Stay Safe With These Six Safer Sex Tips

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on May 01, 2023

It’s not just about wearing a condom 

Sex is supposed to be fun. Even if your goal is as functional as procreation, no one says you can’t have a little fun enjoying the process. But there’s no free lunch here. There are healthy and social risks associated with sex that must be taken seriously. The good news is if you take a little extra care and stay healthy, you can enjoy safe sex whenever you and your partner want. 

Here are six safe sex tips to help you stay happy and healthy — and have a little fun along the way. 

1. Use a condom— Okay, safe sex isn’t just about wearing a condom, but it’s a very, very important component. Make sure you’re stocked up on latex condoms and always have one on hand if you think you might find yourself in a sexy situation. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are available. 
2. Be selective— Think long and hard about having sex with a new partner. You’ll want to ask about their past sexual activity, history of STIs, and risky behaviour like drug use. This is a good time to be discerning. 
3. Avoid alcohol or drugs— People are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour when drugs or alcohol are involved. Know your limit and tolerance for alcohol and stay within it. If you’re out at a bar, get a friend to help keep tabs on your intake. 
4. Use a dental dam— A dental dam is a stretch square of latex that is used as a separator between your mouth and another person’s genitals or anus during oral sex. This will help lower the risk of transmitting infections like herpes that can travel from the genitals to the mouth area. 
5. Check yourself— Give yourself and your parts a good look on a regular basis. Some STIs take a while to show symptoms (and some don’t show any at all), so you should be checking yourself even if you haven’t had sex in a while. Keep an eye out for things like sores, blisters, rashes and discharge. 
6. Get regular tests— Get tested for STIs at least once a year. Even more regularly if you’ve had sex with a new partner or if a condom broke during sex. 

There’s no magic bullet when it comes to keeping yourself and others safe during sex. But if you keep these tips in mind, you have a better chance of avoiding long-term infections and serious health consequences. 

Plus, once you’ve checked off some of these safe sex tips, you’ll be able to enjoy sex even more. And that’s something we can all appreciate.