I am a gay, how can I have safe sex?
As a gay man, how exactly am I supposed to engage in safe sex? Is using condoms still important now that it’s obvious nobody can get pregnant?
The short answer is that even if there is no chance of pregnancy, barrier methods like condoms are still very important for safer sex.
This is so because barrier methods help stop the spread of many STIs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HPV, and others.
Abstaining is the only way to never be at risk of STIs and HIV.
It’s important to know how to effectively lower your risk if and when you decide to have sex.
Remember that the best way to effectively lower your risk is to use condoms every time you have sex.
Below, we outline the dangers connected to various sex acts as well as safety precautions
Anal Sex
Because the anal tissue is so delicate, anal sex, or the penetration of an anus by a penis, is a particularly high-risk activity for STIs. Infections can easily enter through microtears that can be caused by friction during sex. Use lubricant and external or internal condoms whenever having anal sex.
Oral sex (aka blow job, going down on, giving head)
Herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and (to a much lesser extent) HIV can be transmitted through oral sex. Condoms should be used for oral sex performed on a penis. Since flavored condoms taste better than non-flavored ones, many people choose them for oral sex. However, avoid using flavored condoms for other forms of sex because the sugars in them may cause infections in some individuals.
Sex toys
If you share sex toys with people and one of you has an STI, the sex toy can spread the disease. By not sharing toys, cleaning them before sharing, or using condoms on the toys(just change the condom before your partner uses it), you can avoid this.
Not all sex toys are intended for use in the anus, so keep that in mind. Do some research and make sure your toy has a flared base if you’re interested in using them. Given the size of your intestines, it’s surprisingly simple to lose things there. Your toy will stay in place thanks to the flared base, saving you the uncomfortable and expensive trip to the emergency room.
Analingus
Herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and (to a much lesser extent) HIV are all risks associated with analingus. Use a dental dam to protect yourself and your partner. You can cover the anus with this latex sheet to create a barrier. You can buy them at many drug stores or make your own by slicing a condom in half lengthwise.
Manual sex (aka a hand job, or fingering)
Although manual sex is typically low risk, you can still contract or spread herpes, HPV, or pubic lice through this activity. It helps to thoroughly wash your hands both before and after manual sex to stop the spread of infections. You can use finger condoms, which are tiny condoms that you put on your finger. They are also known as finger cots, or latex gloves to be extra safe. Just remember to change them before touching other parts of your partner’s body or yourself.
You can make sex safer in addition to using barrier techniques by getting routine STI testing (not just HIV).
Consult your doctor about how frequently you should be tested.
It’s also critical to become comfortable discussing safer sex with your partners. It will be easier to have safer sex if you communicate openly and honestly about using condoms and when you were last tested.
If you’re worried about HIV, talk to your doctor about PrEP, a daily pill that can keep the virus at bay.