Safer Sex And Drug Use Guidelines

Safer sex can include: massage, hugging, kissing, erotic talk, masturbation , using your own sex toys, role-playing, fantasy scenes, and other activities that do not involve the exchange of semen or blood.

Do not allow a partner's semen or blood (including menstrual blood and blood drawn from piercing, cutting and shaving) to enter your vagina, anus, mouth or breaks in your skin.

Use condoms for anal and vaginal intercourse, for oral sex with a man, and for covering dildos and other sex toys. Use only water-based lubricants as others weaken latex. Use latex barriers (dental dams, available at dental supply stores) between the genital area and mouth for sex with a woman. Be especially careful to avoid the exchange of menstrual blood. Using nonoxynol-9 or other spermicides with condoms and latex barriers may add extra protection.

For anal or vaginal penetration with fingers or hands use latex gloves or finger cots.

Your body's ability to fight all diseases, including AIDS may be benefited by general good health. That means getting good nutrition, lots of rest, exercise and not abusing alcohol, poppers and other drugs. (Remember, being drunk or high can affect your decisions about sex.)

If you use injected drugs follow the guidelines below: Do not share works (needles, syringes, droppers, spoons, cottons or cookers). Do not re-use needles; use fresh cottons each time. If you must share or re-use your works, clean as follows: dip needle and works into 100% bleach, draw up and release three times, dip needle and works into water, draw up and release three times. (In an emergency, rubbing alcohol, vodka or wine can also be used.) As an alternative, boil works in water for at least 15 minutes. Use a fresh solution each time you clean your works. 

Information on safer sex from Gay Community News April30-May 6, 1989. Subscriptions: $33/yr.,$20/25 wks. or $12/25wks. low income. Send a check or money order to: GCN Subscription, 62 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116