Staying Safe During Sex

What is a dental dam?

A dental dam is a thin layer of rubber that's put over the vagina or the anus before oral sex. Using a dental dam helps prevent infections.

What's the best way to protect myself when using sex toys?

You should avoid sharing sex toys. If you do, put a new condom over the sex toy for each person, and wash the sex toy in soap and water after use.

Can I catch an STI from oral sex?

You can catch an STI during oral sex, as STIs can be carried in the back of the throat and transmitted during sexual contact.

Can I get pregnant from oral sex?

It's not possible to get pregnant from oral sex. However, you still can catch sexually-transmitted infections during oral sex.

Can I catch an STI from foreplay?

You can catch an STI from foreplay, as genital secretions can have infections in them.

Can I get pregnant from foreplay?

Provided that there is no penetration during foreplay, it is highly unlikely that you can get pregnant during foreplay.

Can I catch an STI from anal sex?

Anal sex is a high risk activity and it's very easy to catch sexually transmitted infections this way.

Can I get pregnant from anal sex?

Provided that there's no vaginal penetration, it's not possible to get pregnant from anal sex.

Can I catch an STI from masturbating?

It's not possible to catch an STI from masturbating.

Can I catch an STI from mutual masturbation?

If you are masturbating with somebody else it is possible to catch infections from their genital secretions.

Can I catch an STI from kissing?

Generally, kissing is known to be a very low risk activity for catching STIs.