Anal sex
Anal sex is where a penis or object enters someone’s anus. For information on anal sex with sex toys, see the “sex toys” section below.
There is a higher chance of spreading STIs through anal sex, compared to many other types of sexual activity. This is because the lining of the anus is thin and can be damaged easily, making it more vulnerable to infection.
You can make anal sex safer by:
- Using condoms
- Using water-based or silicone-based lube with condoms
- Using PrEP to prevent HIV infection (see more about PrEP here)
Oral sex
Oral sex is kissing, sucking or licking a vagina, penis or anus. STIs can be spread through oral sex, and you can get some STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, in your throat.
You can make oral sex safer by:
- Using condoms for oral sex on a penis
- Using dams for oral sex on a vagina or an anus
- Avoiding oral sex if you or your partner(s) have sores on their mouth, genitals or anus.
Vaginal sex
Vaginal sex is when a penis or object enters a vagina. For information about vaginal sex using sex toys, see the “sex toys” section below. STIs can be passed on through vaginal sex, and pregnancy can occur through penis-in-vagina sex.
You can make vaginal sex safer by:
- Using condoms to avoid STIs
- Using water-based, or silicone-based lube to reduce the chance of a condom breaking
- Using contraception to reduce the chance of pregnancy
Sex toys
Sex toys may include a range of objects such as strap-ons, dildos, anal plugs and vibrators. STIs can be spread from person to person if you share sex toys. You can also get other infections if the sex toys you use aren’t cleaned properly.
You can make sex toys safer by:
- Using a new condom on a toy between each partner or body opening
- Wash toys between each use, each partner or body opening (if not using condoms on them)
- Only use sex toys designed for their purpose
Sexual touching
Sexual touching means to touch any body parts for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner. The types of sexual touching can vary from person to person. If you’re touching someone’s genitals, or there are genitals rubbing together, STIs can be passed on.
You can make sexual touching safer by:
- Keeping fingernails short, to avoid injury or condoms breaking
- Avoid touching or wear latex gloves if either person has cuts or sores on their hands/fingers that may come into contact with the other person
- Wearing latex gloves and use plenty of water-based lubricant for fisting
Sex with multiple partners
If you are having sex with multiple partners in the same session, you can make sex safer by:
- Using a new condom for each partner
- Making sure you have plenty of condoms and lube available (take more than you think you may need, just in case)
…And don’t forget about consent!
Consent means giving your permission for something to happen, and when we talk about sex, this means a person giving their permission (saying yes) to taking part in sex or sexual contact. Consent needs to be an enthusiastic “Yes!”, so if you’re unsure if someone is consenting, stop and check in with them.
Consent must be given for each sexual act by everyone involved. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with because someone assumes that’s what you should be into because of your sexuality or gender identity.