Safe sex is making use of the available precautions to avoid sexually transmitted infections like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc. To some people, safe sex means use of contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy as well. Some of the safe sex practices like use of condoms can prevent STD infection as well as pregnancy. It is always advised to practice safe sex with a faithful partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections including HIV. The education about precautions for safe sex can prevent a lot of disasters like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, chlamydia, etc. Safe sex practices were actually promoted after the outbreak of HIV/AIDS epidemic during 1980. Although there are other causes of HIV transmission apart from sexual intercourse, safe sex practices were very effective in controlling the epidemic.
 

A number of government and non-government agencies run education campaigns to encourage safe sex and prevent HIV/AIDS. The World Health Organization has adopted a holistic approach and improved the standards of sex education; these sex education programs are now a part of school curriculum in many countries. One of the main aims of the sex education campaigns is promoting safe-sex practices. Additional precaution of safer sex is needed if one partner is HIV positive. Even in the case of both the partners being HIV positive, safe-sex practices can prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Safe-sex methods and practices prevent the transmission of HIV and other infections during sex—vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Many newly married couples who are not planning pregnancy and who need education about various methods of safe sex can be prescribed to use condoms, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), etc.
 

Condoms are very useful in preventing pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections; condoms are commonly used for avoiding pregnancy. Condoms are made of latex that prevents any fluid leakage, thus ensuring safer sex. Both male and female condoms are available to prevent infections and pregnancy. On making use of condoms, some males need education that condoms should be changed every time they engage in sexual activity, and some females that they should apply only water-based jelly if necessary. For the people who are allergic to latex condoms and wish to prevent HIV, condoms with polyurethane material are recommended.
 

Some studies have found condoms as not being 100 percent safe against infections and pregnancy, as inferior quality condoms tend to tear. Therefore, people now use the term safer sex rather than safe sex, because it is not fully safe.