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Sexual Health Information |
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Safer sex is a term used to describe ways to help reduce the chances of becoming infected with bacteria and viruses that cause Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics. Viral infections can usually be treated, but can't be cured.
There are some infections that are not usually sexually transmitted. These include yeast and Bacterial Vaginosis. Some people may get infestations, like crabs and scabies. These are annoying, but not dangerous.
How to make sex safer
Male Condoms:
There are many types of latex condoms available for a male partner to wear. It is important to use only water-based lubricants with latex condoms.
Condoms can be used for vaginal and anal sex. They can also be used on a male when he receives oral sex.
For oral sex on a man, if a couple decides not to use a condom, he can ejaculate outside his partner's mouth. If he ejaculates inside his partner's mouth, his partner can spit out the semen. To reduce the risk even more, the partner can avoid taking the head of the penis into the mouth.
There is a risk of giving Herpes to a man if his partner has a cold sore on the mouth. There is also a risk of Syphilis, especially for men who have oral sex with other men. This also makes it easier to get HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS.
How to use a condom
Herpes (Available as a PDF file)
Syphilis (Available as a PDF file)
HIV/AIDS (Available as a PDF file)
Female Condoms:
A female condom is a loose fitting polyurethane sheath that lines the vagina.
Female condoms are used for vaginal intercourse. Using female condoms correctly will help protect both partners from most STIs. Because male condoms do not cover all the skin that may be infected, a female condom gives added protection against genital Herpes or genital warts.
The female condom
Dental Dams
A dental dam is a square of latex rubber and is used on a woman when she receives oral sex. It can be stretched over the vulva (and vaginal opening) to cover it during oral sex. The dam provides a barrier between the mouth and the vulva.
Some people use a dental dam for oral sex on the anus. Dental dams are available at specialty condom stores and sex shops. If a dental dam is not available, a condom can be used. It has to be cut along its length.
Getting Tested for STIs
There are different ways to be tested for STIs, depending on what the test is for. For some tests you need a swab from the vagina or the penis. For others, they use a urine sample. Still others require a blood sample.
People who have concerns about infections should see their healthcare professional or go to a clinic.
Often, people with STIs will have no symptoms. Others may. Some signs of infection are: a change in secretions, a sore or bump on the genitals, or painful intercourse. Women are often tested for STIs as part of their yearly physical and Pap test.
Some couples decide to get tested for some STIs after using condoms consistently for three months. If the tests show they don't have these STIs, including HIV, they may decide (if they have no partners outside the relationship) to stop using condoms. If they are heterosexual, they would still need to decide what to use for birth control.
Outercourse
There are many ways to have safer sex (and still give and take sexual pleasure) without genital touching at all. These include:
- Kissing and touching all over the body
- Sensual massage
- Self pleasuring
- A good imagination!
Try to avoid getting semen or vaginal fluids into your body.
In a casual relationship?
If you met your partner over the Internet or are thinking about having sex without knowing that person's real identity, it is very important to practice safer sex. Some suggestions for when you meet someone for the first time:
- Get a "real" phone number of the person (rather than just a cell phone number)
- Tell a "buddy" of your plans to meet the person. Let them know where and when you are meeting.
For more information:
AIDS and Sexual Health InfoLine
1-800-668-2437
Toronto Health Connection 416-338-7600
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Toronto Sexual Health Clinics
Birth Control
Web Links
Links to sites outside the City of Toronto website are provided for convenience and additional general information only. Toronto Public Health does not endorse any advertisements and is not responsible for the content and opinions found on external sites.
The information posted on this site, as well as linked sites, is not a substitute for a
professional medical opinion.
AIDS Committee of Toronto - Safer Sex Information
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