"Prevention is better than cure" – an old saying that resonates particularly well in the context of sexuality: Those who manage risks smartly have more freedom, intimacy, and enjoyment. Safe sexuality is not a buzzkill, but rather the key to relaxed intimacy, clear energy, and genuine high performance in everyday life.

Safe sexuality refers to strategies that protect intimacy and preserve enjoyment: protective methods, clear communication, and sober decision-making. Sexually transmitted infections STIsinfections transmitted through sexual contact, e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV are often asymptomatic – early testing and treatment can prevent long-term damage. Condom integrityintegrity of condoms during use is supported by suitable materials and lubricants. Partner communicationopen discussion about STI status, protection, boundaries, and expectations reduces misunderstandings and increases adherence to safe practices. For high performers, this is the foundation: less health risk, less mental burden, more focus, and vitality.

Undetected STIs can impair fertility, hormonal balance, and performance – and strain relationships through uncertainty. Studies show that open discussions about HIV/STIs with partners are associated with more consistent condom use, thereby reducing risk ^[1]. Alcohol before sex undermines decision quality and reduces condom intentions – a clear pathway to higher infection risk ^[2]. Multiple partners without consistent protection, especially in online dating contexts, correlate with riskier behavior and a higher likelihood of sex without a condom after alcohol or stimulant consumption ^[3]. Practically relevant: water- or silicone-based lubricants reduce condom breakage, which maintains protective effectiveness ^[4]. Regular testing bridges the gap: since STIs often go unnoticed, timely detection allows for straightforward treatment ^[5].

Data from Nigeria impressively demonstrate that partner communication about HIV/STIs – both with regular and casual partners – is linked to safer behavior; people who talk are more likely to use condoms and discuss status mutually. The study tracked behavior over multiple points in time and showed that education and the practice of disclosing status go hand in hand and strengthen safety ^[1]. In experimental scenarios with men who have sex with men, the expectation of having consumed alcohol already lowered the willingness to use condoms – even under placebo. This indicates that not only pharmacology but also expectation influences negotiation and intentions, highlighting the importance of mindset and setting before intimacy ^[2]. Additionally, intervention research among young women suggests that brief, web-based modules to reduce alcohol consumption before sex are temporarily effective and improve decision-making – a lever for risk reduction in everyday life ^[6]. Finally, a multicenter study among men who have sex with men shows that online partner searches are coupled with further risk behaviors, including condomless sex after alcohol or stimulants – thus, prevention must address app realities, not just traditional settings ^[3].

- Plan tests: If sexually active, test for common STIs at least annually; test earlier with new partners or after unprotected contact ^[5].
- Bring it up: Discuss status, protection, and boundaries with regular and new partners – preferably before the first sexual encounter. This increases safety and condom consistency ^[1].
- Set & Setting: Reduce alcohol and drugs before and during sexual situations; practice emotional regulation (e.g., breath focus 4-6, brief pause before decisions) – this improves protection decisions ^[6].
- Choose lubricants smartly: Use water- or silicone-based lubricants with condoms. This significantly lowers breakage and failure rates compared to "dry" conditions ^[4].
- App hygiene: Plan protection consistently with dating apps (keep condoms handy, have sober meetings, communicate clearly), as online searching can correlate with riskier patterns ^[3].

Safe sexuality is high-performance hygiene: it protects health, lowers mental burdens, and enhances joy in life. Next steps today: schedule an STI test appointment, have clear discussions with your partner, pack condoms plus water- or silicone-based lubricant, and limit alcohol before dates.