Safe Sex

There are plenty of options below that can provide you with safety and pleasure during your sexual encounters!

Condoms

Condoms are the most popular form of protection and prevention when having sex with someone else. Used by those who have a penis, they offer a layer of protection to protect you and your partner(s) from HIV and STDs.

Condoms are a thin, loose-fitting pouch or sheath that fits over the penis that stops sperm from entering another person's body. When used correctly, condoms are 98% effective at preventing transmission of STDs or pregnancy.

Condoms come in a variety of sizes and styles. Ultimately, it is up to the user the type of condom they will use for the most sexual pleasure during their encounters. Some examples of condoms include:

internal (female) and external (male)
lubricated and non-lubricated
flat and ribbed condoms
flavored and non-flavored

Condoms can be found at your local health retail stores like CVS, Target, and more. To find condoms near you, use the website LA Condom.

Dental Dams

This is another type of preventive tool used during sex. It consists of a latex sheet, typically in the shape of a square or rectangle, that creates a barrier between the mouth and anus/vagina during oral sex. Like a condom, it is meant to serve as a tool to prevent transmission of STDs.

Dental dams can be purchased at local health retail stores as well. Condoms can also be used as a dental dam by cutting each end of the condom and splitting it down the middle.

Prevention Medication

Combining condoms/dental dams with preventative medication can help elevate your sexual experiences knowing you have safety measures for transmission of HIV/STDs. Consider asking your primary care provider how you can start the following medications:

PrEP: a medication (pill or injection) that can prevent you from receiving HIV
PEP: an emergency medication that can stop a potential HIV exposure within 72 hours of contact
DoxyPEP: medication you take after sex to reduce your chances of receiving syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea by 60% (cis-men only)

Talking with your sexual partners

A crucial step to help your partner(s) and you stay safe and healthy during your sexual encounter. Asking about sexual health & history should not be embarrassing and ensures you are being proactive with your health. Different ways to start the conversation can include:

"I know this is our first time meeting, but may I ask about your sexual health history?"
"May I ask when was the last time you got tested for HIV/STDs?"
"Are you on any preventative medication like PrEP and/or DoxyPEP?"
"Did you want to use any protection during sex like condoms or dental dams?"

Being able to initiate and have this conversation can ensure the safety of your partner(s) and yourself. Always remember you are in charge of your sexual health.

Getting tested

Getting regularly tested is the first step to keeping yourself and others safe during your sexual encounters. To look for a free and/or confidential testing center near you, use the website Get Tested. Testing/treatment should always be free/low-cost to you. Standard testing should be done every three months for those who are sexually active and talk to your center about preventative methods for STDs.

Page updated

Report abuse