Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission  

In terms of preventing HIV, safe sex is any sexual activity that doesn’t allow infected semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person. For example, fucking without condoms can allow infected semen to enter the bloodstream of the receptive or 'bottom" partner through the lining of the arse. Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. Condoms also offer some protection against a range of other sexually transmissable infections (STIs). They do this by preventing transfer of infected fluids or by covering infected sites. However, because STIs are transmitted in a variety of ways the protection condoms give is not complete.

STIs have been shown to increase the likelihood of HIV being picked up or passed on

If you’re HIV negative, STIs can cause the skin or membranes in your urethra (the tube in your dick), rectum (arse) and throat to become sore, inflamed or bleed. This makes it easier for HIV to get in, increasing the chance of infection. If you’re HIV positive, STIs can increase the viral load in your blood, anal mucus, pre cum and cum, as well as in sores and lesions, increasing the chances of passing on HIV.

Keep your toys clean

To prevent STIs and HIV being transmitted from one partner to another on sex toys you can:

• Have your own toys
• Wash your toys with warm soapy water and dry them between partners
• Use condoms on your toys, changing the condom after use with each partner

There's emerging evidence that hepatitis C is being passed on during group sex when infected blood is present on hands, toys or dicks that are inserted in one arse then another without being washed.

Find out more

Web: Slip It On

More info

Contact: ACON’s HIV Men's Health Promotion Team or ACON's Women & Families Project

Tel: (02) 9699 8756

Email: hivliving@acon.org.au or family@acon.org.au

Web: www.whytest.org - This website provides basic information on some of the most common STIs found among gay men as well as information about STI testing and treatment. It's written for both HIV positive and HIV negative men.