Safer Sex

Protecing yourself and others

The last three decades have seen huge changes in how gay men tackle safer sex. And, mercifully, gone are the days when HIV was a death sentence. HIV antiretroviral therapy (HART) now means that gay men diagnosed early with HIV can lead long and healthy lives. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, condoms were seen and promoted as the predominant way to have gay safer sex.

Cheap, readily available and reliable, condoms remain one of the most popular ways of enjoying gay safer sex. Keep one in your wallet or grab one on the go for that unexpected hook-up. Alongside condoms, regular testing for HIV and other STIs plays a vital role in protecting yourself and your partners. Visit your local clinic for sexual MOTs every three months. Knowing your HIV status means you can also take informed choices about other gay safer sex options. Discuss these with your partners when negotiating safety within your relationship. 

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is fast becoming one of the most trusted ways of enjoying gay safer sex and preventing HIV. The pill can be taken daily. But, before you start on PrEP you must confirm that you’re HIV-negative. You’ll also need a check-up on your kidney health. The great news is that the use of PrEP has played a key role in decreasing HIV among men who have sex with men. However, it’s important to note that PrEP doesn’t protect you from other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. So, consider using condoms, too. And, again, get regularly tested for these infections. Having an undetectable viral load is another method of practising gay safer sex. HART can suppress an HIV-positive person’s viral load to the extent that it is so low that an HIV test cannot detect it. Consequently, the virus can’t be passed on.

Sometimes in the heat of the most rampant passions, we make compromises when it comes to safer sex. It happens. Don’t beat yourself up about it. But, make sure you protect yourself after the event with PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Get to your sexual health clinic as soon as possible. And by this, we mean no later than 72 hours after you think you’ve been exposed to HIV. A course of PEP lasts for four weeks, and it’ll stop HIV from replicating.