While there is no such thing as 100% safe sex, as there are always potential risks when engaging in sexual activity, there are plenty of ways to make sexual activity safer for you and potential partners. One of the most important and easiest ways to make sex safer is to educate yourself on the different supplies, barrier methods, contraceptives, and other resources that are available to you. Determining how one wants to engage in sexual activity and deciding on what methods they’d like to utilize to have safer sex is a very personal decision that one should have full autonomy over. Below we have provided brief information on various safer sex tools one may consider utilizing:
Supplies/Barrier Methods:
Safer sex barriers are a type of safer sex method that utilizes a protective shield which limits the transfer of sexual fluids from one person to another, which can aid in the prevention of STIs. There are a variety of some of the most commonly used safer sex barriers/tools listed below:
- Condoms: One of the most accessible and commonly used safer sex barrier methods. External condoms can be made out of various materials, with the most common ones being external latex-condoms, which are used by placement over an erect penis. Internal condoms are another option, which are used by insertion inside the vaginal walls. Condoms are one of the only safer sex methods that protect folks from most STIs and pregnancy. Learn more about condoms. For more information on condoms.
- Dental Dams: A common safer sex barrier that typically comes in the form of a small square sheet of latex. This barrier method is typically used for protection during oral sex. Learn more about dental dams.
- Finger Cots: A safer sex barrier that covers a person’s finger(s) for limiting transfer of sexual fluids during sexual activities such as fingering. Learn more about finger cots.
- Lubrication: Sexual lubricants are a commonly used safer sex tool that makes sexual activity both safer and more comfortable for most folks. Lubricant (aka lube) is a liquid or gel used to reduce friction and increase pleasure during sexual activity. Water-based and/or silicone-based lubricants are the most commonly used lubricants and are typically recommended especially with the use of condoms. However, folks should always do their own research to see what type of lubricants best meet their sexual needs (considerations may include, condom usage, toy compatibility, etc.). Learn more about lubricants.
Birth Control and Contraceptives:
Birth control and contraceptives are very common tools that are used to prevent pregnancy. There is a large variety of birth control and contraceptive methods out there including prescriptions, medicine, devices, surgery, and lifestyle methods. Choosing the right birth control method is a very personal decision that one should have full autonomy to decide on, which may include consulting medical professionals. Below we have provided a list of some of the most commonly used birth control and contraception options:
- Birth Control Pills: A hormonal pill taken once a day at the same time. There are a variety of hormonal birth control pill options to choose from. We recommend consulting with a medical provider when deciding on which pill option is most suitable for each individual. Learn more about birth control pills.
- Birth Control Patch: A transdermal patch that is worn on certain parts of the skin preventing pregnancy through the release of hormones. Learn more about birth control patches.
- Birth Control Ring: A small flexible ring that is worn inside the vagina that prevents pregnancy through the release of hormones. For more information on birth control rings, click here.
- Birth Control Shot: A hormonal shot (aka depo shot) that is administered every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. Learn more about the birth control shot.
- Birth Control Implant: A thin small rod (aka Nexplanon) that is inserted into the arm that prevents pregnancy through the release of hormones for up to 5 years. Learn more about the birth control implant.
- Intrauterine device (IUD): A small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are a variety of IUD options to choose from. We recommend consulting with a medical provider when deciding on which IUD option is most suitable for each individual. Learn more about IUDs.
- Emergency Contraception Pill: A pill that is taken typically no later than 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse or after failure of a different contraceptive method. There are a variety of different emergency contraception pills to choose from. We recommend consulting with a medical provider when deciding on which emergency contraceptive pill option is most suitable for each individual. Learn more about emergency contraception pills.
If you have any questions on safer sex tools such as barrier methods, birth control or contraception options we recommend you schedule an appointment at with Campus Health Services by calling 517-353-4660 or if 18 years or older by booking an appointment online to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with a medical provider. If you are looking for more educational guidance on these topics, we recommend checking out Planned Parenthood’s page on birth control and contraception options.