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Safe Sex info
Safe sex is any sexual activity that does not allow semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person. HIV negative or HIV positive, safe sex is everyone's responsibility.
There are some sexual activities that are safe and do not present a risk for HIV transmission.
Kissing - Kissing is safe because it does not involve semen, vaginal fluid or blood. Saliva does not transmit HIV.
Massage - All forms of sexual enjoyment with only skin contact, such as massage or body stroking, have no risk of HIV transmission.
Receiving oral sex - The chance of contracting HIV from someone else's mouth is remote.
Rimming - Rimming is safe for HIV but many other serious illnesses such as Hepatitis A and B as well as gut bugs are easily passed on this way.
Mutual Masturbation - Touching and rubbing each other's penis or vagina is safe. However, there are some circumstances under which mutual masturbation can be unsafe:
" Cuts or sores on the hands and on the penis or vagina;
" Using someone else's pre-cum, cum or vaginal fluid as a lubricant;
" Rubbing the penis underneath the foreskin of another persons penis when cuts are present or if pre-cum or cum are exchanged through the opening of the penis; and
" Rubbing the vagina against another vagina where cuts are present or blood or vaginal fluids are exchanged.
UNSAFE SEX
Unsafe sex is any sexual activity that allows semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person.
Unsafe sexual practices include:
Intercourse without a condom
Anal or vaginal intercourse without a condom represents a real risk of HIV transmission. Whether you are the insertive or receptive partner, male or female, intercourse is the major way HIV is passed on. Infected blood, pre-cum or semen can enter the bloodstream through the lining of the rectum or the vaginal wall. From the lining of the rectum, the virus can pass through tiny cuts or through the opening of the penis. HIV can also be present in vaginal fluids or blood that enters the penis through tiny cuts or through the opening of the penis. Either partner can get HIV during intercourse. HIV is also found in pre-cum and withdrawing before ejaculation is not safe sex.
Giving oral sex
Oral sex without ejaculation carries a very small risk for transmitting HIV from the penis or the vagina to the mouth of the receptive partner. Taking blood, semen or vaginal fluids into your mouth will increase the risk. This is especially so if you have any cuts or bleeding caused by flossing and teeth brushing, gum disease, ulcers or other throat infections.
Safe sex equipment
Condoms and lube
If used properly, condoms will eliminate the risk of HIV transmission. Choose the right size, check the use by date and Australian Standard mark and take care not to tear the condom when opening the packet. Put the condom on before intercourse starts - make sure the penis is fully erect (if uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back), hold the condom by the teat and roll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. Always use a water-based lubricant as oil-based lubricants can destroy condoms. Hold the condom at the base when withdrawing and only use condoms once. Use a new condom if changing between anus and vagina or partners.
Dams
Dams are thin square pieces of latex which, if used properly, can prevent the transmission of HIV and other STI's through oral sex. Use the dam by completely covering the vagina or anus - adding water-based lubricant on the body side of the dam to increase sensitivity and take care with sharp fingernails. Use only one side of the dam and use a new dam for each person. Use a new dam if changing between anus and vagina.
Gloves
Latex gloves prevents HIV and other STI's entering cuts or sores in the hand when fingering and fisting. Always change gloves when changing partners and use plenty of water-based lubricant on the outside of the glove.
Sex toys-use condoms
If toys, such as vibrators, dildos or buttplugs are shared during sex then semen, vaginal fluid or blood may be passed from person to person. Keep you own toys, use new condoms on them or wash them carefully in hot soapy water after each person uses them.
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