What is safer sex?
Safer sex is any kind of sexual activity that reduces the chances of becoming infected, “superinfected” (getting a different strain of a virus you already have), or transmitting HIV, hepatitis C or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Many activities – such as hugging, kissing, massage and touching – are completely safe for HIV. No one has ever been infected with HIV, or passed on HIV, from these sexual activities. However, it’s possible to get or pass on certain other STIs from these activities.
Fucking (anal or vaginal sex) without a latex condom is an easy way to become infected, or to infect someone else with HIV and other STIs. These activities are considered “high risk” sexual activities for HIV transmission. They can be made much safer by using a latex condom and water-based lubricant.
For other sexual activities, the chances of getting, or passing on HIV are small. These activities (like performing oral sex on someone) are considered “low risk” for HIV. Oral sex can be made even safer by using a latex condom for oral sex on a man, or a latex barrier (such as a dental dam) for oral sex on a woman. Using latex barriers not only protects you from getting or passing on HIV, but it also reduces your risks for other STIs and hepatitis C. In the case of rimming (licking someone’s ass hole), using a dental dam will eliminate your risk for hepatitis A and the possibility of picking up parasites.
If you are living with HIV, using condoms for sexual intercourse, never sharing dildos, and using gloves for fisting are important for stopping the sexual spread of hepatitis C between people living with HIV.
Find out more!
For more information about safer sex, call or visit ACT. Para informação sobre sexo seguro, ligue para 416-340-8484, extensões 242 e/ou, 290.
Revised October 2009.
