Variable riskSexual practices

Sexual practices: sexual care and sexual health

Guide to sexual practices (vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, frottage, group or shared sex, fluid exchange, and sex toys) with levels of care, risks, and harm reduction strategies.

sexual-healthSTIspreventionanal-sexvaginal-sexoral-sexcondomslubricantsharm-reduction
Also in:SpanishPortuguese (Brazil)

Sexual care and sexual health

Sexual care and sexual health are key to enjoying pleasurable, responsible experiences with lower risk.

Levels of care

  • Basic care: general information and clear agreements.
  • Intermediate care: specific knowledge and ongoing communication.
  • Specialised care: prior training and gradual practice.
  • Specific training recommended: specialised education and safety protocols.

1. Vaginal sex

Penetration of the vagina with a penis.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention and contraception.
  • Level of care: basic
  • Recommended skills: correct use of condoms and lubricants.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, GHB/GBL, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: STIs, unintended pregnancy, irritation, micro-injuries.
  • Harm reduction strategies: consistent condom use, regular STI testing, communication about serostatus.

2. Anal sex

Penetration of the anus with a penis.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention.
  • Level of care: intermediate
  • Recommended skills: correct use of condoms and lubricants, communication about limits and needs.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, GHB/GBL, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: STIs, tears, bleeding, internal injuries.
  • Harm reduction strategies: always use water-based lubricant, use a new condom each time the practice changes, and get regular STI testing.

3. Oral sex

Stimulation of genitals with the mouth.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention.
  • Level of care: basic
  • Recommended skills: use of protective barriers (condom or dental dam).
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: STIs (syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HPV, herpes, HIV).
  • Harm reduction strategies: use condoms or dental dams, avoid ejaculation in the mouth, and get regular STI testing.

4. Frottage (frot)

Rubbing bodies or genitals without penetration.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention.
  • Level of care: basic
  • Recommended skills: hygiene, communication, and lubricant use.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: STIs through fluid contact, irritation, micro-injuries.
  • Harm reduction strategies: hygiene before and after, lubricant use, and regular STI testing.

5. Shared or group sex

Sexual interaction with more than one person at the same time.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention and agreements.
  • Level of care: specialised
  • Recommended skills: prior negotiation, clear communication, and managing boundaries.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, GHB/GBL, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: greater STI exposure, jealousy, conflicts, misunderstandings.
  • Harm reduction strategies: specific agreements in advance, condom use, regular testing, and safe spaces for everyone involved.

6. Fluid exchange

Contact with bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention.
  • Level of care: specialised
  • Recommended skills: knowledge about STIs and communication about serostatus.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, GHB/GBL, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: transmission of STIs (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and others).
  • Harm reduction strategies: use barriers, avoid sharing syringes, do not share toys without cleaning them, get regular STI testing, and use PrEP/PEP when relevant.

7. Use of sex toys

Solo or shared use of objects designed for sexual stimulation.

  • Main type of care: STI prevention and hygiene.
  • Level of care: intermediate
  • Recommended skills: proper hygiene, lubricant use, and knowledge of the toy material.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, GHB/GBL, methamphetamine.
  • Potential risks: STI transmission, irritation.
  • Harm reduction strategies: wash before and after use, use condoms on shared toys, check lubricant compatibility, and store safely.

Remember: STIs may have no symptoms. Get tested regularly, know your serostatus and your partners’ status, and use protective methods.

Aftercare: whenever possible

Aftercare helps process emotions, reconnect, and strengthen bonds after the practice.