Safer sex should be practiced by everyone with the exception of those involved in monogamous relationships since 1978. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, who is sexually active is at risk for AIDS. Merely reducing the number of one's sexual partners only diminishes, it does not eliminate, the risk of contracting AIDS. All it takes is ONE contact. If already exposed, it is important not to risk repeated exposure!
Any activity which creates an avenue for the exchange of body fluids is considered unsafe. It is critical that the body fluids or feces of one individual not come into contact with the mouth, anus, vagina, bloodstream, cuts, or sores of another person.
The following guidelines for "safer" sex are compiled from information published by the Gay Men's Health Crisis, New York and AIDS Project Los Angeles.
Any discussion of "safer" sex must begin with a caution about alcohol and drugs. These may impair one's judgement and compromise the immune system. Poppers (amyl and butyl nitrites) have been linked to Kaposi's Sarcoma and should, also, be avoided.
• The use of vibrators or other sexual toys limited to one's own use.
AMONG THE PRACTICES CONSIDERED LOW-RISK ARE:
• French or wet kissing if neither participant has sores in the mouth. The "AIDS" virus has been isolated in human saliva, though rarely and in very low concentrations. The exchange of saliva is generally thought to be not a risk for AIDS.
• Mutual masturbation (touching each other's genitals), risk may be further reduced through the use of disposable latex gloves to guard against sores on the hands.
• Vaginal intercourse with a latex condom and water soluble lubricant. Withdrawal before ejaculation, even with a condom, is considered safer as a condom can break. Some experts suggest the use of a spermicidal jelly containing Nonoxynol-9.
• Anal intercourse with a latex condom and water soluble lubricant. Withdrawal before ejaculation, even with a condom, is considered safer as a condom can break. Some experts suggest the use of a spermicidal jelly containing Nonoxynol-9. Under no circumstances should semen be ejaculated into the anus. This may be the highest-risk activity for AIDS.
• Oral sex (fellatio), male using a condom. Never put the head of the penis into the mouth with out the protection of a condom. The "AIDS" virus has been isolated in human saliva, though rarely and in very low concentrations. The exchange of saliva is generally thought to be not a risk for AIDS.
• Oral sex (cunnilingus), female using a thin piece of latex between the mouth and the female organ. It should be noted that risk is increased during menstruation. The "AIDS" virus has been isolated in human saliva, though rarely and in very low concentrations. The exchange of saliva is generally thought to be not a risk for AIDS, however, vaginal secretions are thought to contain varying degrees of the virus associated with AIDS.
• External contact with the semen or urine (watersports) provided there are no breaks in the skin.
AMONG THE PRACTICES CONSIDERED UNSAFE ARE:
• Vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom.
• Semen, urine, or feces in the mouth or vagina. Under no circumstances should semen be ejaculated into the anus. This may be the highest-risk activity for AIDS.
• Unprotected oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus).
• Unprotected penetration of the vagina or anus with the hand or finger. One should use a condom, finger cot, or rubber glove when massaging these parts of the body.
• Oral-anal contact (rimming). Oral contact with fecal matter should be avoided to reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Anal penetration with the fist (fisting). Fisting is dangerous as it carries the risk of transmission through the exchange of blood. If it must be practiced, use a disposable latex glove.
• Any exchange of blood.
• Sharing of sex toys (dildos, vibrators, etc.).
• Sharing needles. If you inject drugs, never share needles, cookers, or other drug paraphernalia.
(1994)[Mac].iso/Reference/THE AIDS STACK/card_35071_render.png){kind=link}
(1994)[Mac].iso/Reference/THE AIDS STACK/card_35157_render.png){kind=link}