Keeping safe sexually should be important to everyone, regardless of the gender to which they ascribe (if any) or sexual preferences they may have. Sex is not just about penetration so safe sex does not just mean using condoms! You should try to get tested every 12 months or 7 sexual partners, but advice on how often is different in each NHS trust.

​Most STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids (blood, semen, etc.), so anything that stops the transfer of bodily fluids will prevent transmission of the disease. This is called the “barrier method” and includes:

• Condoms, which cover a penis or sex toy;
• Femidoms, which go inside the vagina;
• Dental Dams, which cover the vagina or anus during oral sex; and
• Latex Gloves for fisting. 
• Other ways to avoid STDs include
• Not sharing sex toys;
• Abstaining from oral sex when you have a coldsore (otherwise this can give your partner herpes);
• Use adequate lube for penetrative sex (If you “tear” bodily fluids will mix easier. It also hurts like no pain I have ever experienced before or since);
• Getting a Hep B vaccine is free for all men who have sex with men on the NHS;
• Getting the HPV vaccine will protect against genital warts, as well as cervical and colonic cancer. If you did not receive this at school (all cis-women should have) then you will need to go privately to get it.

GUM Clinics provide all sorts of contraception and protection for free! The nearest GUM clinic is in Headington, over by Brookes (you can get there by bus). Check their website for opening times and details.

The society is committed to making sure that you have access to the appropriate information and resources that will help you make the right decisions about your sexual health. We have a number of sexual health provisions available. These are available at our events, from your college LGBTQ+ reps and on demand from our welfare reps who will value your need for confidentiality.
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