Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are any infections spread through sexual contact. STIs are common and anyone who’s sexually active can catch one. Most can be treated and there are simple ways to protect yourself. This includes using condoms and getting tested often. Having honest chats with partners about sexual health is also key. 

Using condoms is the best way to avoid catching an STI. They can also help prevent pregnancy.

Condoms need to be used right to protect you. This means using a new condom every time you have sex and checking they have not passed their use-by date. The packet should also have a European CE or UKCA mark, which means condoms have passed safety tests. 

There’s a knack to using condoms. Learn how to put one on, or refresh your technique, so you stay safe no matter the type of sexual contact you’re having. The NHS has more advice on how to use condoms.

It’s easy to stock up with our free, confidential condom ordering service.

Other ways to make sex safer

There are lots of ways you can look after your sexual health and wellbeing:

  • Get tested often, especially if you’re having sex with different partners. It’s a good idea because you or a partner might have an STI without knowing. Find out about our free, confidential testing service.
  • Talk to your partners about sexual health and how you can have safe sex that’s still fun. We know it can be tough, but it’s a good idea to have honest, open chats about this stuff before you start having sex. 
  • Be aware that drinking alcohol, or taking drugs , might mean you make unsafe choices. Get into the habit of taking some condoms on a night out. And if you’re with friends, look out for each other.
  • Know your risks from different types of sexual contact. Did you know there’s a higher chance of catching an STI through anal sex compared to other types of sexual activity? That’s because the lining of the anus (bottom) is thin. This means it can get damaged and infected. Find out more the risks of different types of sex.   
  • Clean sex toys after each use, and avoid sharing them with partners. If you do share toys, use condoms. Change the condom each time your toy is shared or used on  different parts of the body like the vagina and anus.
  • If you’re eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, take it. This can protect against genital warts, as well as cervical cancer . Check out if you might be able to get jabbed against hepatitis B (hep B) too.

Condoms are the best way to protect yourself. If you’re at higher risk of getting HIV, or you’re worried you could have caught the virus, there are two medicines that might be prescribed to you:

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a tablet that you can take before sex if you do not have HIV but are at high risk of getting it. PrEP  is free on the NHS, or from one of our sexual health clinics.
  • A combination of HIV drugs called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP or PEPSE) can be prescribed if you’ve been exposed to HIV. It needs to be taken very soon after you think you might have caught it – within 3 days at most. If you’re worried then go to one of our sexual health clinics or your nearest A&E straight away. 

We have more information on HIV and on HIV testing and treatment.