16 safer sex practices

A safer sex practice means taking steps to protect yourself and your partner from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Safer sex practices include:

1. Abstinence
Abstinance refers to refraining from sexual activity. This is the only way to be totally sure you won’t get an STI. Don’t have sexual contact when you have an STI or are treating one. It is also important to avoid close contact like deep kissing or body rubbing when you have an infection, as some infections can spread this way.

2. Enjoy solo activities

Solo sexual activities like watching porn, fantasizing, or masturbating, don’t spread STIs. However, if you already have an infection like herpes, if you touch a sore and then another part of your body, the infection can spread to that area.

3. Use a barrier
Barriers like condoms, dental dams, and gloves help stop the spread of STIs. Condoms are the only birth control that also protects against STIs. Check out where to find free condoms on and off-campus!

4. Practice healthy sexual communication
Good communication includes getting clear, mutual consent. Consent is voluntary, informed, ongoing, and needed for every activity. It also means discussing using barriers, STI risks, and relationship boundaries. For lots of information on consent, see Concordia Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)'s Consent page.

5. Properly disinfect shared sex toys
If you share sex toys, they can pass germs from one person to another if not cleaned well. Always follow the cleaning instructions that come with the toy, and check online for safe cleaning tips based on the toy’s material. 

6. Participate in activities where you don't exchange body fluids 
Some STIs like HIV and hepatitis B can spread through body fluids. Safer sex activities, like body rubbing, massage, or S&M, don’t exchange body fluids. But remember, some STIs (like herpes and genital warts) spread through skin-to-skin contact.

7. Avoid contact with sores
Herpes and genital warts can spread through contact with sores; even ones too small to see. Use barrier protection that covers the area to reduce the risk.

8. Limit the number of sexual partners
Having fewer sexual partners reduces your risk of getting or spreading STIs. 

9. Share sexual history and STI status
Talking openly with your partner about your sexual history and STI status. This will help you both to make safer choices.

10. Avoid sex when impaired with alcohol or drugs 
Using too much alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and affect your decision-making about sex.

11. Get tested for STIs
Many any STIs have no symptoms, so regular testing helps you know your status, get treated if needed, and protect your partners. Testing for STIs is available at Concordia University Health Services and other locations in Montreal. 

12. Get vaccinated against STIs
Vaccines can protect you from infections like Mpox, hepatitis B, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead many cancers (e.g. liver, cervical, penis, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers). Concordia University Health Services offers a variety of vaccines, including vaccines against STIs.

13. Inform previous partners if you have an STI
Several STIs have no noticeable symptoms or very mild ones. If you are diagnosed with an STI, inform your current and previous partner(s) so they can get tested, and treated, if necessary. You can get some ideas about how to speak to your previous partner(s) in this brochure. If you feel uncomfortable contacting a partner, meet with a nurse at Health Services who can inform the Department of Public Health so they can anonymously contact your previous partners. An online partner notification resource for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is from the Portail VIH/sida du Quebec.

14. Follow prescribed treatments
Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured, and completing treatment helps stop the spread. You can get re-infected, so it’s important to continue to practice safer sex. Medications like Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), antiretrovirals, and antivirals can also lower the risk of getting or passing on certain STIs like HIV and herpes.

15. Learn about healthy sexuality, safer sex and STIs
The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your partners. Read about safer sex and STIs, talk with people you trust, or speak to a health professional. Check out our healthy sexuality resources page for reliable information.

16. Adopt positive attitudes towards safer sex
Having a positive mindset helps you make choices that protect your health. Safer sex supports your values, like respect, kindness, and living well, and helps you stay on track with your life goals. Focus on the many benefits, and make your health a priority!