Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in different sexual practices
Page last reviewed 10.4.2026
All sexual activities are based on consent. During any type of sexual activity, the consent of everyone involved is the foundation of sexual pleasure and safety. No one should be pressured or forced to have sexual intercourse or to perform any type of sexual activity. When all parties want sex and have given their consent, sex can occur in many ways. There is no “right” kind of sex, and no outsider can determine what kind of sex is appropriate for each person.
There are many kinds of sexual practices. In this section, you’ll find information about the most common types of sex with another person and the related risks of sexually transmitted infections. It’s important to talk with your partner or partners about what kinds of sex you want to experience and what kind of protection you want and/or need.
Stimulating the genitals by hand
Genital stimulation by hand, such as massaging the genitals, is a very common sexual practice. You can stimulate your own and your partner’s genitals with your hands in many ways. The genitals can be stimulated by applying fingers and/or palms of your hands to the surface of the genitals, around the genitals or internally. In addition, the anal area can also be stimulated with fingers and/or hands.
When stimulating the genitals with your hands, it is recommended to use lubricant (silicone-based or water-based) to increase pleasure and to protect the mucous membranes. Different massage oils can also be used as lubricants, but these oils are not suitable for use with condoms. It is not recommended to use saliva as a lubricant. Read more about condoms and lubricant here.
Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted in situations involving genital stimulation by hand if secretions containing bacteria or viruses are spread to the mucous membranes of another person via the hands. The mucous membranes that can be infected include the mouth, anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and eye. Infectious secretions include vaginal secretions, semen, penile lubricant, or anal mucus. The following sexually transmitted infections can spread this way: genital herpes, genital warts (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Read more about sexually transmitted infections here.
There is no risk of HIV infection by stimulating the genitals with your hands, as HIV cannot survive outside the body!
Can sexually transmitted infections be transmitted through stimulating the genitals by hand?
Stimulating the genitals with fingers and/or palms is safe sex for sexually transmitted infections when the one partner’s secretions (vaginal secretions, semen, or penis lubricant) do not come into contact with the mucous membranes of the other partner.
How do you protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections while stimulating the genitals by hand?
Sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by avoiding the transfer of bodily fluids to mucous membranes via the fingers and/or hands. This can be done, for example, by washing hands in between sexual practices or by using gloves. After touching your own or another person’s genitals or anus, it is good practice to wash your hands or change gloves before continuing to stimulate yourself or the other person.
Oral sex
Oral sex is a common sexual practice that refers to stimulating the sexual partner’s genitals and the surrounding area with the mouth or tongue. Licking, sucking, kissing—there are many types of oral stimulation! Stimulation by hand can also be done at the same time as oral stimulation. When the anus is stimulated with the mouth or by licking, this sexual practice is commonly referred to as “rimming” (More information below).
During oral sex, the entire vulva area (labia, clitoris, vagina) can be stimulated by licking, kissing, and/or gently sucking. The opening of the vagina can be stimulated with the tongue, and the tongue can also be inserted into the vagina. The clitoris, as well as the area around the vaginal opening, can be stimulated by licking, kissing, and/or gently sucking. The penis can be orally stimulated by being licked along the shaft or by being inserted into the mouth. The penis can be gently sucked, or the lips can be kept around it while moving the mouth in an up-and-down motion. The testicles and the area between the testicles and the anus can also be stimulated with the mouth, tongue or gently pressed with fingers and/or hands. As with other forms of sexual activity, it is important to communicate with your partner during oral sex about what feels pleasurable and what does not. It is always a good idea to ask your partner how a certain touch feels, and likewise, to actively tell your partner what kind of touch feels pleasurable to you and what does not.
Can sexually transmitted infections be transmitted through oral sex?
In oral sex, sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, genital warts (HPV), and syphilis can be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals and from the genitals to the mucous membranes of the mouth.
The risk of HIV transmission during oral sex is extremely low. There is only a small risk of HIV infection for the person who gets semen, pre-ejaculate, or vaginal fluids in their mouth. A person whose genitals are being licked or sucked does not have a risk of HIV infection. The risk of HIV transmission during oral sex is significantly lower than during vaginal or anal intercourse.
How do you protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections during oral sex?
During oral sex, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections can be reduced by using a condom on the penis or a dental/latex dam over the vagina or anus. These protective barriers can be purchased ready-made or improvised by cutting a condom in half. Read more about oral sex protection and condoms >>
Condoms and oral sex barriers do not provide 100% protection against herpes or genital warts, as these infections can also be transmitted from the skin surrounding the mucous membranes. The risk of transmission is much lower if oral sex is avoided when a person has visible symptoms of herpes or genital warts.
Sexual stimulation by rubbing the genitals against each other
During sex, many people’s sexual habits include rubbing their genitals against each other. Different kinds of touch and pressure on the sensitive genital areas can often be pleasurable. This type of sex can be enjoyed with all kinds of genitals!
Can sexually transmitted infections be transmitted by rubbing the genitals against each other?
Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted when bare genitals come into contact with each other, even in situations without penetration. In this way, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts can be transmitted. If there are clothes between the genital areas, there is no risk of sexually transmitted infections.
There is no risk of HIV transmission in a sexual situation that involves only rubbing genitals together.
How do you protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections in sexual situations where the genitals are rubbed against each other?
The transmission of sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by using a condom on the penis or oral sex protection between the vulvae when the genitals are rubbed against each other.
Condoms and oral sex barriers do not provide 100% protection against herpes or genital warts, as these infections can also be transmitted from the skin. However, condoms and oral sex protection can reduce the risk of transmission. Rubbing the genitals together should be avoided in situations where a person shows symptoms of genital warts or herpes.
Penile-vaginal intercourse
Penile-vaginal intercourse is just one type of sexual intercourse amongst many others. It is not synonymous with sex. Intercourse can be an important part of sex or just a small part of it. Intercourse can end in orgasm and ejaculation; however, it doesn’t always have to end in either. There is a possibility of pregnancy in penile-vaginal intercourse, so contraception must be used if necessary.
During penile-vaginal intercourse, an erect penis is inserted into the vagina. Intercourse can occur when all parties involved want to engage, have given their consent and when the vagina has produced natural lubrication as a result of arousal. It is important to note that the amount of vaginal secretion and the rate of secretion vary from person to person. The use of lubricant during intercourse is highly recommended to assist with moisture and comfort. Lubricant increases sexual pleasure during intercourse and prevents chafing or tearing of the mucous membranes. Lubricant is important with condoms, as it also prevents the condom from breaking. Saliva is not recommended as a lubricant.
Intercourse is often more enjoyable when you have first taken time to become familiar with your own genital area (vulva and vagina) and explored what kind of touch brings you pleasure. You can instruct and guide your partner to the right kind of touch, both during intercourse and when stimulating with your hands or performing oral sex. It is essential to discuss with your partner what kind of sexual activity you want, whether it includes intercourse, other sexual practices or both.
Can STIs be transmitted during penile-vaginal intercourse?
In penile-vaginal intercourse, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, genital herpes, and genital warts can be transmitted to both parties. Read more about sexually transmitted infections here.
How do you protect yourself from STIs during penile-vaginal intercourse?
In penile-vaginal intercourse, a condom is the only contraceptive method that protects against both the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
When used correctly, a condom provides effective protection during penile-vaginal intercourse. A condom should be used throughout penile-vaginal intercourse. The condom should be replaced with a new one if the sexual situation changes or the person at the receiving end of intercourse changes. To ensure that the condom remains durable, smooth movement is important during penile-vaginal intercourse. Applying plenty of lubricant to the top of the condom is always recommended to increase both comfort and pleasure. Read more about condoms and lubricant here>>
Condoms do not provide 100% protection against herpes or genital warts, as these infections can also spread through the skin surrounding mucous membranes.
A condom must not be removed in the middle of penile-vaginal intercourse without the consent of the sexual partner! Consent to penile-vaginal intercourse without contraception must always be obtained separately, as the consequences of penile-vaginal intercourse without contraception can be significant. Removing a condom in the middle of sex without the partner’s consent violates bodily autonomy and is a form of sexual violence.
Penile-anal intercourse
The pleasures of penile-anal intercourse can be enjoyed regardless of gender and sexual orientation. Penile-anal intercourse is often more enjoyable when you have first gotten to know your anal area and tried stimulating the anal area in other ways as well. It can also help to practise relaxing the anal muscles.
In penile-anal intercourse, the erect penis is inserted into the partner’s anus. Before trying penile-anal intercourse, you should prepare yourself by familiarising yourself with your own anal anatomy, for example, through masturbation. The ABC of Anal Sex guide contains useful information about penile-anal sex and how to correctly prepare for it. You should prepare for penile-anal intercourse with your partner by discussing your desires and expectations related to penile-anal intercourse and agreeing on safety-related matters. These include preventing sexually transmitted infections and trying sexual intercourse at an appropriate/comfortable pace.
Before penile-anal intercourse, it is important to take time to prepare, relax and to become aroused. During penile-anal intercourse, it is good to monitor both your own bodily sensations and your partner’s reactions. Penile-anal intercourse should not be attempted with excessive force or without preparation, as it can cause pain and damage to the sphincter muscles and mucous membranes. There are different positions for anal intercourse. During penile-anal intercourse, it is particularly important to use plenty of lubricant, as the anus does not produce its own natural lubricant. Lubricant should be applied generously to both the anus and the penis or sex toy. In the right position, aroused and in a safe situation, penile-anal intercourse is pleasurable and produces sexual satisfaction.
Can STIs be transmitted through penile-anal intercourse?
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, and genital warts, as well as hepatitis B and C, can be transmitted through penile-anal intercourse.
Penile-anal intercourse without a condom carries the highest HIV risk of all sexual practices. There is little to no natural lubrication in the anus, so the mucous membranes can easily become irritated or tear. The risk of HIV is highest in unprotected penile-anal intercourse on the receptive (bottom) partner, but HIV can also be contracted by the person who inserts the penis (top). Bacterial sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, are more easily transmitted than HIV. Herpes and genital warts can also be transmitted through penile-anal intercourse. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through penile-anal intercourse without a condom, and hepatitis C can be transmitted through penile-anal intercourse in situations where blood containing the virus enters the body or mucous membranes.
Read more about sexually transmitted infections here >>
How do you protect yourself from STIs during penile-anal intercourse?
A condom on the penis prevents sexually transmitted infections during penile-anal intercourse. It is also important to apply water-soluble, silicone-based or a combination lubricant on top of the condom and in the anus. Applying a generous amount of lubricant to both the penis or sex toy and the anus protects the mucous membranes and increases pleasure during penile-anal intercourse.
Condoms do not provide 100% protection against herpes or genital warts, as these infections can also spread through the skin surrounding mucous membranes.
A condom must not be removed in the middle of penile-anal intercourse without the consent of the sexual partner! Consent to penile-anal intercourse without protection must always be obtained separately, as the consequences penile-anal intercourse without protection can be significant. Removing a condom in the middle of penile-anal intercourse without a partner’s consent violates bodily autonomy and is a form of sexual violence.
PrEP medication effectively protects against HIV infection. When used correctly (as a daily tablet or on-demand use as needed), PrEP is effective in preventing HIV infection, however it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. PrEP medication should be considered especially when there is frequent penile-anal intercourse without a condom with casual sexual partners.
Penile-anal intercourse should be avoided if there are ulcers, blisters or discharge in the anus or anal area, or if there are symptoms of digestion, herpes, or genital warts. Damaged mucous membranes should always be allowed to recover in between sexual encounters.
If you experience one or more symptoms, you should see a doctor and get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections are often asymptomatic. This means they may not show any symptoms, so it is advisable to get tested for sexually transmitted infections if you have had penile-anal intercourse without a condom. Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections is recommended if you have frequent penile-anal intercourse without a condom with casual sexual partners.
Stimulating the anus with fingers and mouth (rimming)
Stimulating the anal area with your hands or fingers and licking the anus (rimming) are forms of anal sex. Stimulating the anus with your fingers is an effective way to become familiar with the anal area and how to stimulate it before trying anal intercourse. You can stimulate the anal area with your hands or insert one or more fingers into the anus.
Nails should be kept short so that the mucous membranes of the anus are not damaged. The nervous system around the entire anus is sensitive to touch. It is even possible to have an orgasm just by licking the anus!
Licking and stimulating the anus and its surrounding area with the mouth is called “rimming.” Stimulating the sensitive anus is a pleasure for many people. If you are planning anal intercourse or fisting in addition to rimming, you should practise rimming beforehand, when the anus is more closed and the mucous membranes have not yet been strained. In this case, the risk of infection is slightly reduced.
Can STIs be transmitted when the anus is stimulated with fingers?
Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted by stimulating the anus by hand if secretions containing bacteria or viruses are transferred via the hands to another person’s anus or onto a partner’s mucous membranes. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts can be transmitted in this way.
How do you protect yourself from STIs when stimulating the anus by hand?
The transmission of sexually transmitted infections by stimulating the anus by hand is prevented by avoiding contact with vaginal fluids, pre-ejaculate, semen, or anal mucus and a partner’s mucous membranes.
This can be done, for example, by washing your hands in between or by using gloves.
When stimulating the anus with hands and fingers, it is recommended to use plenty of water-soluble or silicone-based lubricant to protect the mucous membranes of the anus and rectum and to enhance pleasure.
Can STIs be transmitted when orally stimulating the anus (rimming)?
When engaging in rimming, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis can be transmitted from the mouth to the anus or from the anus to the mucous membranes of the mouth. It is also possible to transmit hepatitis A and B as well as intestinal bacteria, viruses, and parasites, for example, through rimming. The risk of HIV transmission while rimming is very low unless blood is present.
Genital herpes and genital warts can appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth as well as on the genitals and anal area. Therefore, they can also be transmitted through rimming. If any symptoms occur, it is important to have any skin changes examined by a doctor and to avoid sexual contact while symptoms occur.
How do you protect yourself from STIs when orally stimulating the anus (rimming)?
Wearing a barrier, such as a dental dam, while performing oral-anal contact (rimming) helps prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Oral sex protection can be purchased ready-made or improvised by cutting a condom in half. A dental dam is usually a thin sheet of latex placed over the anus. Read more about oral sex protection and condoms >>
The risk of infection can also be reduced by maintaining good hygiene and overall health. Rimming should be avoided if there are ulcers, blisters, bleeding, or gastrointestinal symptoms in the anal area. It is also not advisable to stimulate a partner’s genitals or anus when cold sores are present.
What is fisting and how do you protect yourself from STIs when fisting?
Fisting refers to inserting a hand into the anus or vagina. If bacteria-containing secretions, such as semen, enter the anus through the fingers, sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis are possible. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through fisting. If there are no wounds or semen on the hand, inserting the hand into the anus does not transmit HIV.
It is a good idea to wear protective gloves when fisting. Nails must be short and the rings must be removed.
An oil-based lubricant, such as Crisco, is often used in fisting. If anal intercourse follows after fisting, it is better to switch to a water-based lubricant as the oil-based lubricant that remains in the rectum can weaken the condom. Unprotected intercourse after fisting is particularly risky, as the fist can cause wounds and tears. There is also HIV risk if switching from fisting to anal intercourse.
Sex toys
Sex toys can bring pleasure and versatility to both solo masturbation and to partnered sex. Toys related to sexual health can be an essential part of exploring one’s own sexuality.
There are different types of sex toys, and each one can be used differently. Sex toys include, for example dildos, vibrators, anal plugs, vaginal and anal balls, cockrings, fleshlights and masturbators.
When choosing sex toys, you should invest in quality. Sex toys can be purchased in adult stores, larger grocery stores, pharmacies and online. There is no age limit for buying sex toys.
Lubricant is good to use with sex toys. It can be applied to the sex toy and to the area being stimulated. Sex toys are made of different materials, such as silicone or different plastics, so the material of the sex toy should be considered when choosing a suitable lubricant. You should not use a silicone-based lubricant with a sex toy made of silicone, as it can damage the sex toy. Water-based lubricant is suitable for all sex toys. Read more about condoms and lubricant here >>
Sex toys should be cleaned by washing them with mild or unscented soap and water, then by drying completely. Sex toys that do not have batteries can also be disinfected by boiling them for a few minutes. Sex toys have product-specific care instructions which you should review thoroughly before use.
Can STIs be transmitted through sex toys?
Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted through sex toys if the toy is used on multiple sexual partners or moved between the vagina and anus.
An infection can occur if secretions such as vaginal fluids, semen, or anal mucus on the surface of a sex toy come into contact with another person’s genitals, anus, or oral mucous membranes. In this way, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts can be transmitted.
How do you protect yourself from STIs when several people use the same sex toy?
If the same sex toy is used by multiple people, STIs can be prevented by covering the toy with a condom. The condom should be replaced whenever the person being stimulated changes or if the toy is moved between the anus and vagina. Alternatively, the toy should be thoroughly washed with warm water each time the person being stimulated changes.
What should you consider when using sex toys during anal sex?
When using sex toys, it should be noted that the longer and wider the sex toy, the greater the risk that it will break the mucous membranes in the anus. You should start using sex toys with smaller anal plugs.
The shared use of anal sex toys carries a greater risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections if the same sex toy is used by several people, STIs can be prevented by covering the sex toy with a condom. The condom must be replaced with a new one when the person being stimulated changes. Alternatively, the sex toy can be washed thoroughly with warm water between users. Sex toys can also be for personal use and not shared with others in a sexual situation.
Anal sex toys should not be used in the vagina without cleaning them first. Different kinds of bacteria from the anus that are not suitable for the vagina can cause infections, and sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted from the anus to the vagina or vice versa.
When using a sex toy in the anus, plenty of lubricant should be applied to both the toy and the anus to protect the mucous membranes and make the experience safer and more pleasurable.