Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

Courtesy of V-RAG May Edition

My June article is on Pride and Velvet Rage. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is May's article :)

Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

The new work being done in the world of sex research tells us that we need to do more than just hand out condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other STI’s. Many people still do not use condoms. Latex allergies, lack of sensation, and social or cultural factors are realities for some which prevent them from using condoms. So this month I decided to pass on some additional tips to reduce the risk of infection… and, no, I’m not talking about just putting in the tip.

Condom alternatives- Latex allergies are becoming more common. For these people, polyurethane condoms are readily available if you are willing to spend a little more at your local well stocked drug store. Polyurethane condoms do not stretch very well. Therefore, they may restrict a larger penis and slide off a thinner one. Choose the right size of condom for you or your partner. `

Know your lubes- Recent studies have shown that many water based lubes are toxic to rectal cells and can increase chances of infection by up to 3 times compared with other lubes. Silicone lube is arguably the safest, although about double the price. If you are using a condom, stay away from the Crisco. Oil based lube works well for anal play but it is corrosive and damaging to condoms. Check out the large selection of lubes at Little Sisters - 1238 Davie Street - and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Don’t have sex while drunk or high- Think of this the same way you think of driving while drunk. It is just not smart. Make a commitment to yourself to have sex only when you are in the frame of mind to make intelligent and informed decisions.

Be assertive and ask questions- Check your self esteem, anxiety level, and impulse control. It is essential that you are comfortable and confident enough to ask the right questions. Ask about HIV status and STI’s. Your partner will respect you more for it. Be ready for rejection if your partner is not prepared to be honest. You should feel empowered to say no to sex. Don’t be manipulated. If you need help preparing your assertiveness, controlling your anxiety in social situations, building your self esteem, or dealing with rejection in the dating world, you might want to consider accessing some of the services which are made available to you. You are not alone.

HIM has professional counsellors, peer counsellors, and personal strategic advisors just waiting to help. Contact Hans Bosgoed (hans@checkhimout.ca) or by calling 604.488.1001

Get tested together- A sexual health checkup reduces ambiguity and can be like anything else potential sex partners do together. Show your commitment by seeing your doctor or visit a local STI testing clinic together.

- HIM Sexual Health Centre: 1033 Davie St, Suite 421- 4pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday

- Bute Street Clinic: 1170 Bute Street - 11am to 6:30pm Monday through Friday

Keep a buddy list- Limit your sexual encounters to partners you trust and you know have been tested. If you are not in a relationship, make an arrangement with a fuck buddy or fuck buddies. Make sure these are people who will be honest with you and respect your choices.

Clean sex toys- HIV dies immediately when exposed to oxygen. However, it has been known to survive in the pores of objects such as silicone sex toys. Other viruses and microorganisms can also survive on a silicone surface. Wash your toys after you use them with a heavily diluted bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.

Jason Keller

Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator,

Vancouver Coastal Health