What are you trying to protect against?
Start with the concern that matters most to you.
I want to reduce my STI risk
Learn practical ways to reduce exposure to gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and other STIs.
I want to reduce my HIV risk
Learn about condoms, testing and what to do after a possible HIV exposure.
I want to prevent pregnancy
Explore condoms, contraception and emergency contraception after unprotected sex.
I want to know if something is wrong
Get guidance if you have discharge, itching, sores, pain or another new symptom.
I want to test after sex
Find out when STI or HIV testing may be useful after a sexual exposure.
I had unprotected sex
Get guidance on emergency contraception, STI testing and your next steps.
Simple ways to make sex safer
Safer sex does not have to be complicated. A few consistent habits can reduce your risk.
Use condoms correctly
Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs and help prevent pregnancy when used correctly.
Know your status
STI and HIV testing can help you make informed decisions about sex and relationships.
Use contraception if you need it
Choose a pregnancy prevention method that fits your health, preferences and plans.
Talk openly with your partner
Talk about condoms, testing, contraception, boundaries and what you are both comfortable with.
Do condoms actually work?
Yes, but they work best when they are used correctly and consistently.
Use a new condom each time
Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal or oral sex where a condom is appropriate.
Check the package
Make sure the pack is intact and the condom has not passed its expiry date.
Put it on before sex starts
Putting a condom on after sexual contact has already started does not give the same protection.
Use lubrication when needed
Adequate lubrication can reduce friction and lower the chance of condom breakage.
Don't use two condoms together
Using two condoms at the same time can increase friction and make breakage more likely.
Remember the limits
Condoms reduce the risk of many STIs, but they cannot completely prevent infections spread through uncovered skin.
Safer sex also means talking
Protection works better when both partners can discuss it openly.
Agree on protection
Talk about condoms and contraception before things become difficult to discuss.
Talk about testing
Discuss when each of you last tested and whether either person has a known STI.
Respect boundaries
Safer sex also means respecting what both people are and are not comfortable doing.
What if protection failed?
A condom can break. Protection can be forgotten. It happens. What matters is knowing what to do next.
If pregnancy is a concern
Emergency contraception may help reduce the chance of pregnancy. Different options have different timing windows.
If an STI is a concern
STI or HIV testing may be appropriate depending on the type of exposure and when it happened.
Talk to someone
Tell us what happened and get private guidance instead of trying to work it out from search results.
How SRHN can help
Get practical guidance for your situation, not just general information.
Discuss your situation privately
Tell us what happened, what you are worried about and what you need.
Get testing guidance
Understand when STI or HIV testing may be appropriate.
Get contraception support
Explore emergency contraception or ongoing birth control options.
Speak with a clinician
Get personalised guidance when your concern needs more than general information.
Common questions about safer sex
Simple answers to questions people commonly ask.
What is safer sex?
Safer sex means taking steps to reduce the risk of STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancy during sexual activity.
How can I reduce my risk of STIs?
Using condoms correctly, getting tested when appropriate, knowing your and your partner's status, and reducing exposure to infected partners can all help lower STI risk.
Do condoms prevent all STIs?
No. Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs, but some infections can spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
Can I get an STI even if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Some STIs may cause no noticeable symptoms, which is why testing can be important.
How can I prevent HIV?
Condoms, knowing your HIV status, testing after possible exposure and other appropriate prevention measures can all reduce HIV risk.
Can contraception prevent STIs?
Most contraception prevents pregnancy but does not protect against STIs. Condoms can help reduce the risk of many STIs while also helping prevent pregnancy.
What should I do if a condom breaks?
If pregnancy is possible, emergency contraception may help reduce the risk. Depending on the exposure, STI or HIV testing may also be appropriate. Get guidance as soon as possible.
Should I test after unprotected sex?
It may be appropriate. The right testing plan depends on what type of sexual exposure occurred, how long ago it happened and your individual situation.
Can I get private safer-sex advice in Nigeria?
Yes. SRHN provides confidential sexual and reproductive health support and clinician guidance across Nigeria.