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 safe sex, you’ll be able to see for yourself where the risks are.

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 through having anal sex 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. Book an HIV and syphillis FASTest now.

Very High Risk - Anal sex without a condom

HIV in semen can enter the bloodstream by being absorbed into the body. The inside of the anus acts as a sponge, absorbing nutrients from food passing through the body. Anything that goes in the other way is quickly absorbed which is why medicines are sometimes administered in this way. There is more HIV in the mucous that lines the rectum than in any other body fluid. For the insertive partner it can enter a man’s body through the end of his penis or the inner folds of his foreskin. For the receptive partner, you should remember there is no guarantee that your partner will pull out before he ejaculates and pre-cum (the clear sticky fluid that comes out of the end of your penis before you ejaculate) often has HIV in it.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• like HIV, STIs such as 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 men living with HIV, syphilis progresses faster and does more harm.

 Signs to look for

• excessively itchy penis, arse or balls
• burning feeling when you go to the toilet
• gooey discharge from your penis
• sores on your penis, lips or tongue
• Copper coloured rash on your feet, hands or body
• Frequent urge to go to the toilet.

IMPORTANT: Not all guys show symptoms if they have an STI. So, you do need to test regularly regardless.

Condoms

When used properly, condoms almost certainly stops HIV and help 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. Get some free condoms.