Safer sex

Safer sex

The risk of transmission of STIs and HIV between women is lower than male-to-female and male-to-male sex. Risks do exist. You cannot judge that someone is free of STIs because they look healthy. Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. The only way of detecting these is an STI test.

There are some things you can do to make your sex safer. The basic principle is to prevent the exchange of body fluids such as vaginal secretions, blood, discharges from sores caused by STIs, and breast milk. It is important to assess our risks and consider ways of minimising the likelihood of passing on an STI or HIV. Communication and honesty are important between partners.

Fingers

For anything involving your fingers, Latex, or surgical gloves can be used. They create a barrier to infections. Used with lube they can be a fun and slinky addition to sex. Turn them inside out, knot them and put them in a bin after use.

Tongue 

To prevent transmission of nasties through the mouth you can use a latex dam or “dental dam”. They act as a barrier between the vulva or anus, and the mouth. They are thin enough to transmit heat and sensation but provide an effective barrier against infections from vaginal or anal secretions. In place of a dam, you can use a condom cut open lengthways. Ensure the dam is free of holes. Use water or silicone-based lube on the vagina or anus beforehand to increase sensation. Hold the dam in place to ensure that it doesn’t slip. Use the dam only once. You can put non-oil based products on the dam such as chocolate - if you want to add a little something to the action.

Grind

Some STIs can be passed on simply through skin to skin contact. Rubbing each other's body together sexually does carry the risk of infection.

 

Remember: In order to transmit an STI someone first has to have one

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