Safer sex

If you’re having sex, it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your partner/s protected.

This includes preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the consideration of unplanned pregnancies and only having sex when you feel it is right for you.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs are infections that are passed on through sexual contact (including vaginal, oral and anal sex) and on some occasions skin-to-skin contact. Some common STIs include:

STIs can be symptomatic (showing signs and symptoms of infection) or asymptomatic (no noticeable signs or symptoms). With the right protection, good communication and regular sexual health checks, STIs can be easily prevented, treated or managed.

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Practicing safer sex

Practicing safer sex will help reduce your risk of STIs. Be prepared by:

carrying condoms, internal or female condoms, dental dams and lubricant (and know how to use them correctly)
using a water-based lubricant when using a condom
checking the use-by dates of condoms to prevent chance of breaking
using a new condom each time you have sex, and when switching from one type of sex to another i.e. vaginal/anal/oral.

Learn more about STI prevention and protection

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Getting tested and support

If you're sexually active or are planning to be, make regular sexual health checks a priority, especially between partners or if you have multiple partners. This will help to reduce the transmission of STIs.

Supportive, confidential and free testing services are available. There is no need to feel embarrassed or nervous about getting tested.

Learn about the testing process

There are many services that allow you to get tested for STIs on your own terms in a way that is comfortable for you.

UQ Union free STI testing program on campus
RAPID
13 HEALTH webtest – free chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine test
Queensland Health Sexual health services in Queensland
speak with your doctor, or search for a GP.

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Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

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Culturally and linguistically diverse student support

LGBTQIA+ students

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Contraception

Having safer sex also includes using contraception. Contraception helps to reduce the chances of an unplanned pregnancy.

Types of contraception

There are a range of prescription and non-prescription contraception options, including:

Choosing the right contraception for you can be a difficult choice— some considerations may include the ease of use, cost, reversibility, effectiveness, and any potential side effects. Not all contraception methods prevent STIs. Often a combination of protection is required to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.