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. |
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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%.
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