Safer sex is about reducing your risk of STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancy while making choices that work for you and your partner. Learn what actually helps and get private guidance when you are not sure what to do.
Start with the concern that matters most to you.
Learn practical ways to reduce exposure to gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and other STIs.
Learn about condoms, testing and what to do after a possible HIV exposure.
Explore condoms, contraception and emergency contraception after unprotected sex.
Get guidance if you have discharge, itching, sores, pain or another new symptom.
Find out when STI or HIV testing may be useful after a sexual exposure.
Get guidance on emergency contraception, STI testing and your next steps.
Safer sex does not have to be complicated. A few consistent habits can reduce your risk.
Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs and help prevent pregnancy when used correctly.
STI and HIV testing can help you make informed decisions about sex and relationships.
Choose a pregnancy prevention method that fits your health, preferences and plans.
Talk about condoms, testing, contraception, boundaries and what you are both comfortable with.
Yes, but they work best when they are used correctly and consistently.
Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal or oral sex where a condom is appropriate.
Make sure the pack is intact and the condom has not passed its expiry date.
Putting a condom on after sexual contact has already started does not give the same protection.
Adequate lubrication can reduce friction and lower the chance of condom breakage.
Using two condoms at the same time can increase friction and make breakage more likely.
Condoms reduce the risk of many STIs, but they cannot completely prevent infections spread through uncovered skin.
Protection works better when both partners can discuss it openly.
Talk about condoms and contraception before things become difficult to discuss.
Discuss when each of you last tested and whether either person has a known STI.
Safer sex also means respecting what both people are and are not comfortable doing.
A condom can break. Protection can be forgotten. It happens. What matters is knowing what to do next.
Emergency contraception may help reduce the chance of pregnancy. Different options have different timing windows.
STI or HIV testing may be appropriate depending on the type of exposure and when it happened.
Tell us what happened and get private guidance instead of trying to work it out from search results.
Get practical guidance for your situation, not just general information.
Tell us what happened, what you are worried about and what you need.
Understand when STI or HIV testing may be appropriate.
Explore emergency contraception or ongoing birth control options.
Get personalised guidance when your concern needs more than general information.
Simple answers to questions people commonly ask.
Safer sex means taking steps to reduce the risk of STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancy during sexual activity.
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.
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.
Yes. Some STIs may cause no noticeable symptoms, which is why testing can be important.
Condoms, knowing your HIV status, testing after possible exposure and other appropriate prevention measures can all reduce HIV risk.
Most contraception prevents pregnancy but does not protect against STIs. Condoms can help reduce the risk of many STIs while also helping prevent pregnancy.
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.
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.
Yes. SRHN provides confidential sexual and reproductive health support and clinician guidance across Nigeria.
Tell us what you are worried about and get private, practical guidance from a clinician.
SRHN is developed by Vaedoc, a Nigerian digital health company building accessible healthcare services for Nigerians. We provide confidential support for sexual and reproductive health, including STI prevention, testing, treatment, contraception and sexual wellbeing.