Safe sex is the only method that doesn’t lead to unintended pregnancy and getting STIs. 

Safe sex implies:

• Having only one partner who only has sex with you 
• Neither you nor your partner have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• You are using birth control for sex  

Some of the factors that can make unsafe sex more likely include:

• being drunk (which may lead to you being less careful)

• using recreational drugs

• feeling pressured to have sex

• thinking that it’s okay ‘just this once’

• believing that you can tell if someone has an STI because they will have symptoms.

However, many healthcare professionals believe there really is no such thing as safe sex, because either you can be exposed to any of the factors listed above, or you can face the problem of 1 percent of cases when birth control doesn’t work. Doctors believe the only way to be truly safe is not to have sex because all forms of sexual contact carry some risk.

Well, sometimes abstinence is not an option, so consider these ideas to help you increase the likelihood of safe sex:

• Always have a condom in your bag

• Research your birth control options

• Know your status

• Use protection every time

• Communicate openly with your partner

• Abstain from sex until you’re emotionally and physically ready

• Limit your number of partners

• Be careful of the products you use. Use protection for all types of sexual encounters

• Clean any sex toys you use, too

Keep logging your daily routines with the MIA app to receive more information about your health.