Safer Sex

“Safer sex is not just about protection from
unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). It’s also about making sure everyone involved…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Safer Sex Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this umbrella may include:

  • Safe Sex
  • Safer Sex

Definition

What is safer sex?

DotS the definition of safer sex may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:

“Safer sex is not just about protection from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s also about making sure everyone involved feels safe and respected”.2

Tell or Not

Can you tell if a sexual partner has an STI?

No. In Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex the JH explain:

“Practising safer sex can reduce your risk of getting an STI. Anyone can catch an STI. You can’t tell if a sexual partner has an STI. A strong and healthy person may still be infected. Some people may not even know they have an STI”.3

Oral Sex

Is oral sex, safer sex?

According to the JH:

“Note that oral sex doesn’t reduce the risk of getting an STI. Common STIs such as herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia can all be transmitted through unprotected oral sex”.4

Period

Is sex during your period, safer sex?

No. The JH explain:

“Some infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, are present in menstrual blood. If you have unprotected sex during your period and your partner has broken skin (an abrasion), the infection can be transmitted to your partner. If you have an infection, it’s best to use a condom or dam when having sex during your period”.5

Guidelines

What are safer sex guidelines for women?

In Safe Sex Rules Still Apply: Safer Sex Guidelines for Women of All Ages the North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) include:

  • “Choose a partner carefully
  • Discuss sexual histories with your partner, and don’t let embarrassment compromise your health
  • Always insist that a male partner use a latex condom for genital, oral, and anal sex unless you are in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship. Never use petroleum-based products like Vaseline or baby oil to lubricate condoms because they can cause condoms to break
  • Don’t let a male partner’s erection difficulties keep him from using a condom. Dream up some erotic or stimulating methods for putting on the condom to keep his erection going. If all else fails, get a female condom
  • Have an annual physical exam, including a Pap test and lab tests to identify STIs if you are at any risk
  • If you are exposed to an STI or have received a confirmed diagnosis, urge any partners to be tested and treated
  • Consider having both you and your partner checked for STIs before starting a sexual relationship”.6

Condoms

Is the use of condoms safer sex?

In Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex – Condoms and Other Barrier Methods the JH elaborate on:

“The safest way to have sex is to use condoms (external or internal) or dental dams and water-based lubricant (lube).

It’s important to use a new condom or dam during sex if you change partners or change from vaginal to anal or oral sex. You should also use a new condom if you share sex toys.

Note, condoms or dams won’t protect against STIs if part of the body with infection is unprotected and there’s skin-to-skin contact. Also, some STIs such as herpes, genital warts and pubic lice may still be spread even if a condom is used”.7

Sex Between Women

What additional safer sex precautions may apply specifically to sex between women?

In Safe Sex Rules Still Apply: Safer Sex Guidelines for Women of All Ages the NAMS explain:

“Although lesbians have fewer STIs than heterosexual women, be aware that STIs can be passed from woman to woman. Some additional precautions apply specifically to sex between women:

  • Prevent transfer of any body fluids (including menstrual blood and vaginal fluids) into cuts, scrapes, or other openings
  • During oral or vulva-to-vulva sex, cover your partner’s vaginal area with a dental dam or similar latex barrier to avoid contact with secretions
  • Avoid sharing sex toys. Either clean them in hot, soapy water or use a new condom before switching users.

Keep in mind that oral sex with a partner who has a cold sore or fever blister can transfer the herpes virus to you if your mouth or genitals come into contact with the sore”.8

Older but New Relationship

When starting a new relationship after many years, what may we need to know about safer sex?

In Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Safer Sex After A Long-Term Relationship the JH note:

Safer Sex“If you’re starting a new relationship after many years, it’s important to discuss safer sex with new partners. To be even safer, you can both have a sexual health check before having sex. If any issues make it hard for you or your partner to use condoms, talk to your doctor”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with safer sex?

If you would like help with safer sex, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The NAMS reassure:

“If your provider asks about your sex life or sexual function, don’t miss the opportunity to be frank and look for help. More important, if your provider doesn’t ask specifically about your sexual function, don’t be afraid to bring up a distressing sexual problem yourself when you’re asked, “How are you feeling?” Most providers today are comfortable addressing such a problem; if your provider is not, consider looking for another.

There is absolutely no need to suffer (or let your relationship suffer) in silence”.10 

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Safer Sex?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Safer Sex?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  2. Caredownthere.com.au [Care Down There, Australia]
  3. Condom Effectiveness
  4. Condom Fact Sheet In Brief
  5. Condoms
  6. Contraception
  7. Dental Dam Use
  8. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If…
  9. External (Sometimes Called Male) Condom Use
  10. Female Condom
  11. Internal (Sometimes Called Female) Condom Use
  12. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  13. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  14. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  15. Patient Information Leaflets
  16. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  17. STDs A To Z
  18. STI Awareness Week [April 14-20, 2024 United States]
    Safer Sex
  19. Safe Sex Rules Still Apply
  20. Safer Sex Guidelines
  21. Safer Sex [+ Video]
  22. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  23. Sex & Sexual Health [Topics]
  24. Sex Activities and Risk
  25. Sexual Health
  26. Sexual Healthcare In Your-20s and Beyond
  27. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  28. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
  29. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
  30. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): CDC Fact Sheets
  31. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diagnosis & Treatment
  32. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diseases & Related Conditions
  33. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  34. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Just Diagnosed? Next Steps After Testing Positive for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia
  35. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): STD Risk and Oral Sex – CDC  Fact Sheet
    Safer Sex
  36. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes
  37. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Other STDs
  38. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  39. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  40. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STI Symptoms
  41. Sexually Transmitted Infections, All You Need To Know – Podcast
  42. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  43. WSHD 2023: Consent
  44. World Association for Sexual Health
  45. World Sexual Health Day
    Safer Sex
  46. Your Contraceptive Guide: Condom Tips
  47. Your Contraceptive Guide: Condoms
  48. Your Contraceptive Guide: Female Condoms
  49. Your Safer Sex Toolbox

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Safer Sex. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  2. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Safer Sex. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  3. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  4. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  5. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex – Sex During Your Period. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  6. Safe Sex Rules Still Apply: Safer Sex Guidelines for Women of All Ages. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/reminders-and-resources/safe-sex-rules-still-apply Accessed: 05 April 2024
  7. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex – Condoms and Other Barrier Methods. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  8. Safe Sex Rules Still Apply: Safer Sex Guidelines for Women of All Ages. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/reminders-and-resources/safe-sex-rules-still-apply Accessed: 05 April 2024
  9. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Safer Sex After A Long-Term Relationship. Last Updated: 26 March 2024 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 05 April 2024
  10. Talking To Your Health Care Provider About Your Problem. North America Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/effective-treatments-for-sexual-problems/talking-to-your-healthcare-provider-about-your-problem Accessed: 05 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 05 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 April 2024

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