Learning About Safer Sex
Safer sex is sexual activity that lowers the chances of unintended pregnancy and getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Safer sex is consensual, which means all partners agree to participate and understand what they're agreeing to. Consent is voluntary, and you can change your mind. You need consent each time and for every type of sexual activity. It's important for all partners to talk with one another about consent and safer sex.
What types of sex are safer?
Being informed about risks is part of safer sex. There are different kinds of sexual activities, and each sexual activity has a different risk for pregnancy and STIs.
Hand sex
- When a person's hand is on or inside another person's genitals or anus. Also called handjobs, fisting, or fingering.
- There is no risk for pregnancy with hand sex.
- Some STIs can be passed through hand sex.
Oral sex
- When a person's mouth is on another person's genitals or anus. Also called going down or eating out (on a vulva), blowjobs or giving head (on a penis), rim job or rimming (on an anus).
- There is no risk for pregnancy with oral sex.
- STIs can be passed through oral sex.
Vaginal sex
- When a person's penis is in another person's vagina.
- High risk for pregnancy with vaginal sex.
- STIs can be passed through vaginal sex.
Anal sex
- When a person's penis is in another person's anus.
- Pregnancy is possible with anal sex if sperm is near the vaginal area.
- STIs can be passed through anal sex.
Pregnancy can happen anytime a penis or sperm is near the vaginal area of a person who can get pregnant. This includes vaginal sex, anal sex, or penis and vaginal touching.
STIs can be passed with any sexual contact between one person's body and another person's genitals, anus, semen, blood, or vaginal fluid. This includes hand sex, oral sex, vaginal sex, and anal sex.
It is not possible to get pregnant from kissing, massage, or masturbating alone or in front of a partner. These are not risky activities for STIs.
How can I have safer sex?
- Make sure that consent is part of all sexual activities. Communicate clearly with your partner(s) to talk about what you like, limits, and safer sex.
- Talk with your partner(s) about your sexual health history, and the last time you were tested for STIs. Ask them about any STIs they've had, when they were last tested, and if they've had any other sexual partners since then.
- Use water-based lubricants (lube). Lube can help make sex more comfortable. It also prevents genital irritation and lowers the chance of condoms breaking.
- Consider how alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs affect how you make decisions about sex, and plan ahead for safer sex.
To lower the chance of pregnancy
- Choose sexual activities that cannot lead to pregnancy, like masturbation or oral sex.
- Use a condom as well as another method of birth control. This improves how well the birth control works and lowers the risk for STIs.
- Think about getting emergency contraception as soon as possible if your condom breaks or sperm gets near the genitals of a person who could get pregnant.
To lower the chance of STIs
- Limit your number of sexual partners.
- Use safer sex barriers, like internal condoms, external condoms, and dental dams.
- Get tested for STIs with each new partner or yearly, even if you don't have any symptoms.
- Get immunized against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Use an HIV prevention medicine, called PrEP, if you're at high risk for HIV.
- Don't share sex toys. If you do share them, wash them according to manufacturer's instructions or use condoms with them.
Where can I find more information?
If you have questions, need to find a sexual health clinic near you, or want more information, call Health Link at 811 anytime, day or night, to talk to a registered nurse.
To see this information online or learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_safer_sex_inst
Related to Sexual and Reproductive Health
Current as of: August 20, 2024
Author: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
