WHAT IS SAFER SEX? Safer sex is not about eliminating sex from your life. It is about respect for yourself and respect for your partner—talking about sex, knowing how to protect yourself, and taking precautions every time. Safer sex means enjoying sex without getting or giving sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs can be treated and cured easily. Others have no cure but can be controlled with treatment. Remember that you are the one responsible for protecting yourself in every sexual relationship. WHAT ARE THE RISKS? To make physical intimacy as enjoyable and safe as possible, know which types of intimate contact are higher risk for STI transmission and which are lower risk. The chart below ranks sexual practices by their degree of risk, assuming no protection is used.* Activities that involve direct exposure to a partner’s semen, vaginal secretions, or blood are more dangerous. HIGH RISK << Receptive anal intercourse << Receptive vaginal intercourse ...