Not using condoms

Tags: herpes hiv condom gay

Several studies across the globe in the last few years indicate an increase in willingness by men surveyed to engage in unsafe sex because of the advent of protease inhibitors. Does this mean "barebacking" (Barebacking sex, also called raw or skin-to-skin, essentially refers to intentionally seeking out anal sex without a condom.) is becoming epidemic? Not necessarily. Most studies do not examine whether the cases of unsafe sex were "slip ups" or within the context of a relationship. Most activists will agree that there's a difference between unprotected sex and unsafe sex. Couples who share the same HIV status and are in committed relationships may choose to engage in unprotected intercourse. Within AIDS prevention circles, this is generally referred to as "negotiated safety" and not bareback sex. Couples whose relationships follow "negotiated safety" rules may have sex with other persons, but maintain safer sex guidelines (using condoms) with outside partners.

This is not a set of HIV prevention guidelines. The information is intended only for gay and bisexual men who have already decided not to use condoms for anal sex, some advocates believe these strategies may help reduce the risk associated with barebacking. Here, risk should be interpreted more broadly than HIV infection; these tips may also help reduce the risk of other STD's as well as HIV. And bear in mind that much of this info is anecdotal and under debate by researchers.

Poppers and Viagra

Both of these increase your risk. Dilated blood vessels in the rectum caused by sniffing poppers make it easier for viruses to enter your bloodstream, so if your partner ejaculates inside you, you're wide open for infection. Viagra works similarly and poses similar risks by increasing blood flow to the pelvic region, facilitating erection, and to the rectum. Actually, did you know that this combination has led to death in some instances? "You want him stiff, but not that stiff."

Lubricant

Use it generously to help prevent tears that allow infection. Don't rely on saliva. Some lubrication comes with Nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide) in it. Avoid lubricants with Nonoxynol-9. It has been shown to damage the delicate lining of the anus and has been associated with INCREASED risk of HIV transmission.

Early withdrawal

Early withdrawal before ejaculation may reduce risk. But since HIV and other infectious agents are in pre-cum, this method still poses a risk.

Limiting

Rationing barebacking over time limits the number of exposures and sex partners - which can reduce the risk of harm-and allows time for healing of tears or trauma in the rectum, urethra and outer skin of the penis.

Negotiation

Try to talk with partners about STD status, including HIV, herpes, hepatitis and human papilloma virus (which causes anal and genital warts). If talk isn't part of your sex, you may be able to see or feel warts, lesions, discharge or other physical signs of STDs. Be aware that one may be asymptomatic yet still infectious. Decide ahead of time if you're willing to cum in your partner or allow him to cum in you, then assess your ability to trust your mutual adherence to that agreement.

Before- and after-care

Douching or using enemas with harsh detergents can strip away protective cells in the rectum. If you use an enema before sex, try warm water. Be careful not to create tears inside or around the anus. Some believe lubes, especially oil- and silicon-based, can trap germs against the skin, increasing likelihood of infection. Douching with a spermicidal foam or homemade vinegar-and-water solution after sex may render some infectious agents inactive, but little research has been conducted in this area. If you are having sex with multiple partners over a short time, don't douche until after the last one. Try to urinate right after sex: Urine's acidity can help clean out the urethra.

Immunity

The more stressed, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tired or ill you are, chances will be higher that an exposure results in infection. If you have HIV and another STD, you are more likely to transmit HIV. If you're HIV negative and have an STD, you're more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed.

Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Barebacking exposes you to fecal matter and other Hepatitis-transmitting fluids.