This is NOT a set of HIV prevention guidelines. These suggestions are intended only for gay men who have decided not to use condoms for anal sex. Some believe these strategies may help reduce the harm associated with barebacking. Here, harm should be interpreted more broadly than HIV infection: these tips may also help reduce the risk of other STDs. Bear in mind that much of this information is anecdotal and debated by researchers.

1. Poppers and Viagra: Dilated blood vessels in the rectum caused by sniffing poppers make it easier for viruses to enter your bloodstream, so if your partner ejaculates inside you, you're wide open for infection. Viagra works similarly- increasing blood flow to the pelvic region (facilitates erection) and to the rectum- and poses similar risks.

2. Lubricant: The butt is an area ripe for infection: use lubricant generously to help prevent tears that facilitate transmission of HIV and STDs. Don't rely on saliva

3. Early Withdrawal: Pulling out before ejaculation may reduce risk. But since HIV and other infectious agents are in pre-come, this method still poses a risk.

4. Rationing: Limiting your barebacking over time can reduce exposures and sex partners- which may decrease the risk of harm- and allows time for healing of tears or trauma in the rectum, urethra and outer skin of the penis.

5. Negotiation: Try to talk with partners about STD status, including HIV, herpes, hepatitis, and human papilloma virus (causes anal and genital warts). Disclose your own status about HIV and other STDs. If talk isn't part of your sex, you may be able to see or feel warts, lesious, discharge or other physical signs of STDs. But one may be asymptomatic yet still infectious. Decide ahead of time if you're willing to come in your partner or allow him to come in you, then assess your ability to trust your mutual adherence to that agreement.

6. Before-And-After-Care: Douching or using enemas can strip away protective cells in the rectum. If you use an enema before sex, try warm salt water (a tablespoon per quart). Be careful not to create tears inside or around the anus. Some believe lubes, especially oil- and silicone-based, can trap germs against the skin, increasing likelihood of infection. Try to urinate right after sex: Urine's acidity can help clean out the urethra.

7. Immunity: The more stressed, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tired or ill you are, the higher the chance that an exposure will result in infection. If you have HIV and have and STD, you are more likely to transmit HIV. If you're HIV negative and have an STD, you are more at risk for HIV infection.

8. Vaccination: Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. Barebacking and rimming expose you to fecal matter (shit) and other hepatitis-carrying fluids.

9. Regular STD Screenings Every Three Months: If you have more than one sex partner or have a partner that does, getting regular STD and/or HIV screenings is a good harm-reduction plan. Scientific studies show that the presence of and STD can increase your risk of getting or giving HIV by as much as 500%.

 

NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service. We provide information and services to gay and bisexual men who use methamphetamine to reduce health risks associated with use. Gay and bi men who use crystal are involved at all levels of our program, including Peer Education.

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