(The Australian Bisexual Men's Association Incorporated)
Safe Sex Information
The material contained in this section is abstracted from our pamplet "Men, Sex, HIV & STDs - Information for Sexually Active Men
Some men who have sex with men and women worry that their sexual activities may lead to health problems for themselves and their sexual partners. They may not understand the specific risks involved in certain sexual practices and this can lead to unsafe practises which result in infection with sexually transmissible diseases (STDs). This pamphlet answers some of the questions most frequently asked by men who have sex with both men and women. STDs are infections which are passed from person to person during sexual activities. Diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, genital warts, gonorrhoea,
syphilis, non-specific urethritis (NSU) and genital herpes can all be transmitted in this way.
How do I know if I've got an STD?
Most infections will produce pain in the genital area or when urinating. There may also be a discharge from the penis. Some infections cause painful blisters or ulcers. However it isn't always possible to know you are infected since infections can occur without any symptoms. HIV and Hepatitis B
infections can occur with no symptoms appearing for a number of years.
What about HIV?
HIV is a potentially fatal STD which is transmitted when infected semen from one person enters the body of another. To avoid infection you should practise safe sex for all penetrative sexual activities.
Well what is safe sex then?
Safe sex is any sexual activity where the body fluids of one sexual partner do not enter the body of another or the use of a condom in penetrative sexual activities to prevent this exchange. If safe sex is practised the transmission of HIV and many other common STDs can be prevented.
So you can't catch HIV through oral sex?
Oral sex is considered to be a low risk for the transmission of HIV and if ejaculation does not occur in the mouth the risk is thought to be even lower. Transmission of HIV can occur if there are sores or lesions in the mouth and infected semen is also present. To be sure a condom needs to be used.
So if I don't have cum in my mouth oral sex is completely safe and I won't catch any STDs?
Some STDs can be transmitted if a condom is not used. Herpes can be transmitted through oral sex. The blisters or sores which occur on the genitals or in the mouth and on the lips are infectious and contact with them can cause infection. You can develop infections on the penis, anus, or in and around
the mouth. This infection can be recurrent. Gonnorhoea is another infection which may be transmitted during oral sex. Gonnorhoea is present in pre - cum and can cause infection in the throat as well as the penis. Hepatits B can be transmitted during oral sex and other unprotected sexual activities if a sexual partner is a carrier of this virus. Hepatitis B is a serious disease and the virus can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. A vaccine is available to prevent infection with Hepatitis B for those at risk of infection.
What about anal sex?
Anal sex is a high risk practise for the transmission of HIV and all of the other STDs.
But I've heard that the active partner can't catch HIV through anal sex.
Anal sex is a high risk for HIV transmission whether you are the active or the passive partner. Infected material in the anus can transmit this infection to the active partner. Gonnorhoea, hepatitis B, herpes and N.S.U. can also be transmitted during unprotected anal sex.
What if the guy doesn't cum inside me, is anal sex safe then?
No, pre-cum may contain semen so infection could occur. It is also difficult to be sure that withdrawal will occur in time to prevent semen exchange. Other STDs such as Gonnorhoea, Herpes and N.S.U. can be transmitted even without ejaculation.
I've never had symptoms of an STD's. Does this mean I am not infected?
No, it is possible that you have had an infection without symptoms. HIV infection can occur without obvious symptoms and so may other sexually transmissible diseases such as Hepatitis B or genital warts.
Do you mean I could pass a disease on and not even know I have it?
Yes, although there are no symptoms any active infection may be passed on to other sexual partners, including your regular female partner. Some of these infections can have long term consequences if untreated. In women some STDs such as Chlamydia infection can cause infections of the reproductive organs that can result in permanent infertility. Others such as Human Papilloma Virus, the virus which causes genital warts, may eventually lead to cancer of the cervix in women.
If I get an STD but my female partner does not have symptoms does it mean she is not infected?
No, if you have a regular female partner you should be know that some STD infections in women may cause no symptoms and may remain undetected. It is also possible that you will be reinfected when you have sex with your female partner. It is important that all of your sexual contacts are notified about the infection.
How can I best protect my sexual partners?
Practise safe sex. If you have sex with more than one partner monitor your health at regular intervals. Simple tests are available which will show if you have been exposed to most sexually transmitted diseases. If you have a regular female partner encourage your partner to participate in the health
monitoring process. Pap smears will detect infections with STD's in women.
What should I do if I have symptoms of an STD?
See a doctor without delay. Practise safe sex with all your sexual partners until the infection has been identified and the treatment program is completed. Inform your sexual partners of the infection and ensure that they are also tested to see if they have the infection.
I want to be completely safe from infection, is this possible?
Some infections and infestations such as genital warts and body lice (crabs) can be transmitted by body contact and condom use may not be protective against them. However, safe sex with all sexual partners will help stop the spread of HIV and other STDs. If you are infected, safe sex will help prevent you transmitting infections to your sexual partners. You can reduce the risk of infection with HIV and most other STD'S by using condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Sexual activities which do not involve penetration such as mututal masturbation can also greatly reduce the risks of HIV and STD infection.
Safe sexual practices and a health monitoring program for yourself and your female sexual partner can help to reduce the risks associated with undetected infections and can prevent serious disease development. Know the symptoms of STD infection and consult your doctor or local STD clinic if you think you have been at risk of infection.
