Safer Sex
This section has information about safer sex for men who have sex with men.
Many of us will get a sexually transmitted infection at some time, even if we have safer sex or sex with only a few men. But the more men you have sex with, the more likely you are to get infections. Having sex is like gambling; every time you have sex there is a chance of getting an STD.
Most people who get HIV get it by having unprotected sex (anal or oral) with a partner who is HIV-positive. “Unprotected” means without a condom or other barrier to protect you from infected body fluids. Using a barrier makes it less likely that infections will get passed from one person to another. For example, you could use a condom for anal or oral sex, a latex glove for fingering or fisting or a dental dam for rimming (oral anal sex). You are more at risk of getting an STD if you don't use some type of barrier. So use a new condom, dental dam and glove for each type of sexual act and with each new sexual partner.
Many of us will get a sexually transmitted infection at some time, even if we have safer sex or sex with only a few men. But the more men you have sex with, the more likely you are to get infections. Having sex is like gambling; every time you have sex there is a chance of getting an STD.
Most people who get HIV get it by having unprotected sex (anal or oral) with a partner who is HIV-positive. “Unprotected” means without a condom or other barrier to protect you from infected body fluids. Using a barrier makes it less likely that infections will get passed from one person to another. For example, you could use a condom for anal or oral sex, a latex glove for fingering or fisting or a dental dam for rimming (oral anal sex). You are more at risk of getting an STD if you don't use some type of barrier. So use a new condom, dental dam and glove for each type of sexual act and with each new sexual partner.
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Prevention Before and During Sex
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others if you are sexually active:
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Safer-Sex Activities
These safer-sex activities carry no risk of HIV transmission:
You can still contract other STDs, like herpes, HPV, or pubic lice ("crabs") if you have bare skin-to-skin contact with your partner. |
Look through the information in the following "safer sex" pages to access the information you are looking for.
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To find out more information about safer sex, click on the links below: Know Your Status Minimize Your Risk When Having Anal Sex Condoms How Safe is Sucking Rimming and Watersports Fingering and Fisting Myths and Facts 10 Things Gay Men Should Discuss with their Health Care Providers |
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A Need to KnowGay and bisexual black men of all ages are disproportionately affected. A 2005 study in 5 major cities found as many as 46% of African American men who have sex with men were HIV positive. Despite advances in HIV testing and treatment, HIV and AIDS still pose a major threat to African American men who have sex with other men, inject drugs with dirty needles, or neglect to get tested. In the US, African Americans at risk NEED TO KNOW if they are HIV-positive to benefit from life-saving therapies and avoid infecting others.
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Tests: Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
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This education awareness project is sponsored by the
LGBT Center of Raleigh. Created and designed by Luke Keeler. |
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