SAFER SEX IS
- Knowing your options! All sexual activity involves some level of risk, so it is important to be informed on what options you have to prevent getting any sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs). There is more to practicing safer sex than using
condoms, different strategies work for different people. - Being comfortable with the sex you are having and being able to talk openly with
partners about what you do and don’t want. - Adopting harm reduction strategies! A harm reduction approach to safer sex means
accepting that sex is a normal part of life for some people. Instead of stigmatizing people or only promoting abstinence, practicing safer sex just means doing so in the way that is safest and most comfortable to you. - Taking steps to routinely get tested for STBBIs if you are sexually active, and getting
treatment if you are diagnosed with an STBBI. - Consensual
- Fun, exciting and stimulating! Safer sex is more than just the absence of STBBIs but
also important to ensure it’s the sex you want. - For everyone no matter your age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or
relationship status. It does not matter how many sexual partners you have or whether
you have been diagnosed with an STBBI before everyone can practice safer sex in their own way.
SAFER SEX IS
- Knowing your options! All sexual activity involves some level of risk, so it is important to be informed on what options you have to prevent getting any sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs). There is more to practicing safer sex than using
condoms, different strategies work for different people. - Being comfortable with the sex you are having and being able to talk openly with
partners about what you do and don’t want. - Adopting harm reduction strategies! A harm reduction approach to safer sex means
accepting that sex is a normal part of life for some people. Instead of stigmatizing people or only promoting abstinence, practicing safer sex just means doing so in the way that is safest and most comfortable to you. - Taking steps to routinely get tested for STBBIs if you are sexually active, and getting
treatment if you are diagnosed with an STBBI. - Consensual
- Fun, exciting and stimulating! Safer sex is more than just the absence of STBBIs but
also important to ensure it’s the sex you want. - For everyone no matter your age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or
relationship status. It does not matter how many sexual partners you have or whether
you have been diagnosed with an STBBI before everyone can practice safer sex in their own way.
STBBI TRANSMISSION
STBBI’s are transmitted commonly through vaginal, anal and oral sex without a condom or other barrier. They can also be transmitted by sharing sex toys that haven’t been sterilized or covered with a condom. For this to happen, one of the partners has to have the infection.
STBBI TRANSMISSION
STBBI’s are transmitted commonly through vaginal, anal and oral sex without a condom or other barrier. They can also be transmitted by sharing sex toys that haven’t been sterilized or covered with a condom. For this to happen, one of the partners has to have the infection.
DO I HAVE AN STBBI?
It is not easy to tell if someone has an STBBI. Some infections have symptoms such as unusual discharge, irritation, sores, rash, itchiness or pain in the area of sexual contact. It is common for people to show no symptoms at all: the only way to know if someone has an STBBI is to get tested.
PREVENTION
- Using a barrier correctly during sexual activity.
- Temporarily not having sex if there are any symptoms present.
- Getting regularly tested for STBBI’s even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Limiting your number of sexual partners.
- Choosing sexual activities with less risk.
- Talking to partners about using protection.
- Sharing a known exposure of any STBBI before engaging in sexual activity.
PREVENTION
- Using a barrier correctly during sexual activity.
- Temporarily not having sex if there are any symptoms present.
- Getting regularly tested for STBBI’s even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Limiting your number of sexual partners.
- Choosing sexual activities with less risk.
- Talking to partners about using protection.
- Sharing a known exposure of any STBBI before engaging in sexual activity.