While risk reduction is most often about reducing the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the goal can include the creation of a situation that reduces the risk of harm to you or to people with whom you have contact. This can include issues related to substance use, birth control options, HIV testing, sexual decision-making, defining abstinence for yourself, etc.

This section includes information about using barriers to help protect against disease transmission and how to incorporate disease reduction strategies into your sexual encounters to help keep you and partner healthy.

Taking care of yourself, making healthy decisions, caring about the needs of others, and practicing safer sex behavior will help promote a lifetime of wellbeing.