Safer Sex
You can lower your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by following these simple practices:
If You Choose to Have Sex, Use Protection
Limit Your Number of Sexual Partners
Your risk of contracting an STI goes up with the number of partners you have.
Get Tested for STIs Regularly
Many STIs have no signs or symptoms, so it is important to get tested for STIs on a regular basis so you know your STI status.
Communicate with Your Partner
Talk to your partner(s) about using protection and getting tested for STIs.
Need tips? Check out the It's Your Sex Life website for more information.
Get Vaccinated
HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually, however, there are vaccines for these infections.
- The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts and is available for males and females age 9 - 26.
- Vaccines for HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B are available at Student Health Services.
Use Lubricant
Using water-based or silicone-based lubricant makes sex safer by making the condoms and dental dams slightly slippery so they are less likely to break. Plus it can make safer sex more pleasurable! Avoid using any oil-based lubricant as it degrades condoms and dental dams.
Have questions? Contact a Health Educator at (858) 822-0455 or review our Sexual Health page to learn more.