STIs: Practicing Safer Sex
There is no 100% perfect way to completely reduce risk. Practicing safer sex is about all of the decisions you make to reduce or accept risk as it relates to things like STIs or pregnancy. These decisions can be based on things like personal comfort level, availability of safer sex supplies, testing history, and more. To better understand risk, check out the article:
Safer sex supplies include barrier methods like Dental Dams, External Condoms, Internal Condoms, or Latex Gloves for protection during oral, vaginal, anal, or manual sex. People can also get HPV Vaccines to reduce the risks of getting particular strains of HPV, or use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risks of contracting HIV.
Regular STI testing can also be a part of practicing safer sex, since knowing your STI status can help you and your partners make decisions about what kinds of activities or risks you’re comfortable engaging in. When and what you get tested for is your choice. Some people get tested before each new partner, and some go once every 3-6 months, and some only go when they have a symptom they’re concerned about.
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