right to say no and to report the incident to the police if the person does not listen. You should also report any incidents of verbal harassment. If you are raped or sexually assaulted, understand that it is never your fault. No matter what you were wearing or how you were acting, you were not asking to be assaulted.
These stereotypes often reinforce the beliefs that people should only be attracted to member of the ‘opposite’ gender, or that men should hold the power in a heterosexual relationship. It is important to recognize the double-standards that exist in gender stereotypes and to form your own opinions about them. For example, men who have multiple sexual partners are often encouraged by their peers, while women who have multiple sexual partners are often chastised for being promiscuous. Individuals who do not fit within the confines of traditional gender stereotypes often feel ostracized and misunderstood. If this is the case for you, seek out support from like-minded friends and loved ones, or from a support group. There are a variety of support groups and hotlines for members of the LGBTQ community, for example.
Just because something is stigmatized by society, does not mean there is anything wrong with it. For example, many people, especially women, are taught that masturbation is wrong or sinful, which can cause them to become confused and hold negative feelings towards sex and their own bodies. The reality is that most people do masturbate and it is perfectly normal. [5] X Research source If you are having sexual desires that would involve harming others in any way, you should not embrace these. A therapist can help you understand where these desires are coming from and help you find more appropriate outlets for them.
Do not let others tell you what your role should be in a relationship or who you should be attracted to. These decisions are entirely up to you.
Always think about your safety first. If you ever feel endangered in any way, call the police. You have the right to be safe and to express yourself! It is up to you whether you want to share details of your sexual orientation, gender identity, and lifestyle with your family. Many people feel the need to do so in order to be their true selves, but for others, the consequences are not worth it. It’s important to consider your own comfort level when deciding who to come out to. If you know that some people in your life are likely to be more accepting than others, consider coming out to them first. They can offer you the support you need and help guide you as you talk with more and more people. For some people, leaving the unaccepting community is the best option. Even if you do not completely cut ties with the community, you may be able to find a supportive group of like-minded people outside of the community. Look online for support groups, hotlines, or even chat rooms that are dedicated to supporting people like you.
If you feel pressured by an individual or by society as a whole to perform a sexual act, you no longer have the power. The choice needs to be entirely un-coerced in order to be empowering. Remember that you always have the right to stop consenting to something as soon as it becomes uncomfortable for you.
You should always base your decisions about sex on your own opinions on empowerment. Just because you want to be sexually empowered does not mean you need to have multiple sexual partners; it merely means that you can choose to have multiple sexual partners if you wish without feeling bad about it. If this doesn’t feel right for your body, then it will not be empowering to you. In addition to deciding about your sexual preferences, you will need to decide how much you want to display your body. Some women find it empowering to pose in sexually suggestive poses or dance in suggestive ways, for example. Other women may not find these things empowering at all.
Don’t be shy about telling your partner if you don’t like something. Remember that your pleasure is just as important as your partner’s and one should not be prioritized above the other. Don’t make demands or intimidate your partner in any way. They deserve to be sexually empowered as well, and your sexual empowerment should not come at the expense of your partner’s.
