Safer sex

Strategies that work
Fucking
Sucking
Toys
Rimming
Douching
Fisting
Piss and scat

Strategies that work

Safer sex is a term used to describe ways to help reduce the chances of becoming infected or passing on bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Many things – such as hugging, kissing, massage and touching – are completely safe. For other sexual activities, the chances are small. These activities (like performing oral sex on someone) are considered ‘low risk.’ Having anal sex without a condom is an easy way to become infected, or to infect someone else with HIV, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other STIs. These are considered ‘high risk’ sexual activities, especially for the bottom. They can be made much safer by using a latex condom and water-based lubricant.*

Risk is a continuum. While nothing is risk free, we do know many strategies that significantly reduce risks of getting and giving HIV, HCV and other STIs. We know that because of the way Tina works, guys have a harder time remembering or sticking to safer sex guidelines. This section provides a compilation of tips on different activities that we know work to protect yourself and your partner. They work together and have an additive effect. While no one does this perfectly, the more we practice them, the less our risks will be.

Click on your favourite activity above (or one you want to learn more about) for strategies that protect you and your partner. We’re not assuming you’re going to read all of them, though that’s fine too, so there’s some repetition of information. We’ve also provided sex positive tips and ideas throughout that you may not have thought of.

*Maintaining up-to-date national guidelines for assessing risk of HIV transmission is the responsibility of the Canadian AIDS Society. You can read the 5th edition (2005) updated to include HCV here. It’s long at 72 pages but the risk assessment for specific activities (from kissing to branding and scarification!) begins on page 21. The document uses plain language and includes detailed information for drug users.