Barriers
External or internal condoms and dental dams can reduce many STI risks. Use them correctly and change between people or body sites.
Safer sex and STI knowledge
Follow the contact, not the shame.
Understand how STIs spread, which body sites may need testing, how barriers and toys fit, and what changes when sex is vaginal, oral, or anal.
Build a testing conversation
Private testing conversation builder
Which sites or situations were involved?
Select only what feels useful. Nothing is sent or stored.
Anal versus vaginal penetration
Close together. Different tissue and safety needs.
The vaginal canal can lubricate with arousal and is built to stretch. The rectum does not self-lubricate, and its lining can be more easily injured by friction.
For either body site
- Use consent, time, communication, and enough lubricant
- Stop with sharp, increasing, or persistent pain
- Use products designed for the body site
Before anus to vagina
- Put on a new condom or barrier
- Clean the toy and hands as directed
- Never move the same barrier between sites
Protection is layered
No single tool covers every goal.
Testing
Many STIs cause no symptoms. Testing should follow the exposure, body sites, timing, pregnancy, and current guidance.
Vaccines
Vaccination can help prevent HPV and hepatitis B for eligible people.
Contraception
Most birth-control methods prevent pregnancy but do not prevent STIs.
Communication
Talk about last testing, partners, barriers, contraception, symptoms, and what each person agrees to.