HIV and AIDS: Information for the LGB Community
This fact file is aimed at gay and bisexual men and lesbians and bisexual women. For ease the fact sheet will be separated into two sections. The first covering gay and bi-sexual men issues that may or may not have been covered in the other fact sheets. The second section will do the same but for lesbians and bisexual women. Please not that this is for sleeping with the same sex, although the guidelines are the same, but if you wish to read the specific information for opposite sex relations then please read the other fact sheets.HIV and AIDS: Information for men who sleep with men.
Firstly this fact sheet will only look at safe sex and so please ensure you read the introduction sheet for more information and the contacts sheet.As we all forms of sex it is important to wear a condom as this reduces the risk of HIV transmission greatly. To reinforce this remember that it doesn't matter if you are the “bottom” or the “top” there is the same chance of infection regardless of position. It is also worth noting that extra strong condoms are designed for non-virginal sex and thus better to use. However ANY condom is better than none!!
The lining of the arse can absorb the virus into your bloodstream easily, and so whether your partner comes inside you or if there is only precum there is still a risk that the virus can be transmitted. Also when you are having sex there will be very small bleeding inside your partner's anus, which you may not realise. And this can be absorbed by the head of your penis either through the delicate skin or through the hole itself.
Do not let your partner persuade you to let him penetrate you with out a condom because condoms make him less sensitive. Lube can help and a little loss in sensation will make him last longer.
When putting on a condom:
•Don't rip the condom with your fingernails or rings.
•Squeeze all the air out the teat.
•Unroll it all the way down to the base.
•Sooth out all air bubbles.
•Used a WATER BASED LUBRICRANT.
•Ensure the condom doesn't slip down the penis during thrusting.
•If the sex is lasting for a long time, or is being done slowly, change to a fresh condom to ensure maximum protection.
Oral sex is one area which few are certain about the risks of HIV transmission. So lets look at the facts. Firstly it is less risky than unprotected vaginal or anal sex. This does not mean it doesn't carry any risk, only that it is less risky.
Ways in which you can further reduce the risk is by avoiding getting semen in the mouth; especially if there are any cuts, sores or ulcers in the mouth. You can also use protection: by using a condom with a man.
Sex toys such as vibrators also carry a risk of infection if they are shared. So either use your own or ensure they are sterilised after use.
We will now examine so other areas of gay sex which may or may not carry risk of HIV transmission.
Rimming is not a HIV risk UNLESS you have just had sexed with them. However it can pass on Hepatitis and other infections which are dangerous, especially if you already have HIV.
Water Sports (when someone urinates over you) is safe but don't let it enter your eyes, mouth or any cuts for safety. Playing with faeces does carry a risk as it may contain traces of blood and can pass on many other infections.
For any bondage/S&M activities you may carry out ensure that your partner doesn't betray your trust and discuss safe sex first. Any activity that draws blood such as whipping, canning, piercing etc is followed by cleaning the blood off anything. Do this with a bleach/water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
If you are having sex try to talk about safe sex, but remember that it is an individual responsibility. Do not do anything if you are uncomfortable with it! Remember you must maintain your safety even if someone wants to disregard his.
Other safe acts include:
1.Wanking each other.
2.Licking all over his body.
3.Rubbing your penis between his legs.
4.Deep kissing.
5.Massage.
6.Fantasy Games
7.Letting him come on your face - but avoid the eyes.
If someone forces you into having anal sex against your will, then it is important for you to contact the police straight away. Rape is a dreadful experience which no one should have to go through and by contacting the police straight away they can look after you, treat you for any injury, conduct tests to gather DNA samples of the attacker and most importantly help you by getting you tested for HIV. That is the most important thing, to ensure you are, and remain, safe. If you are afraid to contact the police then you can contact Men understanding Men, a service for everyone in the LGBT community. They are a small but growing group of trained counsellors who work in Cardiff and have had experience in many gay problems. And they will come to you and give you the support you need. See the Testing and Further Contact Fact Sheet for their details, and pick up a card from the third floor of the Students Union and carry it with you.
Source:
Information about AIDS/HIV for Men who have sex with men, Cardiff Aids Helpline
HIV and AIDS: Information for Women who sleep with Women
Possible Ways Lesbians can get HIV include:•Having sex with another man; whether through choice or not.
•Injected drugs.
•Tried to get pregnant.
•Received a blood transfusion between 1981 - 1985.
•Had sex with a woman who falls in to any of the above.
As mentioned in A General Introduction fact sheet HIV can be transmitted through blood, including menstrual blood as well as semen or vaginal fluids, where it can then be absorbed into your blood stream.
If in later life, you wish to become pregnant by donor insemination then there is insignificant risk as all donations are tested for HIV. However self-insemination or pregnancy through heterosexual intercourse does carry risks. The risk can be reduced by ensuring the man has had negative test results three months apart, as it can take up to three months for the virus to manifest itself.
Safe sex simply requires you ensure neither yours nor your partner's blood (including menstrual blood) or vaginal fluids enter the others bloodstream.
Oral sex is extremely low risk provided that the person “going down” doesn't have any cuts, sores or ulcers. And you can use a dental dam for extra protection.
Sex toys are safe if they are not shared. If you do wish to share then you can use a condom on them or wash them (but don't wash them if they are electrical!).
Source:
HIV and Aids Information for Lesbians, Terrence Higgins Trust.
