Safe sex

  • Safe sex

    Safe sex means protecting yourself and your partner from getting an STI by making sure that your bodily fluids (semen, blood, vaginal fluid) do not come in contact with each other.

    The safest way to do this is to use a condom every time you have sex with regular and casual partners.

  • Condoms

    The safest way to have sex is by using a condom. Condoms provide the best protection against STIs and also prevent unplanned pregnancies. You should use a condom every time you have sex. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

    Top tips: Condoms and lube go together so use water based lubricant when you have sex as this will help to prevent the condom from breaking. Find out how to correctly use a condom (external site).

  • Safe sex behaviours

    In addition to using condoms, think about other ways you can protect yourself and your partner, such as:

    • reduce the number of sex partners
    • be honest with your partner and tell them if you have an STI or have had one in the past - ask your partner to do the same
    • get tested for STIs.

    Remember to carry a spare condom or two because a condom can only be used once.

  • Where to get condoms

    The easiest way to get condoms is to buy them from a supermarket or pharmacy. You can also get water based lubricant from these places. Some sexual health clinics will provide condoms for free.

  • Take a free test

    If you think you may be at risk of an STI you can take a risk self-assessment.

For more information on safe sex and respectful relationships, visit Get the Facts (external site).