Safer Sex Did you know that anybody who is having sex can pick up an STI - young or old, straight, gay or lesbian? What is safer sex? A simple way of understanding safer sex is to see it as any sex that does not allow an infected partner's blood, semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid - precum - or fluid from the vagina to get inside the other partner's body. What are the riskiest kinds of sex? Vaginal and anal sex without a condom carry the highest risk. Sexually transmitted infextions can be passed onto either partner - male or female, active or passive - during penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus), without a condom. How to be safer Using a condom means that you are less likely to get an STI. It may be obvious to use a condom with a new partner, but once you start having sex frequently with the same person you might think that it's ok to give up using condoms. Even if you are in a long term relationship don't stop using condoms without asking yourselves could either one of us have a sexually transmitted infection? To talk confidentially with an adviser about sexually transmitted infections, or to find out where you can get tested, ring the Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123. You can phone at any time and calls are free. How safe is oral sex? Oral sex is where one partner uses their tongue or mouth to stimulate their partner's genitals. There is some risk from oral sex, but it is less risky than vaginal or anal sex without a condom. The risk can be further reduced by: Remember
