Safer Sex Practices Introduction: Because there is no say of having 100% “safe” sex, “safer” sex is the term that has been used for years to describe people who engage in sexual behaviors where some kind of effort is used to reduce the risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Some risk reduction efforts include using barrier methods like the male and female condom, dental dams, finger cots, and latex gloves. Others include non-penetrative activities like body rubbing instead of intercourse if no barrier methods are being used. This topic is discussed in greater detail throughout this channel.