Why everyone should be having safe sex - no matter who you’re loving?

Whether you’re swiping, sexting, or settling into something serious, expressing your sexuality freely is something to celebrate. But here’s the thing: safe sex isn’t just smart - it’s empowering. Let’s break down what safe sex really means, why it matters, and how to protect your pleasure (and your health) in every kind of relationship.

STIs vs STDs: What’s the difference?

You’ve probably heard both terms, but they’re not exactly the same.

STI = Sexually Transmitted Infection
STD = Sexually Transmitted Disease

The difference? An infection means you’ve been exposed to a virus or bacteria, but you might not have symptoms. A disease implies symptoms are present and affecting your health.

Since many STIs are symptomless, STI is the more accurate and inclusive term and it helps reduce stigma. We’re all about ending shame around sexual health, so we’ll be using STI throughout this post.

Common STIs to know about

STIs can be passed through any kind of sexual contact not just penetrative sex. Here are some of the most common ones:

STI	Symptoms	Notes
Chlamydia	Pain when peeing, unusual discharge	Often symptomless, but very common
Gonorrhea	Green/yellow discharge, bleeding	Can affect fertility if untreated
Genital Warts	Painful lumps on genitals or anus	Caused by HPV
Genital Herpes	Blisters, red sores	Can flare up due to stress or periods
Pubic Lice	Itching around genitals	Like head lice, but down there
Syphilis	Rash, sores, flu-like symptoms	Can become serious if untreated
HPV	Often symptomless	Linked to cervical and anal cancer
HIV	Immune system impact	Treatable and manageable with medication

According to the World Health Organization, over 1 million STIs are acquired every day worldwide, and 374 million new infections occur annually with one of four curable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis.

Why STIs matter - even if you feel fine?

Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics or managed with medication. But if left untreated, they can cause:

Pain and discomfort

STIs like herpes or warts can lead to painful flare-ups. Others may cause chronic pelvic pain or painful sex and urination.

Fertility issues

STIs can cause inflammation and scarring in reproductive organs affecting fertility in people with vulvas and penises alike.

Serious health conditions

HPV can lead to cervical and anal cancers. HIV, if unmanaged, can progress to AIDS and cause life-threatening complications. Thankfully, modern medicine allows people with HIV to live full, healthy lives and even become undetectable, meaning they can’t pass it on.

How to have safe sex - whoever you’re loving

Heterosexual couples

Birth control protects against pregnancy, but not STIs. If you’re not in a monogamous relationship, condoms are essential.

And don’t forget: STIs aren’t just a young person’s issue. A 2019 study found that gonorrhea cases rose 164% among Americans aged 55+ between 2014 and 2018. Sexual wellness is for every age and so is safe sex.

Penis squared - two partners with penises

If both partners have a penis, pregnancy isn’t a concern, but STIs still are. Use condoms for penetrative sex and oral sex to protect against herpes and other infections.

Lubricant is also key, especially for anal sex. It reduces tearing, which lowers the risk of STI transmission. Our vegan, natural lube is condom-safe and kind to your skin.

No penises involved? Still practice safe sex

If your sex life doesn’t involve penises, you might think you’re off the hook, but STIs can still be transmitted through genital contact.

Tips for protection:

Get tested regularly;
Wash hands before sex;
Avoid oral sex with mouth sores;
Use dental dams during oral play;
Use a new condom on sex toys for each partner;
Clean toys with a vagina-friendly cleanser (our Cup Cleanser is perfect - pH-balanced and safe for intimate use)

Even bacterial vaginosis, though not technically an STI, can be passed between partners, so hygiene and communication are key.

Safe sex is empowered sex

Whether you’re loving freely, exploring new connections, or deepening a long-term relationship, safe sex is about respect, care, and confidence. It’s not just about avoiding infections, it’s about protecting your pleasure, your health, and your future.

At Lunette, we believe that sexual wellness should be inclusive, stigma-free, and joyful. That’s why our products are designed to support your body and your values from vegan lube to chemical-free period care.

Want more tips on sexual health and empowerment? Follow us on Instagram @lunettecup and join the conversation.

Photo: courtesy of Pinterest