Safer Sex

The terms safer sex or safe sex refer to protecting an individual and his or her partners from the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, as well as pregnancy prevention. The term safer sex is sometimes used to more accurately convey the fact that there is no risk-free sexual activity, as all forms of sexual activity include some level of risk. However, certain practices can be used for protection to reduce the level of risk associated with the sexual activity; thus, the terms safer sex or protected sex are sometimes used. Some of these protective practices include abstinence, reducing the number of sexual partners, getting to know a partner before engaging in sexual activity, engaging in monogamous relationships, and using barrier protective methods such ...