“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:

Definition

What is safer sex?

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

Tell or Not

Can you tell if a sexual partner has an STI?

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?

The JH explain:

“It’s important to practise safer sex, even when you have your period. If you have unprotected sex during your period and your partner has broken skin (an abrasion), infections such as HIV or hepatitis can be transmitted to your partner. If you know 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:

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:

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:

“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:

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

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

• Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections, All You Need To Know – Podcast
• WSHD 2024: Positive Relationships [World Sexual Health Day]
  
• World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) September 04, 2024]

1. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
2. Caredownthere.com.au [Care Down There, Australia]
3. Condom Use
4. Condom Use: How To Use A Condom
5. Condom Use: How To Use A Dental Dam
6. Condom Use: How To Use An Internal Condom
7. Condom Use: Types of Condoms
8. Condoms
9. Condoms
10. Contraception
11. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If…
12. Female Condom
13. Internal (Female) Condoms
14. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
15. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
16. 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]
    
17. Patient Information Leaflets
18. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
19. STDs A To Z
20. STI Awareness Week [April 14-20, 2024 United States]
21. Safe Sex Rules Still Apply
22. Safer Sex Guidelines
23. Safer Sex [+ Video]
24. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
25. Sex and Sexual Health [Topics]
26. Sex Activities and Risk
27. Sexual Health
28. Sexual Healthcare In Your Teens, 20s and Beyond
29. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diagnosis & Treatment
30. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes
31. Sexually Transmitted Infections
32. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
33. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
34. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
35. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Genital HPV Infection
36. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About STI Risk and Oral Sex
37. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
38. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Fact Sheets
39. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Prevent 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. World Association for Sexual Health
44. WSHD 2024: Positive Relationships [World Sexual Health Day]
    
45. World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) September 04, 2024]
46. Your Safer Sex Toolbox

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at: