How do you practice safe sex?

[Mr. Not So Lonely]

In Africa its one in four in the USA depending on who does the survay it 1 in 8 to 1 in 5

[princealbertofb]

There is always abstaining, and masturbation... but maybe that's not what you are talking about... Condoms seem to remain the safest answer...

[princealbertofb]

That figure comes from trawling around gay bars, clubs, etc. It excludes all the gay men in those geographic areas who do not regularly frequent those establishments.

Hey Folks:

In light of the recent news that 1 in 5 gay men in major urban areas have HIV, I am wondering how you practice safe sex? Is it just condom use? Or, do you talk to your partner(s) about safe sex, about their STD status? Do you revisit those conversations if you are are in an open relationship?

I am about to prepare a study on this issue and wanted to get some input from my GLBT friends.

So, let the conversation begin. I am really wanting to hear it all.

Thanks

Memphis (John)

He did say 'in major urban areas" which would probably encompass capital cities and cities like New York, Los Angeles, etc...

[princealbertofb]

Scary statistics there...

my partner and I have both been tested and faithful to each other, so safe sex isn't such a big concern as it would be for anyone taking things casually or seeing new people. Safe sex is very important, and before seeing each other I would normally always rubber up unless I knew the person implicitly; this may sound risky or ridiculous but in my limited experience there were thingsfor example - one guy had only been with one girl, and was very much in love with me and told me everything. There was no doubt in my mind that we would be okay, but still practiced safe sex. It's very dependant on the person, and anybody with half a brain will take precautions.

It frustrates me still that I can't give blood for this reason.

What's more, if they were to allow gay men to give blood, then they might find out exactly who's infected and who's not, and could maybe take matters seriously. There are still those out there who haven't got a clue what their status is despite years of unsafe sexual conduct... STDs are still so taboo, it's ridiculous.

[princealbertofb]

In Africa its one in four in the USA depending on who does the survay it 1 in 8 to 1 in 5

One in FOUR :eek: ??? Now, that's frightening.

[OrphanPip]

What's more, if they were to allow gay men to give blood, then they might find out exactly who's infected and who's not, and could maybe take matters seriously. There are still those out there who haven't got a clue what their status is despite years of unsafe sexual conduct... STDs are still so taboo, it's ridiculous.

Actually here in Quebec you have the option when giving blood to anonymously request your blood merely be tested for disease rather than be used for donation.

Although, I've given blood in the past and it's an awful lot of blood and it's much less trouble to go for testing directly.