Serious, even life-threatening infections like HIV, syphilis, and
other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, or sexually transmitted
infections) can be passed from one person to another through sex. Safer
sex is sex that reduces the chances of spreading or getting sexually
transmitted infections. It involves certain actions (e.g., using a
condom) that prevent person-to-person sharing of the bodily fluids that
can spread STDs. Choosing to have safer sex shows that you care about
the pleasure and health of yourself and your sexual partner(s).
