Safer sex guidelines
More details/Information for students

As well as examining our own attitudes, values, and beliefs about the various sexual behaviours and orientations, it is essential to realise that acquisition of knowledge about high risk sexual practices will be an ongoing process.

At present there are no absolute guidelines for some sex practices. Recommendations are necessarily based on epidemiologic investigations and as new evidence becomes known there can be alterations in the advice which should be given. This of course can complicate the education and counselling of clients especially when some people expect precise information about what to do or what to avoid.

Safer sex means avoiding sexual contact where semen, blood or vaginal secretions of one person can enter the body or bloodstream of another person. Condoms, used properly, are the most effective means of reducing the transmission of semen or vaginal fluids from one person to another. It is necessary to continuously reinforce the correct use of condoms and encourage people to use them. Although it has been clearly shown that condoms effectively reduce the transmission of most STDs many people are still reluctant to use them. This is due to many factors—but often it relates to a lack of perception of being 'at risk'. It has also been reported that even in motivated gay men who practise safer sex 'always', there are times when condoms are not used—for example when under the influence of alcohol. Safer sex guidelines therefore need to focus on general principles of moderating behaviour and lifestyle as well as specific advice with regard to sexual practices. Other reasons given for not using condoms include decreased sensation, unacceptability to the sexual partner, embarrassment associated with purchase or lack of knowledge or interest.

Condoms

To be effective, condoms must be used routinely and correctly and must remain intact. The following guidelines have been adopted for use in decreasing the risk of HIV infection among sexually active men and women.

Condoms must be used each and every time one has genital, anal, or oral sexual contact

Condoms must be put on as soon as an erection occurs and before the penis is inserted into the partner. Any contact with the vagina, penis mouth, or rectum before a condom is put on is considered unsafe.

The rim of the condom should be rolled carefully to the base of the penis before insertion into the partner. If a condom lacks a reservoir tip, a half-inch of empty space should be left at the tip to catch semen.

Petroleum jelly ("Vaseline") or vegetable oils may cause deterioration of latex and should not be used as lubricants. Sufficient lubrication is needed so condoms will not tear or cause trauma to the partner. Water-based jellies (KY), spermicide jellies, or spermicide foams can be used as lubricants. Saliva is not recommended.

The condom should be used only once. Under no circumstances should condoms be reused. Condoms should be disposed of safely (not flushed down the toilet).

The penis should be withdrawn soon after ejaculation. If loss of erection occurs, the condom may slip off. After sexual contact, the penis should be withdrawn carefully, holding the rim of the condom to protect against slippage and contact with semen or the partner's genitalia or secretions.

Condoms should be checked to see if they are still intact. If condoms tear or come off in the vagina, use of spermicide foams or jellies may be helpful.

Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place. If condoms are kept in a relatively dry environment which is not excessively hot, condom life probably exceeds 5 years.