What is Safer Sex?
Safer sex is a way to protect yourself and your partner from the risk of
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
HIV and unplanned pregnancy.
Even though a lot of people say "safe sex" instead of "safer sex," there is no kind of skin-to-skin sex contact with a partner that is totally risk-free. But being "safer" is something all of us can do. The only way to be 100% safe from STDs, HIV and unplanned pregnancy is to not have sex.
If you're having sex, safer sex means anything that helps you both avoid each other's body fluids. Body fluids include semen and fluids from the vagina. These fluids can pass an STD from one person to another. Also, HIV can be passed by blood and breast milk.
The good news is that latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams are very effective for safer sex when you use them every time and use them correctly.
Safer Sex and STDs/HIV
Safer sex helps to protect you and your partner from STDs and HIV. To understand safer sex, it helps to know how STDs and HIV can get passed from one person to another.
- Any kind of sex that involves body fluids such as semen or fluids from the vagina can pass an STD from one person to another.
- Blood is another body fluid to look out for, including menstrual (period) blood and any small or accidental cuts or sores.
If one person has an STD, it can pass to another person through the anus, vagina or mouth, or through cuts and sores on the skin.
Safer Sex and Condoms
It only takes one time to catch an STD, so use a new
condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex. Condoms are a great option for oral sex on the penis too. Be sure you know
how to use male condoms.
Safer Sex and Dental Dams
A dental dam is a latex or plastic square or rectangle that is placed over the vulva (the opening of the vagina, the vaginal "lips" and the clitoris, which is the part most sensitive to touch) or anus during oral sex. Using a new dental dam is the key to
safer oral sex on the vulva or anus.
Safer Sex and Toys
Using sex toys? Keep them clean by washing in warm soapy water after each use. We know you've been told differently, but in this case, don't share your toys! They can pass infected body fluids.
Show Your Love
There are many ways to show you care that don't involve sex at all: walks, talks, dancing, catching a movie together, etc. Be creative. Enjoy each other's company.
Know Your Health Status
If you've ever had unprotected sex - sex without a condom, or sex when the
condom broke - even once, you could have been exposed to
STDs and
HIV. STDs and HIV may have no symptoms at first, so you can't tell if you or anyone else has an STD/HIV unless you get tested. You or your partner could be spreading an STD/HIV without knowing it, so
Get Tested - Get Treated: check on your STD and HIV status regularly.
Know your partner's status too. TeensHealth can help you plan for Talking to Your Partner About STDs.
Take care of yourself and be responsible to your partners.