A term used to describe any sexual activity that poses a greatly reduced risk of contracting or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, due to the partners’ use of condoms or other devices that make the exchange of infected body fluid unlikely.
Also called safe sex; the exercise of precautions while participating in sexual activity in order to decrease the risk of transmitting or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Safer sex behaviors may also include precautions to avoid undesired pregnancy. To prevent both pregnancy and STDs, physicians recommend the use of male or female condoms during sexual intercourse. In order to be effective condoms must be in place before the beginning and until the end of sexual activity and must be used during every encounter. When a male condom is used, it must be placed on the penis before it touches any part of the female genital area; this is because the penis may release small drops of fluid called pre-ejaculate, which can contain disease-causing organisms and sperm. Other safer sex measures include abstinence and a faithful, monogamous sexual relationship. To practice safer sex, it is important to know one’s partner, including his or her sexual history, and to stay sober.
Preventive actions carried out to decrease the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections encompass a range of steps. These measures involve taking basic precautions, such as engaging in a monogamous relationship with an infection-free partner, refraining from casual or multiple sexual partners, steering clear of activities that can harm the skin or mucous membranes, or involve exposure to bodily fluids, and utilizing a condom.