What is Safer Sex?

Safer Sex is the term used for being responsible about sexual behaviours and activities in order to protect oneself from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

We say ‘safer’ because once you are sexually active, no method is 100% safe. Abstinence is the only way to be 100% safe. Contraceptives and barrier methods tend to be between 70% and 99% effective, but using them makes sex ‘safer’ than not using any.

Having Safer Sex means:

• Being educated about sex, pregnancy and STI transmission
• Using barrier methods, like condoms, every time you have sex
• Using a contraceptive method like the pill or IUD on a continuous basis
• Limiting the number of partners you have
• Abstaining from sex if protection is not available
• Abstaining from sex when under the influence
• Abstaining from sex if you have a STI
• Getting tested for STIs on a regular basis (both you and your partner)
• Sticking to your medication if you are living with HIV or are being treated for any other STI

Using both a condom along with another contraceptive method (dual method use) is considered the ultimate way to be Safer.