Great sex is safe sex because some of the things that men who have sex with men do puts them at risk of getting HIV or an STI. To avoid these risks you could just not have any sex, but for most of us this isn’t a realistic option. So, how do you know what’s risky and if you’re at risk? By following these simple guidelines for safer sex, you’ll be able to see for yourself where the risks are.
EXTREMELY HIGH RISK
Fucking or being fucked WITHOUT a condom
For guys being fucked, you should remember there is no guarantee that the guy fucking you will pull out before he cums. But it’s also not safe because even pre-cum (the clear sticky fluid that comes out of the end of your dick when you get hard) can have HIV in it.
A few things to think about
• In 2008, 184 people were diagnosed with HIV in Aotearoa.
• 91 of these people were men who have sex with men.
• Ten were Māori.
• Most got HIV by fucking or being fucked without a condom.
• The guy most likely to pass on HIV probably doesn’t know he has it.
• Use condoms with water or silicone based lube for anal sex every time.
• If you have lots of sexual partners, get a sexual health check-up every three to six
months.
THE CONDOM:
When it’s used properly, almost certainly stops HIV and helps prevent the transmission of STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea . Condoms also significantly reduce the risk of transmitting other STIs like genital warts, herpes and syphilis (which is important if you're a bottom - you don't want warts in your arse).
• Like HIV, STIs like gonorrhoea and Syphilis are on the rise among gay and
bisexual men in New Zealand.
• Unlike HIV, STIs can be easily transmitted through oral sex.
• STIs such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia make you more vulnerable to HIV.
• Syphilis makes HIV four times easier to transmit and receive. For HIV positive
men syphilis progresses faster and does more harm.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR ARE:
• Excessively itchy dick, arse or balls
• Burning feeling when you piss or shit
• Gooey discharge from your dick
• Sores on your dick, lips or tongue
• Copper coloured rash on your feet, hands or body
• Frequent urge to piss or shit.
IMPORTANT: Not all guys show symptoms if they have an STI’s. So, you need to test regularly regardless.
Want more information about HIV or AIDS?
1. Ask the Bro Online Sexpert a question
2. Text any question to 3535 and receive a personalised text response
(costs 20c)
3. Phone 0800 80 AIDS (0800 80 2437)for more information relating to HIV and AIDS – this
includes the option to speak with someone from OUTline NZ who is trained to
answer any questions or concerns you may have.
It’s better to know:
For your nearest HIV and STI testing location, ask our Sexpert;
Text TEST + your area code (no space) to 3535 (costs 20c)
