By definition, safe sex is intercourse in which partners have taken precautions against the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. This implies avoiding contact with the body fluids of the partner – vaginal, anal discharge, blood, etc. It should be pointed out, however, that there are no measures that completely eliminate this risk, i.e. it can be drastically reduced in one way or another, but it can never be completely avoided. Safe sex has been a hot topic for over thirty years now, from the spread of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic to the present day. Since then, it has been given the central role in any sexuality education program. The main method of infection prevention remains – the physical one. Although the condom has become a symbol of safe sex, the latter is not limited to the use of condoms. In order for the “event” to be as effective as possible, certain “rules” must be followed when using a condom. First of all, a condom must be used throughout intercourse. Taking it off or dropping it, even for a short time, practically eliminates its protective effect, especially if there has been a break-in during that time. Sex with more than one partner at the same time implies the use of a separate condom for each individual partner. If the same condom is used, the active partner remains protected, but there is a risk of transmission of infections between passive partners. The female equivalent of the condom is gradually gaining popularity. Just like its male counterpart, it is made of elastic material. It is placed in the vagina before sex and provides a high degree of protection against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. These two types of condoms are the only means that provide high protection against both infection and unwanted pregnancy. Their effectiveness on both indicators is over 99%. Anal sex is particularly risky, even between long-term partners who have been medically tested and do not have sexually transmitted infections. The anal mucosa is initially tender and easily wounded, which greatly facilitates the penetration of pathogens. Also, it is particularly rich in immune cells, which favors infection with HIV, since it attacks the body precisely by entering these cells. Even if the partners do not have sexually transmitted infections, alternating between anal and vaginal sex can result in intestinal bacteria entering the vagina or vaginal bacteria entering the rectum. This leads to the development of vaginitis or colitis, which are particularly unpleasant and difficult to treat, since these bacteria are part of the natural microflora and, as a rule, are more resistant to antibiotic treatment. The entry of intestinal bacteria into the urinary canal can cause balanitis – inflammation on the head of the penis or even a complication of the infection, in which the bacteria reach the upper parts of the picochopolous system, causing prostatitis, epididymitis, etc.Using a condom during anal sex and changing condoms when alternating between anal and vaginal sex is highly recommended, especially with recent or casual partners. NEWS_MORE_BOX Because the rectum does not have the natural lubrication that the vagina does, anal sex is often too painful. But the use of oil-based lubricants at the same time as latex condoms is inappropriate. The oil can dissolve and thin the latex to one degree or another, which can cause the condom to break. Although not part of the definition of safe sex, vaccinations against sexually transmitted diseases are a very good method of prevention. This is especially true for protection against the human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer, and the hepatitis B virus, since effective vaccines have only been developed against these sexually transmitted diseases. Scientists are working feverishly to create a vaccine against HIV, but unfortunately their efforts remain unsuccessful so far. It seems that this situation will remain unchanged in the coming years. For this reason, vaccination against the papilloma virus or hepatitis does not exclude the need to use condoms. It is crucial that the health culture and sex education in a society be at a high level. Knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, their risks, complications and prevention should be acquired at school age.