STIs

Safer sex

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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Safer sex means choices that lower the chance of passing on STIs or having an unplanned pregnancy, such as using condoms, testing, vaccination and PrEP.

At a glance

  • Safer sex lowers the chance of STIs or unplanned pregnancy.
  • The word "safer" reflects that most methods reduce risk rather than remove it.
  • Strategies include condoms, dental dams, testing, vaccination and PrEP.
  • Talking openly with partners about testing and protection is part of safer sex.
  • Consent and communication go hand in hand with physical protection.

In detail

The word "safer" reflects that most methods reduce risk rather than remove it. Common strategies include barrier methods like condoms and dental dams, regular testing, vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B, PrEP, and knowing a partner's status.

Talking openly with partners about testing and protection is part of safer sex, as is agreeing on what feels comfortable. Consent and communication go hand in hand with physical protection.

In a sentence

  • The workshop covered safer sex, consent and how to talk to partners about testing.
  • We agreed on safer sex before things went any further.

Where the word comes from

The phrase spread in the 1980s during the HIV epidemic, as health workers and community groups moved from "safe sex" to the more accurate "safer sex".

Common questions

Why is it called safer sex rather than safe sex?

Because most methods reduce risk rather than removing it completely. "Safer" is a more honest description of what condoms, testing, vaccines and PrEP can do.

What counts as safer sex?

Common strategies include barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams, regular testing, vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B, PrEP, and talking with partners about status and protection. A sexual health clinic can help you choose what fits.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Planned ParenthoodSafer sex
  2. WHOSexually transmitted infections (STIs) fact sheet