Overview

Safer sex is a way to reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can also help prevent pregnancy.

Several products can help you practice safer sex and reduce your chance of STIs. One of the best is a condom. There are internal and external condoms, sometimes called female condoms and male condoms. You can use a special rubber sheet (dental dam) for protection during oral sex. Disposable gloves can keep your hands from touching blood, semen, or other body fluids that can carry infections.

Remember that birth control methods such as diaphragms, IUDs, foams, and birth control pills do not stop you from getting STIs.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Think about getting vaccinated to help prevent hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be spread through sex.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. Use an external condom, which goes on the penis. Or use an internal condom, which goes into the vagina or anus.
  • Make sure you use the right size external condom. A condom that's too small can break easily. A condom that's too big can slip off during sex.
  • Use a new condom each time you have sex. Be careful not to poke a hole in the condom when you open the wrapper.
  • Don't use an internal condom and an external condom at the same time.
  • Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline), grease, hand lotion, baby oil, or anything with oil in it. These products can make holes in the condom.
  • After intercourse, hold the edge of the condom as you remove it. This will help keep semen from spilling out of the condom.
• Do not have sex with anyone who has symptoms of an STI, such as sores on the genitals or mouth.
• Do not drink a lot of alcohol or use drugs before sex.
• Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.
• Talk to your partner(s) before you have sex. Talk about what you feel comfortable with and whether you have any boundaries with sex. And find out if your partner(s) may be at risk for any STI. Keep in mind that a person may be able to spread an STI even if they do not have symptoms. You and your partner(s) may want to get tested for STIs.