Safe Sex Methods

Abstinence - One way to avoid the risks associated with sexual contact is to abstain from sex entirely, which nearly eliminates the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. This approach is advocated by the members of many religions who oppose sex outside marriage, and is sometimes encouraged by the promotion of virginity pledges and sexual abstinence education for teenagers in lieu of providing information on contraceptives.

However, so-called sexually-transmitted infections may also be transmitted non-sexually, and therefore, abstinence from sexual behavior does not guarantee 100% protection against sexually-transmitted infections. For example, HIV may be transmitted through contaminated needles which may be used in tattooing, body piercing, or injections. Health-care workers have acquired HIV through occupational exposure to accidental injuries with needles.

Masturbation - Solitary masturbation, including phone sex, and cybersex is a safe form of sexual activity, so long as contact is not made with other people's discharged bodily fluids.

Approaching Sex With Caution - Acknowledging that it is usually impossible to have entirely risk-free sex with another person, proponents of safer sex recommend that some of the following methods be used to minimize the risks of STD transmission and unwanted pregnancy.

• Monogamy, practiced faithfully, is very safe (as far as STDs are concerned) when all partners are non-infected. However, many monogamous people have been infected with sexually-transmitted diseases by partners who are sexually unfaithful, have used injection drugs, or were infected by previous sexual partners.
• Communication with one's sexual partner(s) makes for greater safety. Before initiating sexual activities, partners may discuss what activities they will and will not engage in, and what precautions they will take. This can reduce the chance of risky decisions being made in the heat of passion.
• For those who are not monogamous, reducing the number of one's sexual partners, particularly anonymous sexual partners, may also reduce one's potential exposure to STDs.
• Refraining from the use of recreational drugs, including alcohol, before and during sexual activity can protect against associated risks such as lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment, and loss of consciousness.

Preventing Fluid Exchange - Various devices are used to avoid contact with blood, vaginal fluid, and semen during sexual activity:

• Condoms cover the penis during sexual activity. They are most frequently made of latex, but can also be made out of polyurethane. Polyurethane is thought to be a safe material for use in condoms, since it is nonporous and viruses cannot pass through it. However, there is less research on its effectiveness than there is on latex.
• Female condoms are inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. They may also be used for anal sex, although they are less effective.
• A dental dam is a sheet of latex used for protection when engaging in oral sex. It is typically used as a barrier between the mouth and the vagina during cunnilingus or between the mouth and the anus during anilingus.  Latex condoms can also be cut to form an improvised dental dam.
• Medical gloves made out of latex, vinyl, nitrile, or polyurethane may be used as to protect the hands during mutual masturbation. Hands may have invisible cuts on them that may admit pathogens that are found in the semen or the vaginal fluids.
• Another way to avoid contact with blood and semen is non-penetrative sex, or forms of penetration that do not involve a penis, such as the use of dildos.