Safer sex
Also known as safe sexprotectionsexual health
Safer sex is the set of practices — barriers, testing, and honest conversation — that reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy while keeping intimacy enjoyable.
The gist
Safer sex is about reducing risk thoughtfully: using barriers like condoms and dental dams, getting tested and sharing results, and talking openly with partners about health. It's a normal, caring part of intimacy — a sign of respect for yourself and a partner, not a mood-killer.
Tips
- Testing and an honest conversation are as much a part of safer sex as barriers are.
Related
Condom
A condom is a barrier worn during intimacy that helps prevent both STIs and pregnancy — one of the most effective and accessible tools for safer sex.
Lubricant (lube)
Lubricant is a personal product that reduces friction to make intimacy more comfortable and pleasurable — a wellness staple, not a sign anything is wrong.
STI (sexually transmitted infection)
An STI is an infection that can pass between partners during intimate contact — common, usually manageable or curable, and best handled with regular testing and open talk.