Safe Sex and Condoms
Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is believed to be caused by
a virus called HIV, which weakens the immune system and makes
the body less able to fight infection. A person who is HIV+
(tests positive for HIV antibodies) may have no symptoms, or
may have opportunistic infections such as certain cancers or
pneumonia. There is currently no cure for AIDS, but it can
often be controlled with drugs. HIV+ people may be
symptom-free for years, and people with AIDS may live for
years with the disease.
In the age of AIDS, everyone should know about safer
sex HIV can infect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation,
sex, age, race, or economic class. While the incidence of AIDS
is much higher in some populations than in others, it is not
who you are that can give you AIDS, but what you
do.
Only you can decide what kind of sex is right for you
and what risks you will take. Some people take all possible
precautions with every partner for their own peace of mind and
so they do not have to rely on others for their safety. Others
choose to forgo some or all precautions depending on their
relationships and lifestyle.
"Low Risk'' Myths
You cannot tell whether someone is infected by their
appearance or lifestyle. Most HIV+ people do not look sick and
may pass on the virus unintentionally. ``Nice people'' can and
do get AIDS. Marriage, long-term relationships, and monogamy
are no guarantee against AIDS if one partner has been
previously infected. AIDS was recognized in 1981; the virus
has been around even longer. A common rule of thumb is that a
negative HIV test is not reliable unless the person was tested
at least six months after he or she had engaged in any unsafe
activity. One unprotected encounter with an infected person is
enough to transmit the virus.
Sexual Orientation Men who have sex with men account
for most U.S. AIDS cases. People who have sex with members of
the opposite sex make up a growing proportion, especially
among women, urban populations, and IV drug users; in several
countries heterosexual sex is the primary means of AIDS
transmission. Women who have sex with women account for a
small number of cases. The labels gay, lesbian, heterosexual,
and bisexual are not reliable indicators of sexual behavior.
Some gay men and lesbians have sex with the opposite sex, some
heterosexuals have sex with the same sex, and bisexuals may
have sex with either, both or neither sex. Current
self-identification does not indicate past sexual activity.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE RISKY?
The
highest amounts of HIV are found in blood and semen. HIV is
present in smaller amounts in vaginal and cervical fluid
(especially if a woman has a vaginal or cervical infection).
Recent studies show that pre-cum does contain HIV, although it
is debated whether it is enough to transmit AIDS. There are no
studies of the amount of HIV in female ejaculate. Very little
HIV is present in saliva, sweat, and tears; these almost
certainly cannot transmit AIDS. Anal and vaginal intercourse
account for most documented cases of sexually transmitted
AIDS, while oral sex accounts for a few cases. Other
activities have not been shown to cause AIDS, but
theoretically could present some risk because they can allow
HIV-containing body fluids to get from one person to another.
Studies show that HIV may be absorbed directly by cells in the
mucous membranes. The safest activities are those that avoid
any way in which HIV-infected blood, semen or vaginal fluid
can get from one person's body to another person's mucous
membranes or bloodstream.
HIGH
RISK
Unprotected anal intercourse
Unprotected
vaginal intercourse
Sharing needles (for drugs, piercing)
Sharing implements that draw blood (whips, knives)
Unprotected oral sex on a menstruating woman
Unprotected oral sex on a man with ejaculation
Unprotected oral-anal contact
Getting urine or feces in mouth, vagina, ass
Unprotected fisting or finger fucking
Unprotected oral sex on a man without ejaculation
Unprotected oral sex on a non-menstruating woman
Sharing uncovered sex toys
Anal intercourse with a condom
Vaginal intercourse with a condom
Oral sex on a man using a condom
Oral sex on a woman using a latex barrier
Oral-anal contact using a latex barrier
Fisting or finger fucking using a glove
Petting, manual-genital contact
Deep (French) kissing
Spanking, whipping that does not break the skin
Bondage and discipline play
Masturbation (alone or with partner)
Hugging, touching
Massage
Talking dirty, phone or net sex, fantasy NO RISK
Sexual activities fall on a continuum from high risk to
risk-free. Activities at the top carry a high risk of HIV
transmission (especially for the receptive partner).
Upper-middle range activities carry a minimal or indeterminate
risk. Lower-middle range activities carry a theoretical risk.
Activities at the bottom are completely safe.
SAFER SEX TIPS
Use latex condoms for vaginal
and anal intercourse. Use a water-based lubricant (K-Y,
Astroglide, Probe); oil-containing products (Crisco, Vaseline,
baby oil, lotion, whipped cream) can destroy latex. A drop of
lube inside the condom may increase sensitivity. Don't use
saliva as a lubricant.
Other contraceptive devices do not protect
against AIDS. Products containing Nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide)
can kill HIV and may provide extra protection, but should not
be relied on alone. Some studies show that Nonoxynol-9 can
cause genital irritation that may promote HIV infection,
especially with very frequent intercourse. The effects of
ingesting Nonoxynol-9 are unstudied.
Blood-to-blood contact is the most direct route of HIV
transmission. Sharing needles (for drugs, steroids, piercing
or tattooing), razors, or any implement that draws blood is
dangerous since blood may be left on used implements. Clean
needles by rinsing several times with bleach then with water.
Avoid contact with blood in s/m scenes. Whips or knives that
break the skin should not be used on another person until
disinfected with bleach or a cleaning solution.
Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex if a man will
come in your mouth. For oral sex on a woman or oral-anal sex
(rimming), use a dental dam (latex square), a condom or latex
glove cut to produce a flat sheet, or non-microwaveable food
wrap. Rinse powder off dams before use. Use all barriers only
once and only on one person.
Oral sex on a man without ejaculation or on a
non-menstruating woman is thought to be a low risk activity.
There is a risk that HIV could enter through small cuts or
openings in the mouth, gums or throat; avoid brushing your
teeth two hours before or after oral sex to minimize
abrasions.
If you share sex toys like dildoes or vibrators, put on
a fresh condom for each user (and when going from anus to
vagina), or clean with bleach, alcohol, or soap and water.
Use latex gloves for "finger fucking" or fisting to
guard the wearer against infection through cuts on the hand or
arm, and to guard the partner against injury from fingernails.
Touching and kissing are safe. It is safe to get semen,
vaginal fluid or urine on unbroken skin. No AIDS cases have
been traced to kissing, including deep (French) kissing.
Precautions against AIDS can protect you from other
sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis,
chlamydia, herpes, yeast infections, amoebiasis, and hepatitis
B. Preventing other STDs can in turn minimize your chances of
getting AIDS, since many STDs cause sores in the genital or
anal area or around the mouth which can provide a path for HIV
transmission.
If you have any doubts at all about your current
health, or just want a little peace of mind, you should make
an appointment with your physician for an
HIV-Test.
Ahhh, the condom. Get it out, get
it on, get going. Don't be awkward about it, or she will
be, too. Keeping them nearby is a no-brainer, although having
a dispenser by your bed will make her wonder. According to the
women we surveyed, she'll help you put them on if you want --
anything to keep the mood going. Hey, she doesn't want to wait
for a restart either.
We leave you with this thought, and this thought
only
Safety First. Safety
Always. |
