Everything we do in life has risks. This does not mean that we don’t do the things we want to do. It just means we take the risks into consideration and adjust how we do something to reduce the chances of getting hurt or something not going to plan.
Practising safer sex means understanding the ‘risks’ involved (i.e. the things we don’t want to happen) and make choices about how we have sex so we feel safe enough to enjoy the experience.
The main ‘risks’ associated with having sex are unplanned pregnancy (if you and your partner can get pregnant/get someone pregnant) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). There is no 100% guarantee of preventing either one from ever happening but there are options that can make it extremely unlikely.
It’s important to remember that sex and relationships can also have a negative impact on our emotional wellbeing. This often happens if our boundaries or consent are violated or ignored. Communicating what you are and aren’t comfortable with to your partner, as well as respecting their boundaries, is as important as protecting your physical health.
Remember, you never have to do anything if you don’t want to, regardless of what your partner wants or what (you think) other people are doing. Focus on what you’re curious about, what you like and what feels good for you (both emotionally and physically) and explore that with a partner (or partners) who are keen to explore that too.
Safer sex
Get free condoms
*
CLICK HERE
*
Get free condoms * CLICK HERE *
-
What is a condom?
Condoms are a lubricated sheath-like contraceptive (usually made of latex) that are most commonly designed to be worn over the penis during sex.
The alternative version; internal condoms (often called female condoms) are a similar shape but essentially inside out. So instead of going over the penis, they are placed inside the vagina so the penis would go inside the condom during penetrative sex.
-
Why should I use a condom?
Condoms significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy or transferring STIs. They work by acting as a physical barrier that stops fluids produced during sex (semen and vaginal discharge) from transferring between partners.
Condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, if used correctly.
Condoms can help prevent transfer of herpes but less so. The best way to minimise the chances of herpes transfer is to avoid sexual contact during an oral or genital outbreak.
-
How do I use a condom?
To be effective, condoms should be worn over the penis before any genital to genital, or genital to mouth contact. This includes oral sex (blow jobs), grinding, vaginal or anal sex.
Dental dams can be used during oral sex performed on a vulva or a bum. They are flat sheets of latex (similar to condoms) that can be held against the desired area and act as a barrier between the mouth/tongue and the genitals/anus. (Yes, you can still feel everything!)