Safer Sex
Sex can be fun, but there are risks that come with it. One of those risks is catching, or passing on, a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
Lots of people don't get symptoms. So you, or your partner, might have and STI and not know.
Having safer sex isn't about having less sex. It isn't about having fewer partners. It's about stopping the spread of STIs and keeping everyone safe.
Find out more below.
Lots of people don't get symptoms. So you, or your partner, might have and STI and not know.
Having safer sex isn't about having less sex. It isn't about having fewer partners. It's about stopping the spread of STIs and keeping everyone safe.
Find out more below.
Vaginal and Anal Sex
aginal and anal sex often involve one person putting their penis inside a partner. They can also involve a strap-on or dildo. For advice on using sex toys, please see the section below.
Condoms
When you're having vaginal or anal sex, you should use a good quality condom.
Every time you use a condom, you should:
You should not use a damaged or expired condom.
Condoms come in more than one size. You should make sure you are wearing one that fits. A condom that is too loose or too tight will not protect you properly.
Check out this video for advice on condom sizes:
Condoms
When you're having vaginal or anal sex, you should use a good quality condom.
Every time you use a condom, you should:
- Check that it has not expired
There is an expiry date on each foil wrapper. - Check that the wrapper is not damaged
Look for rips, tears, or punctures.
You should not use a damaged or expired condom.
Condoms come in more than one size. You should make sure you are wearing one that fits. A condom that is too loose or too tight will not protect you properly.
Check out this video for advice on condom sizes:
You should also make sure you have put the condom on right.
Check out this video for instructions:
Check out this video for instructions:
There are lots of types of condom. It can be helpful, and fun, to try different sorts. This can help you find the ones you and your partner(s) like best.
If you can't afford condoms, you can get free condoms from our Hubs. People aged 13 to 24 can also get free condoms through the C-Card scheme.
Lubricant (Lube)
Water-based lube can also help you to have safer sex. Lube lowers friction during sex. This means there is less chance of the condom splitting or tearing. Lube can also make sex more enjoyable.
We recommend water-based lube, because it is safe to use with condoms. Oil or silicone lube can damage condoms and affect how well they work.
If you can't afford condoms, you can get free condoms from our Hubs. People aged 13 to 24 can also get free condoms through the C-Card scheme.
Lubricant (Lube)
Water-based lube can also help you to have safer sex. Lube lowers friction during sex. This means there is less chance of the condom splitting or tearing. Lube can also make sex more enjoyable.
We recommend water-based lube, because it is safe to use with condoms. Oil or silicone lube can damage condoms and affect how well they work.
Blowjobs, Eating Out, and Rimming (Oral Sex)
Oral sex is sex involving someone's mouth and someone's genitals. This can be their penis, vagina, or anus. You can catch spread STIs through oral sex.
Oral sex is very common and has a lot of different names.
Oral sex with a penis is often called "a blowjob" or "giving head". If you are giving, or getting, a blowjob, you should use a condom. The condom should fit well and be undamaged. If you don't like how latex tastes, you can get flavoured condoms.
For more advice on condoms, see the Vaginal and Anal Sex section above.
Oral sex with a vagina is often called "giving head" or "eating out". Oral sex with an anus is often called "rimming". You should use a dental dam during these kinds of sex.
A dental dam is a flat, thin piece of latex. You put it on your partner's genitals and it acts as a barrier.
You can make a dental dam from a condom. This is how you do it:
Oral sex is very common and has a lot of different names.
Oral sex with a penis is often called "a blowjob" or "giving head". If you are giving, or getting, a blowjob, you should use a condom. The condom should fit well and be undamaged. If you don't like how latex tastes, you can get flavoured condoms.
For more advice on condoms, see the Vaginal and Anal Sex section above.
Oral sex with a vagina is often called "giving head" or "eating out". Oral sex with an anus is often called "rimming". You should use a dental dam during these kinds of sex.
A dental dam is a flat, thin piece of latex. You put it on your partner's genitals and it acts as a barrier.
You can make a dental dam from a condom. This is how you do it:
- Unroll the condom
- Cut the tip and ring off the condom
- Slice the condom lengthways
- Unroll the condom into a flat rectangle
- Place the dental dam between the genitals and mouth
Fingering and Fisting
Fingering and fisting involve putting your fingers or hand inside someone during sex. This can mean into their vagina or anus.
Your hands can transfer body fluids between people. This is most common when you touch yourself and then them. When body fluids transfer, so can STIs.
You can stop the spread of STIs by washing your hands. You should wash your hands well before and after this type of sex.
There is also a risk of tearing or cuts to your partner's genitals. The skin inside your body is thin. This makes it easier to damage.
It's a goodidea to trim your nails short and avoid false nails. If you prefer, you can wear latex gloves during fingering or fisting.
You should use lubricant (lube) when having this type of sex. It can lower the risk of tearing or cuts. This is even more important when fisting.
Your hands can transfer body fluids between people. This is most common when you touch yourself and then them. When body fluids transfer, so can STIs.
You can stop the spread of STIs by washing your hands. You should wash your hands well before and after this type of sex.
There is also a risk of tearing or cuts to your partner's genitals. The skin inside your body is thin. This makes it easier to damage.
It's a goodidea to trim your nails short and avoid false nails. If you prefer, you can wear latex gloves during fingering or fisting.
You should use lubricant (lube) when having this type of sex. It can lower the risk of tearing or cuts. This is even more important when fisting.
Sex Toys
Using sex toys can be fun, either alone or with a partner. If you do use them, it's important to use them safely. Just like body parts, sex toys can pass on STIs.
Some sex toys, like dildos or strap-ons, go inside the body. You should:
Cleaning Sex Toys
You should always clean your toys between sessions. This is even more important if the toy gets body fluids on it.
When you buy a sex toy it will come with cleaning instructions. You should follow them carefully. If you don't clean your toys right, you are at risk of future infections. There is also a chance that you will damage the toy.
You should never share sex toys that have blood on them.
Some sex toys, like dildos or strap-ons, go inside the body. You should:
- use condoms with this type of sex toy.
- change condoms between sessions or partners.
- change condoms when you move between oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
Cleaning Sex Toys
You should always clean your toys between sessions. This is even more important if the toy gets body fluids on it.
When you buy a sex toy it will come with cleaning instructions. You should follow them carefully. If you don't clean your toys right, you are at risk of future infections. There is also a chance that you will damage the toy.
You should never share sex toys that have blood on them.
Vaccines Against STIs
There are vaccines that can stop you catching some STIs. These include:
If you think you need one of these vaccines, please get in touch.
- HPV
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Gonorrhoea
- Mpox
If you think you need one of these vaccines, please get in touch.
PrEP and PEP
PrEP and PEP are both treatments that stop you catching HIV.
You take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) before you come into contact with HIV. It is an ongoing, protective treatment.
You take PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) after you come into contact with HIV. You need to take it within 72 hours for it to work. It doesn't give you ongoing protection.
You take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) before you come into contact with HIV. It is an ongoing, protective treatment.
You take PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) after you come into contact with HIV. You need to take it within 72 hours for it to work. It doesn't give you ongoing protection.
Kinks
Kinks are specific fantasies that some people enjoy in their sex lives. There are lots of types of kinks. Some types of kinks bring extra risks. For example, tying your partner up, or using blindfolds. The most important thing about adding kink(s) to your sex life is safety.
Many people use PRICK to stay safe during kinky sex. PRICK stands for Personal Responsibility, Informed, Consensual Kink. This means everyone involved should know what they want and what the risks are.
There is no one way to bring kink into your sex life. If you are thinking about doing it, you should do your own research. It might be helpful to find specialist organisations for advice.
Many people use PRICK to stay safe during kinky sex. PRICK stands for Personal Responsibility, Informed, Consensual Kink. This means everyone involved should know what they want and what the risks are.
There is no one way to bring kink into your sex life. If you are thinking about doing it, you should do your own research. It might be helpful to find specialist organisations for advice.