Sex: what's safe and what's not
(Health24.com)
Updated: 2006-09-13 16:13

Some sexual practices are indeed safe, and carry no risk of infecting the participants with the HI-virus. However, other practices are associated with a high risk of HIV infection. How safe are your sexual practices?

The type of bodily fluid involved as well as the number of sexual partners you have determines the extent of risk involved in sexual practices.

Since the highest concentration of the HI-virus is found in blood, semen, pre-cum and vaginal secretions, sexual activities involving these bodily fluids are more risky than contact with saliva, tears, urine and sweat, that have low concentrations of the HI-virus.

Obviously the risk will increase with the numbers of partners you have who are, or have been, involved in unprotected sexual practices.

No Risk
The following sexual behaviour involves no risk and can be regarded as safe:

Abstinence
Erotic massage
Hugging
Body rubbing
Kissing
Petting
Showering or bathing together
Masturbation
Mutual masturbation - providing there is no contact between broken skin and semen or vaginal fluids
Thigh sex
Sexual fantasies
Phone sex
Using your own personal sex toys
If this describes the sum total of your sexual practices, you do not need to worry about HIV/Aids.

Low Risk
The following sexual behaviour is regarded as safe, but is still associated with a low risk of HIV/Aids:
12