A service provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control
Practicing safer sex is a good way to lower your chances of preventing unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD). Learn about STIs and ways they can be prevented to help you and your partners make informed choices.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI or STIs) are infections that spread during sexual activity, including genital, anal, or oral sex. They are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STD or STDs)
There are different types of STIs, and they can spread and affect the body in different ways.
It is possible to have an STI without having symptoms, so the only way to confirm an STI is through testing. Getting or having an STI is not related to someone’s personal character, values, beliefs, education, or morality.
STIs are very common, but there is often stigma and shame around them. This comes from fear, confusion and incorrect information. Having open, non-judgmental conversations can help improve understanding.
There are ways to prevent and treat STIs.
For someone to pass an STI to someone else, they must already have it. Different infections pass in different ways.
Some STIs such as Hepatitis B, C, or HIV can also pass through contact with blood from a person that has the infection, such as sharing needles.
Treatments are available to manage or cure STIs and their symptoms. Some STIs have no symptoms, some get better on their own, and some lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
To reduce your chances of getting an STI, here are some steps you can take:
Talk to your partner(s): Discuss consent, safer sex, sexual activities or preferences, and STI testing. Communication can help protect the health of you, your partners and can help you have positive sexual relationships and experiences.
Condoms can prevent many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used properly during oral, anal or genital sex. They can also be used with sex toys.
Condoms can help prevent pregnancy.
There are external condoms (sometimes called “male” condoms) and internal condoms (sometimes called “female” condoms).
Before using a condom:
External condoms made of latex or non-latex (ie nitrile, polyurethane and polyisoprene) are highly protective against many STIs including HIV. Some STIs, including herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, are easily passed during oral sex. An external condom or dental dam can be used to help prevent STIs when giving oral sex on a partner’s penis.
Some STIs, such as herpes and HPV (which causes genital warts), are passed by skin-to-skin contact. While external condoms provide good protection, they don’t cover all areas, and therefore may not always prevent infection. Dental dams and internal condoms can cover a larger area.
Do not use condoms with the spermicide nonoxynol-9 as it can cause irritation and increase the chance of getting HIV.
Lambskin or sheepskin condoms protect against pregnancy, but are not effective for preventing STIs, including HIV.
Novelty condoms, such as “edible” condoms, do not offer protection against either STIs or pregnancy.
Lubricant can help prevent the condom from tearing during sex. Make sure you use a condom-safe lubricant (such as water-based or silicone-based), and avoid using oil-based lubricant (such as Vaseline).
To make a condom into a dental dam (for cunnilingus or rimming), cut it lengthwise and hold it against the vagina/external genitals or anus.
It is safe to use flavoured condoms for oral sex. The safety of using flavoured condoms for genital or anal sex is not well studied. It is possible that some ingredients used in flavored condoms may cause vaginal irritation, yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Condoms that fit well will feel better and are less likely to fall off or break. There are many styles and sizes of condoms, so it’s a good idea to try different ones to decide what works for you. Keep condoms in a cool, dry, dark place. Heat, light and moisture break down condoms and increase the risk of breakage. Find out what to do if a condom breaks.
You can buy condoms at most drug stores, corner stores and grocery stores. Sexual health clinics often have free external condoms available to the public.
The internal condom is made from synthetic nitrile, a type of material that is thinner than latex but stronger so less likely to break. It fits inside the vagina/internal genitals or inside the rectum. The internal condom is a good option for people who are sensitive or allergic to latex.
It can also be useful for those with a sexual partner who has difficulty maintaining erections or have soft erections. It can also be useful for those who need to rest during sex because of long sex sessions, ability, or stamina.
More reasons some people prefer the internal condom:
Internal condoms are not widely available at drug stores or grocery stores but are sold at some specialty sex shops. Internal condoms are more expensive than external condoms but can be available for free at some sexual health clinics.
The external condom is made of thin latex that fits snugly over the penis. There is a tip at the top to hold ejaculate (cum).
The external condom is made of thin latex that fits snugly over the penis. There is a tip at the top to hold ejaculate (cum).
Condoms come in different styles and textures to increase sensation and pleasure. For example, condoms can be part of foreplay when you have partners put it on or in.
Studies show that with regular use, you will notice the condom less and the pleasure more.
Keep condoms nearby so that they are easy to use when you need them.
Sometimes, people lose their erections or find they are not able to ejaculate when using external condoms. Here are some things you can try:
For more tips about sex and pleasure, see our pleasure and safer sex page.
A dental dam is a piece of thin latex that is placed over the vagina/internal genitals or anus during oral sex. It can also be called a latex barrier/sheet, latex dam, oral dam or sheet.
Dental dams are a good way to lower the chance of getting or passing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They are usually available in pharmacies, medical supply stores, sex shops and sexual health clinics. Supplies can also be ordered online. An external condom cut length-ways can be used in the same way as a dental dam.
Non-microwaveable plastic food wrap is sometimes used in place of a dental dam. These products have not been tested for STI protection.
In BC, the number of HIV infections is low because there are great testing, treatment, and community efforts. People living with HIV can control HIV with these medications:
Some STIs can be prevented with a vaccine. There are vaccines currently available in BC for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Vaccines are made from weakened or killed bacteria or virus. When a person is given a vaccine, the body’s immune system responds to the germs. The body creates antibodies to the vaccine which protect the person against that infection in the future. Vaccines can only protect against new infections – they can’t help get rid of an infection you already have.
These vaccines are available free to those who are eligible. HealthLink BC has more information about different vaccines (available in multiple languages) including: