We want your connections on and off Feeld to be safe, enjoyable, fulfilling, and meaningful—and safer approaches to sexual health are a huge part of that.
Whether you're meeting up casually, exploring kink, deepening intimacy, or navigating open dynamics, your health and wellbeing matter. Prioritizing sexual health and safety means you’re leading with care for yourself, your partners, and the wider community.
Read on to learn how to hold honest conversations about sexual health, how to practice safer sex, when and how to get tested for STIs, and how to report unsafe behavior. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Lead with open, honest conversations
Discussing sexual health might feel vulnerable or awkward (especially with new partners)—but it’s an absolutely necessary aspect of intimacy. It’s also an element of informed consent: everyone should be informed of STI status, and what types of protection are being used.
You might want to cover:
- When you were last tested for STIs, and what tests were included
- What kinds of protection you use, prefer, or require (like condoms or dental dams)
- Any agreements with other partners (especially in open or poly dynamics)
- Boundaries, support needs, or aftercare that feels good for you
These conversations help to build trust between partners, and can be kind, sexy, and connective—not just practical.
Practice safer sex
Safer sex looks different for different people. Still, no matter your body, identity, or desires, using protection and practicing safer sex helps reduce the risk of STIs and supports mutual care.
You might use:
- External or internal condoms
- Dental dams or gloves
- Water-based or silicone-based lubricant (oil-based lubricant can damage latex condoms and dental dams)
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
- Open conversation about your STI status and comfort with different acts
For more information, you can access resources like BHOC and Planned Parenthood, where you’ll find further guidance on safer sex.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is being open, nonjudgmental, and respecting each other’s preferences.
Get tested for STIs regularly
Getting tested is all part of being a responsible and caring sexual partner—and it means you’re prioritizing your own health, too.
How often you test may depend on your activity, practices, or anatomy—but generally:
- Every 3–6 months is a good rhythm for those with new or multiple partners
- A full panel may include tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis
- Be honest about your testing routine when connecting with others
Need help finding testing near you? Check with your local healthcare provider, sexual health clinic, or LGBTQ+ health center. In the U.S., gettested.cdc.gov can help you locate nearby services. In the U.K., you can visit the NHS website to find testing in your area. In other locations, check online directories covering your area, or visit your healthcare provider, to find the best service for you.
Wherever you are in the world, your local healthcare provider can offer personalized advice and support tailored to your body and needs.
If you’re living with an STI
STIs are more common than people think, and many are treatable or manageable with the right care. Living with an STI doesn’t mean you need to stop exploring intimacy—and it isn’t anything to feel ashamed of.
Make sure to share your status with partner(s) before any physical activity, so that they’re able to make fully informed choices about intimacy. For example, you could start by saying "I’m living with [name of STI], it’s currently [treated/managed/not active], and I’m happy to answer any questions you have.”
Being open about your status is a necessary part of informed consent, allowing for trusting and respectful experiences. It might feel vulnerable, but it’s an act of care for yourself and others. If someone reacts with judgment or stigma, or isn’t open to having conversations about sexual health, this is a potential red flag—and you might consider whether you feel safe to continue engaging with them.
Know your legal and ethical responsibilities
Being intimate with others means respecting the responsibilities you have toward them. Remember:
- Always respect the legal age of consent where you are
- Never engage in sexual activity without clear and informed consent
- In most regions, failing to disclose an STI status before sex is illegal
If you're not sure what the laws are—especially when traveling or connecting internationally—consult a healthcare provider or local legal resource.
Respect consent and boundaries
Establishing enthusiastic, informed, wilful, and ongoing consent is an essential part of any sexual experience. For more information, take a look at our full guide to giving, withdrawing, and asking for consent.
Safe sex also involves discussing and respecting one another’s boundaries. Let your partner(s) know what’s OK for you, and what is a hard “no”—and listen to their preferences.
If something feels off, or you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s OK to step away.
Report harm or unsafe behavior
If you have been the victim of sexual assault, harassment, or rape, we encourage you to contact law enforcement in your area, if you feel safe doing so.
There are also a range of resources and organizations dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault. The Chayn global directory can enable you to find support services in a range of countries.
If you’ve experienced inappropriate behavior, sexual harassment, or assault from somebody you’ve met on Feeld, we advise you to report them in the app, contact our Support team with details, or report them to local law enforcement if appropriate. We have zero tolerance for this behavior and will remove perpetrators from our community as soon as we identify them. Your report helps keep the Feeld community safer and more respectful for everyone.
Prioritizing sexual health means prioritizing care for yourself and the people you connect with. Sexual health practices aren't a barrier to intimacy. They’re essential to fostering safe, fulfilling, and mutually enjoyable connections.
