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SAFER SEXFOR MSM OverviewSpecific SexualBehaviorFetish & AlternativeSexual BehaviorSexual ParaphernaliaDrug UseSTD Prevention
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Safer sex and STD prevention are important practices for anyone who is sexually active. Safer sex means learning and practicing behaviors that decrease the chance of contracting or transmitting a disease. Safer sex is negotiated and planned honestly between partners. Those who know and discuss their limitations and expectations are likely to have better, safer sexual experiences. Prevention is possible only if one understands STDs and how they are spread.
An STD is any short-term or long-term disease that is transmitted via sexual contact. Many STDs are not life threatening but cause painful, annoying, impairing, chronic conditions that require frequent, lifelong medical treatment. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a greater risk than lesbian women for certain STDs that are more likely to be transmitted in semen and blood.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is the most serious STD because it is life threatening. In July 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the incidence of HIV and AIDS in MSM had increased by almost 18% since the lowest point in 1999.
In 2001, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported an increase in syphilis cases in New York City, a recent outbreak of hepatitis A in West Hollywood, and a total 753,907 cases of AIDS in the United States. The greatest weapon against STDs is understanding how to avoid them.
STDs Associated with Specific Sexual Behaviors
Anal stimulation with fingers
It may be safer to use one hand to stimulate a partner's anus while avoiding anal contact with the other hand. The hand used for anal stimulation should be kept away from the mouth and should be washed afterwards, to minimize the chance of spreading parasites.
Penis-to-anus penetration without a condom, with or without ejaculation
Some people believe that it is safe to have anal sex without a condom if they are taking antibiotics for an STD. This is not true. The risk for transmission exists until the course or treatment is completed.
People with HIV should share their status with their partners and their partners should ask. HIV-positive people can contract new strains of HIV, which can worsen an existing condition and complicate treatment. If both partners are HIV-negative, there is no risk of contracting the disease.
Before anal intercourse, the anus should be relaxed by massaging it with a liberal amount of water-based lubricant (e.g., KY Jelly�) that does not contain nonoxonyl-9 (N9). This reduces the chance for tearing and bleeding and minimizes the risk for STDs. Anal sex, especially without lubricant, can cause rips and lesions and exacerbates hemorrhoids. Lubricants containing N9 are actually associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission.
Some medical centers offer postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), medication that reduces the chance of becoming HIV-positive if started within 72 hours after exposure to the virus.
Penis-to-anus penetration with a condom
Receivers are advised to keep one hand on their partner's penis during initial penetration to ensure that the condom is on. One partner should grasp it during withdrawal to make sure that it does not slip off in the anal canal or rectum. Reading the instructions that come with nationally recognized brands of condoms is advised. Fingers, sex toys, or anything else that could tear the condom should be kept away from the anus and penis prior to and during anal intercourse.
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| This page last modified: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | |||||
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