Safer gay sex
The articles on anal sex and
oral sex cover many of
the issues concerning gay sex. As regards what condoms are
best for gay sex, it is generally the stronger condoms such as Durex
extra strong or Durex Ultra. The lambskin condom, usually
made from lamb intestine, is about the worst choice you can make,
and unavailable in this online store! Not only does it sound off-putting
(especially to vegetarians), but this condom's membrane is so porous
that it can't stop HIV from passing through it!
Don't use condoms
or lubes containing nonoxynol-9(N-9), because studies
have shown that N-9 may actually increase your risk for HIV, and
irritate the lining of the anus. However, if your choice
is between no condom or a condom containing N-9, then use the condom.
Latex condoms, on the other hand, are made from a synthetic rubber material that HIV can't penetrate.
How should a condom feel when I put it on?
Comfortable. Be sure it fits tightly enough so it
won't slip off your penis during sex -- though you don't want it to
squeeze too tightly either. If regular condoms feel too constrictive,
try the wider and longer sizes. Check out our section on how
to use a condom.
Can I keep a condom from breaking?
There's always a chance that a perfectly fine condom will break
during sex. There are, however, things you can do to help avoid
this. Never use a worn-looking, brittle, stiff condom, or
one that has expired or was not properly stored (see the
box for storage instructions).
Don't carry condoms
in your wallet or pants pocket, because your body
heat can weaken them. And when you open a condom wrapper,
avoid using a scissors or your teeth; you don't want to make tiny
holes in the latex that could cause the condom to tear. Also
using lubrication will help prevent the condom from tearing.
Unlike a vagina, an anus does not
make it's own lubrication -- you must go out and purchase it
yourself. Use only the water-based kind (an oil-based lube will
damage the condom, as will fatty foods such as cream!). Even if
you buy a condom that comes with lubrication, you'll want to add
some more.
Could I have an allergy to condoms or lube?
You could indeed! Symptoms of an allergy include redness and irritation
on your penis or rectum (if you're the receptive partner).
If you notice these signs, you could be allergic to latex. If you
have an allergy to latex, you can try the Avanti brand, which is a
polyurethane condom. Spermicide has also been known to cause irritation,
so f you suspect it's causing the problem, switch to a non-spermicidal
brand.
How effectively do spermicidal condoms kill HIV?
It seems great to use a condom with the added bonus of killing HIV, but in reality
most of the spermicide will remain in the condom wrapper, and what
stays on the condom itself will not give you any meaningful protection.
Worse still, spermicide can irritate a receptive partner's rectum,
making him or her more susceptible to HIV infection. Remember,
don't use spermicides containing N-9 -- this is not recommended for
gay and bisexual men.
What about piercings?
A condom placed over a pierced penis has a much increased
chance of breaking. To be on the safe side, you should
remove the piercing before having sex. At the very least use a stronger
condom.
A1Lovers.com is the leading condom
shop in Europe, with free discreet delivery across the EU, including
the UK and Ireland. Get protection now, and be ready. For more safe
sex information, check out our
safe sex information section for more articles and news.
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