There are many ways to have safer S3x. Learn about these ways to avoid STDs, plus information comparing condom and lube types!
1. Get STD tested together. Getting tested with a new partner for all STDs prior to engaging in S3xual activity with them will help you both avoid giving or getting STDs that you may not have realized you or they have.
2. Get vaccinated for the viruses that have immunizations prior to engaging in S3xual activity.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has more than 100 strains, some of which can cause cervical cancer in women or oropharyngeal cancer in both men and women. Some strains are preventable by a series of vaccinations.
Hepatitis A is typically contracted from contaminated food or water, but can be contracted from oro-anal S3x. This virus is 100 percent preventable by vaccine.
Hepatitis B can also be prevented via immunization completed prior to exposure to the virus.
3. Knowing your partner prior to having S3x with them can help decrease your risk of contracting an STD. You are more likely to have talked to a S3x partner you know about STDs prior to S3x. Those who do not know their partners are more likely to engage in riskier activities like unprotected S3x or engaging in S3xual activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol– for example: a one-night stand.
4. Staying sober can help you avoid STDs. Being drunk or under the influence of drugs can inhibit your decision-making skills, making it more likely that you would engage in S3xual activity with someone you do not know or have unprotected S3x.
5. Limiting your S3xual partners is a smart choice for safer S3x. Limiting your partners to only one person that you have S3x with who only has S3x with you decreases the risk of contracting an STD, especially if you have gone to get STD tested together first. Multiple S3x partners means more exposure to potentially contracting an STD.
6. Do not share S3x toys. S3x toys that were not properly cleaned can be the source of trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and herpes. If any blood is on the S3x toy, HIV and hepatitis B and C can potentially be contracted from it.
7. If you are in a relationship with a partner who has HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential to helping you not contract the virus. Your partner needs to be adamantly following antiretroviral therapy (ART).
8. Use a latex or polyurethane condom or dental/S3x dam every time you engage in vaginal, anal or oral S3x.
Condoms
Condoms act as a barrier between the pe.nis and protect against bacteria and viruses. Although some STDs, like herpes and HPV, can be transmitted from areas not covered by a condom, it is still safer to use a condom.
There are many types of condoms available, all of which should be used accordingly:
Never use the same condom more than once.
Never use an expired condom.
Male condoms should only be put on a partially or fully erected pe.nis. Be sure to smooth out any trapped air bubbles, as they can cause the condom to break.
Never use more than one condom at a time; using two condoms at the same time will cause friction and can result in both of them ripping or tearing. (This includes using a male and female condom at the same time.)
Never open a condom package with your teeth to avoid ripping tiny holes in the condom. Use caution as to not accidentally tear it with your fingernails, too.
Never use an oil-based lubricant with a latex or polyisoprene condom, it will cause them to breakdown.
Do not store condoms in a hot place. Heat can damage latex, so do not keep your condoms in a hot place like a wallet, car glove box or console.
If switching between types of intercourse, replace the condom with a new one. For example, do not switch between vaginal intercourse and anal intercourse without first discarding the condom and putting on a new one.
Types of Condoms:
Latex condoms
Made of latex (rubber).
Some people are allergic to latex.
Slightly thicker than polyurethane condoms, considered to be slightly more resilient.
Cannot be used with oil-based lubricants (use water-based or silicon-based).
Most widely available condom option, and often the least expensive.
Polyurethane condoms
Made of thin plastic.
Can be used if you or your partner has a latex allergy.
More expensive than latex condoms.
Compared to latex, polyurethane condoms are thinner and tend to have a less constricting fit.
Polyisoprene condoms
Polyisoprene is chemically the same type of rubber as latex, but synthetic polyisoprene condoms should not contain the natural proteins which are the source of most people’s latex allergies.
Can be used if partner is allergic to latex or polyurethane.
Natural feel that conforms to the skin similarly to latex.
Typically costs less than polyurethane and slightly more than latex condoms.
Cannot be used with oil-based lubricants (use water-based or silicon-based).
Natural condoms
Typically made of animal membranes (like lambskin).
Not safe for preventing STDs, since they have small pores that can allow bacteria and viruses to slip through.
These pores are too small to allow sperm to pass through.
More expensive than most condoms.
Female condoms
A lubricated polyurethane tube that has a flexible ring at each end, and an opening on one end.
The closed end of the tube covers the cervix, and the other end slightly covers the labia (lips on the outside of the vagina). The condom blocks sperm from entering the womb.
Female condoms should be discarded after one use.
Not as effective at preventing STDs as the male condoms because they do not cover nearly as much of the genital area.
Cannot be used together with a male condom, as the friction could cause one or both to break.
Dental Dams
A dental dam or a S3x dam is a patch of latex, polyurethane or polyethylene used during oral stimulation or oral S3x as a barrier between one’s mouth and their partner’s genital area or anus. They prevent the spread of STDs when used correctly.
Lubricants
Lubricant (lube) aids in preventing friction that can cause condoms to break.
Oil-Based Lube
Avoid oil-based lubricants if you can.
They are not safe for use with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
They can clog pores, thereby acting as a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
Oil stains can ruin bedding or clothing.
Oil is much more difficult to clean off of S3x toys (and people!).
Water-Based Lube
Needs to be reapplied more often than silicone-based lube.
Safe for all types of condoms and safe on silicone S3x toys.
Easy to clean up after.
Silicone-Based Lube
Safe to use with all types of condoms.
Silicone lube is not safe to use with silicone S3x toys, it can cause them to breakdown.
Typically needs to be reapplied less often than water-based lube.
More effective in a water setting than water-based lube (shower, hot tub, pool, etc.).
