Abstinence
Abstinence, or the voluntary choice to refrain from sexual activity, is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV transmission. If abstinence is your choice there are non-coital (not intercourse) forms of sexual intimacy that can take the place of intercourse. These activities range from holding hands, hugging, kissing, and dancing to mutual masturbation, petting, and the use of stimulating devices such as vibrators. While abstinence is an effective means of safer sex, it may be difficult to maintain committment over long periods of time.Condoms and Gloves
Latex barriers provide an effective means of preventing HIV transmission during anal sex. But to be effective, condoms must be used correctly. An erect penis can leak seminal fluid prior to ejaculation; this fluid contains active HIV that can cause infection in others. Small cuts and nicks on the hands -- even hangnails -- can provide pathways for HIV transmission, and sharp fingernails can cause cuts or scrapes that also make infection more likely. For this reason, condoms and gloves must be applied prior to any anal contact. To reduce the possibility of a glove or condom breaking, use a water based lubricant to decrease friction during intercourse. Plenty of lubrication not only protects the condom or glove from breaking but also decreases trauma to anal mucosa; damage that increases the risk of HIV infection during anal sex. Besides that, plenty of lubricant makes anal sex more comfortable for the receiving partner and more fun too!IMPORTANT WARNING!
Oil based lubricants such as baby oil, Vaseline, and certain lotions weaken latex and should never be used as a lubricant during anal or vaginal sex. Also note that sheepskin condoms do not provide an effective barrier to HIV and other STDs and therefore should not be used as disease protection.The Female Condom
The female condom was not originally designed to be used during anal sex. More research is needed to determine the safety, effectiveness, and acceptability of the female condom for use during anal sex. However, female condoms allow a woman to assume control over safer sex when used correctly. After slipping the condom inside the anal canal, the female condom can provide a lubricated barrier that is stronger than latex.Dental Dams
Dental dams are rectangular squares of latex that can be used during oral-anal sex. During sex, latex dams are stretched across your partner's anus to prevent your tongue from touching your partner's bodily secretions. They are an effective method of disease prevention, but can be difficult to hold in place. A dab of water soluble lubricant placed on the genital side of the dam can help hold it in place. Unfortunately, the dental dam is applicable to oral-anal sex, not anal intercourse, and therefore should not be considered a safer sex option for anal intercourse.Preventing Bacterial Infection
Besides HIV, there are other infection risks due to unprotected anal sex. For instance, the proximity of the anus, vagina, and urethra make fecal contamination, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections commonplace if precautions are not taken. The key to decreasing the risk of bacterial infection is to keep fecal matter away from the vagina and urethra. Never have anal sex followed immediately by vaginal sex unless you change the condom first. Any toys you use anally should be cleaned thoroughly before being used vaginally. The safest bet is to use a condom on the sex toy if possible and change that condom when moving from anal to vaginal sex. Simply put, once a sex toy, finger, or penis enters the rectum, it must be cleaned and the condom must be changed before entering the vagina.
IMPORTANT WARNING!
Sex toys can be a source of HIV transmission. Sharing sex toys can spread HIV from one partner to another. Therefore, condoms should be used over sex toys and should be changed each time the sex toy is used by a different partner.As we gain an understanding of the importance of safer anal sex for women as well as men, women must take a more active role choosing and insisting upon safer sex in their relationships. Staying healthy and living life to its fullest depends on the proper and consistent use of protection during anal sex. Being safe does not mean losing intimacy. Being safe means staying alive.
