What is safe sex?

Engaging in sexual activity with a single partner who exclusively sleeps with you when neither of you has an STI is generally considered safe. Nonetheless, many healthcare experts argue that individuals can only achieve complete safety by abstaining from sex. Any sexual interaction involves some degree of risk.

For example, kissing is often considered a safe activity. However, herpes and other diseases can also spread in this manner.

Condoms are commonly thought to protect against STIs. Condoms are indeed helpful in preventing certain diseases such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Nevertheless, they may not fully protect against other diseases, such as genital warts, syphilis, or HIV.

Male Condom

Female Condom

Guidelines for safer sex

The safest approach to sex is to engage with just one partner who is exclusively intimate with you. This practice will help lower the risk of coming into contact with disease-causing organisms. To enhance your chances of safer sex, adhere to the following recommendations:

• Before starting a sexual relationship with a new partner, it is important to have honest discussions. Be open about past partners, history of STIs, and drug use.

• Use condoms every time you have sex. Choose a male condom made of latex or polyurethane, not one made of natural materials. Only use polyurethane if you are allergic to latex. Female condoms are made of polyurethane.

• Studies say that nonoxynol-9 spermicide kills HIV in lab testing. However, it is not known whether spermicides, used alone or with condoms, provide protection against HIV. Data have shown that nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of HIV transmission. The CDC advises using latex condoms, with or without spermicides, to help prevent sexual transmission of HIV.

• For oral sex, help protect your mouth by having your partner use a condom (male or female).

• Be aware that drinking alcohol or using drugs may increase the chance that you will participate in high-risk sexual behaviors.

• People should not douche after intercourse. It does not protect against STIs. It could spread an infection farther into the reproductive tract and can wash away spermicidal protection.

• Have regular Pap tests, pelvic exams, and periodic tests for STIs.

• Be aware of your partner's body. Look for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.

• Check your body often for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.

• Consider sexual activities other than vaginal, oral, or anal sex. There are ways to be intimate that do not involve the exchange of body fluids or contact between mucous membranes.