HIV & STD's  /  Rubber  /  Rubber (latex) gloves  /  Condoms /  Shapes sizes lubricants & flavours
Stronger condoms  /  Standards /  Condoms for fucking
Lubricants  /  Water-based & oil-based lubricants  /  Which lubricants are which?

While many of us know how to protect ourselves, some of us have taken the decision not to, and the reasons for this are varied and complex. Knowledge about HIV, the assumptions we make about others, the trust we place in our partner(s), knowing one's status, how we feel about ourselves, feeling horny, and being in love - all play a part in the decisions we take, whether we realise it or not. When we don't protect ourselves, finding out why, dealing with guilt or simply talking about it is not easy. 'Bareback' sex (fucking without condoms) is something that I am not going to get into on these pages, sufficed to say, that those who do it, do it for their own reasons, and provided all those concerned are in possession of the facts about each others status (HIV/HBV etc.) and are happy to continue knowing the risks, then that is their decision. There are those more capable and qualified to provide the support and education needed.

However, we learn to live with the implications of the decisions we make. Talking with friends is not the answer, and ultimately we must decide for ourselves what risks we're prepared to take, but it may be helpful. There are an increasing number of services specifically for gay men that can support us to make intelligent, well-informed decisions about our sexual health, and they are not there simply to tell us to 'practise safer sex!'

HIV & STD'S

For there to be a risk from HIV infection three things have to happen:

In addition to HIV there is the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases. These include: the hepatitis viruses (which can fuck up your liver), gonorrhoea (which can be like pissing jagged razor blades), and syphilis (with painless sores that, if left untreated, can lead to more severe health problems). Last, but by no means least, there is herpes and warts. In the earlier stages, many of these STD's can have few or no symptoms so regular check-ups are essential.

RUBBER

The basic component of condoms and most gloves is rubber, This is made from latex, a naturally occurring product, which is obtained from a few tropical and non-tropical plants as a milky juice by carefully peeling back the bark of the tree. The main source is the rubber tree, which grows up to 30 metres tall. Initially it was found in the jungles of Malaysia where rubber was already known to Maya culture; but it was only with the invention of vulcanisation (and no it has nothing to do with Mr.Spock!), a process developed by Goodyear in the late 1830's, that 'rubber' was born. Adding particles of sulphur to rubber produces an increase in the strength and a reduction in elasticity (stretchiness), which can be used as required for the manufacture of soft or hard rubber. Today, condom and glove production uses a large number of additives in order to accelerate the process and dictate the product's texture, strength and elasticity.

RUBBER (LATEX) GLOVES

Not everyone uses gloves for fisting. Some people find that wearing them defeats the object, that it's physical closeness of 'naked' hand against arse mixed with the intensity of the scene - which turns both partners on and plays a major part in completing the experience. It is generally accepted that if your hands and fingers are in good condition the risk of HIV is relatively low. However, you will reduce the risk further by wearing gloves and if you feel safer wearing them - use them. Wearing gloves creates a barrier between infections (present in blood, cum, piss and shit) and routes into your bloodstream (like cuts, sores, abrasions, broken skin and wounds). It also means that a shitty-gloved hand can be pulled off, turned inside out and disposed of easily.

Some clinics give away gloves but you will probably have to ask for them. You can buy them in shops; unfortunately you will often find that retailers have bought them in bulk, split them into pairs and are knocking them out at vastly inflated prices. Whether gloves come individually, in pairs or in bulk (boxes of 50 or 100), the standards to which they have been made should be clearly visible, Gloves should meet the International ISO 9002 or British Standard BS4005. 1995 also saw the arrival of the CE European Standard. If you don't see these standards you should ask if they are medical grade A examination gloves, (not to be confused with grade B gloves which are for non-clinical use).

You should remove all rings, jewellery or sharp objects before putting on gloves which should fit snugly. The chart should help you decide the best size for you. Obviously, the better they fit - the more you will be able to feel. Generally, gloves covering your hands to the wrist are suitable although some brands have longer cuffs. Some gloves come pre-powdered which can make them easier to put on, but the powder can irritate the arse if it gets inside. Veterinary (calving) gloves can be used for fisting although you may find that they restrict your hand and finger movements, and sense of touch.

CONDOMS

In the past, condoms have been made out of all sorts of materials including oiled paper, linen or animal gut. Up until the 1930's rubber condoms were thick, washable and re-usable. However, the development of latex in the later 1930's meant that thinner, disposable condoms could be produced. These were more sensitive than their predecessors and have guaranteed manufacturers more regular incomes! There are now plastic condoms on the market (made of the same material as Femidoms), the most easily available and well known one is called Avanti manufactured by Durex. These newer condoms are 'oil friendly', so if you wanted to use an oilbased lube for fisting and then fuck afterwards, these ones are ok to use.

SHAPES SIZES LUBRICANTS & FLAVOURS

Different shaped condoms are designed for different shaped cocks, so experiment. Most come in two widths 49mm and 52mm and in a variety of shapes: ribbed, straight, plain ended, flared and contoured. Most condoms are lubricated with sensitol, nonoxynol 9 or another spermicide. There are also flavoured and dry condoms can be used for sucking but which are not really recommended for fucking.

STRONGER CONDOMS

Obviously thicker condoms will lessen the sensitivity of the cock. If this is a problem for you, try using one of the thinner brands of condoms along with plenty of water-based lubricant but check it regularly while you're fucking, as there may be a greater chance of the condom tearing. Also, a drop of water-based lubricant in the condom (or placed on the end of your cock) before rolling it on may increase sensitivity. Although thicker condoms offer better protection under ideal circumstances, the benefits are probably outweighed if your dick is so desensitised that you have to shunt about for hours on end like an inter-city 125 before you can come. (If you do tend to cum too quickly - a thicker condom may help delay your orgasm). Some manufacturers are at pains to point out that their condoms are only tested for use in vaginal intercourse although recent years has seen the arrival of 'stronger' (thicker) condoms like HT Specials and Gay Safe which exceed current testing standards. While there is some truth in the idea that thicker = stronger = safer, this has been at the expense of emphasising the need for good condom technique and the correct lubricant. What protection is a super strong condom going to offer you if you are unable to use it properly or use an oil-based lube? There are two reasons why condoms fail: product failure (something was wrong with the condom when it was made) and user failure (when people haven't followed the instructions properly). Trials (Involving vaginal intercourse) over several years have shown that condoms are very effective for regular users. It's unfamiliarity and poor technique, which can cause problems.

STANDARDS

It is widely accepted that condoms should meet BS3704 (British) or IS04074 (International) condom and testing standards. You should be able to find this on the condom box or wrapper. However, the European CE standard is playing an increasing role in setting (what many believe to be) higher standards. Some brands claim to exceed BS3704 or IS04074. They might do, and (if they do) the claim isn't illegal. However, it isn't a guarantee of quality and could just mean that at some time, some samples of that brand passed the tests.

CONDOMS FOR FUCKING

LUBRICANTS

There are two main types of lubricant: oil-based and water-based. More recently synthetic lubricants (like Slik or J-Lube) have appeared on the market; these are condom and glove compatible, but have the consistency of oil-based lubricants. Depending on what you want to do, you need to know which lubricant to use, and whether it contains a spermicide, e.g. nonoxynol9.In one way, oil-based and water-based lubricants behave similarly in that they reduce the friction between whatever is going into your arse and the arse lining. However, you need the right amount of lubricant to do the job. Too much - and the practicalities of what you're trying to do can become difficult. Too little - and you cause discomfort and pain (to both partners) and run the risk of damaging the condom, the arse, or both.

WATER-BASED & OIL-BASED LUBRICANTS

Water-based lubricants dry up because your intestine absorbs the lubricant's water content back into the body leaving a useless sticky residue. Insufficient lubricant increases friction and is a major factor in condoms tearing or causing damage to the lining of your arse. In fisting particularly, it's essential but not necessarily easy, to come out for more lubricant.

Oil-based lubricants don't dry up because your intestine is not capable of absorbing any of its components back into your body. It therefore stays there, goes further and lasts longer but this in itself can cause problems. Your lower intestine down to your arsehole is now a bob sleigh-run and any shit left can shoot out at a moment's notice! If you're into dildos or fisting then oil-based lubes are generally a better option. If you have a fist up a mate's arse, a comment like 'excuse me I've just got to pop out for some more lube', doesn't go down well. However, oil-based lubricants are not latex friendly, some would argue render them virtually useless, and so increase the risk of HIV/STD transmission. If you're going to fuck as well, either use a water-based lube, condom compatible lubricant, or one of the new plastic condoms or maybe try a femidom!

WHICH LUBRICANTS ARE WHICH?

PRODUCTS THAT ARE LATEX FRIENDLY	PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT LATEX FRIENDLY
Astroglide	Elbow Grease (N9)*
Body Wise 121	Elbow Grease Hot (N9)*
Body Wise Liquid Silk	Crisco
Body Wise NX9 (N9)*	Margarine
Boots Lubricating Jelly	Butter
Elbow Grease Gel (N9)*	Olive Oil
Elbow Grease Hot Gel (N9)*	Vegetable Fats
ForPlay	Animal fats
J Lube	Vegetable Oils
KY Lubricating Jelly	Cooking Oils
NX9 (N9)*	Baby Oils
Pearce Lubricating Jelly	Oil based moisturisers
Probe	Engine Oils
Slik	Petrolium Jelly
Sutherland Health	Vaseline
Wet
Wet Spermicidal (N9)*
Wet Stuff

NONOXYNOL 9

*(N9) means the lubricant contains Nonoxynol 9, a microbicide and spermicide commonly used as a lubricant in condoms. It has now been confirmed that N9 dramatically increases the risk of HIV transmission in anal sex. Many of the condoms using N9 have now been discontinued from circulation, but if in doubt check the label to see if it is used, and avoid the lubricants that contain this product.