Using protection

Using protection

You can reduce the chance of getting an STI by always having sex with a condom. Talk about preventing STIs with your sexual partner, whether you have casual partners or are in a more permanent relationship.

Have you had sex without a condom or think you have an STI? Get yourself tested, and if you have an STI, get treated
Are you a man who has sex with men? Get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis B
Are you convinced that you’ve very recently (within 72 hours) been exposed to HIV? Then you can get a PEP treatment

Do you want to make sure you don’t get any STIs or get pregnant? Then always take measures to prevent it.

Two condoms in closed foil packaging on pink pastel background

Use contraception

Using contraceptives is protecting yourselves. This is the best way to have sex: condoms plus the pill (or another contraceptive).
A condom protects against STIs. The pill does not protect against STIs but is one of the most widely used methods for preventing pregnancy.

Protect yourself against STIs

When you have sex, then using condoms is the only way to prevent STIs. Most things that go wrong with condoms happen because they’re not used properly. So, make sure you know how to use a condom.

Protected against STIs

You are well protected against STIs if:

You and your partner never have sex with anyone else and neither of you have an STI
You only caress, kiss, cuddle, massage, masturbate or finger each other
You use an approved condom for vaginal sex
You use an approved condom with extra lubricant for anal sex
You use a condom when giving head
You use a dental dam or a cut open condom during vagina or anus oral sex

If you don’t get menstrual or other blood or semen in your mouth when you’re giving head, you run no risk of HIV. But remember, there is still a chance of getting other STIs.

Not protected against STIs

If you have sex without a condom, you are not protected against STIs.