Protection against STI's -Lube & Gloves
Lubricants
Traditionally there have been two main types of lubricant: oil-based
and water-based. More recently through synthetic lubricants have
appeared on the market; these are condom 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, eg nonoxynol. Although useful against HIV and other
STIs, spermicides can irritate the inside of your arse and cause
allergic reactions.
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 (condom-compatible) 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 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 (non-condom-compatible) lubricants
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 bobsleigh 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 damage condoms (some would argue render them virtually useless) and so increase the risk of HIV/STI transmission. If you're going to fuck, using a water-based or condom-compatible lubricant is essential.
Nonoxynol 9
In test tube conditions, nonoxynol 9 has been shown to inactivate
HIV. However, laboratory conditions don't exist in your arse and we
don't know how effective it is there. Most usually, it is added to
condoms and lubricants. Some guys find that it causes irritation. So,
while it may offer additional protection against HIV, an arse lining
irritated by nonoxynol 9 could make you more susceptible to infection
and there seems to anecdotal evidence to support this.
Gloves
Not everyone who fists uses gloves. Some guys 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 are in good condition the
risk of HIV is very 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 glove
can be pulled off, turned inside out and disposed of easily.
Where to get them and what to look for
Some clinics give away free gloves but you will probably have to ask
for them. You can buy them in shops; unfortunately you will find that
some 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 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. You may find the guide
above helpful in deciding which size of glove would best suit 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 this is probably excessive and you may find that
they restrict your hand and finger movements, and sense of touch.
This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:
several chapters more useful advice and information
more in-depth information in some chapters
more pictures and tables
further contacts at the end of each chapter
a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations
Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.
Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.
Traditionally there have been two main types of lubricant: oil-based
and water-based. More recently through synthetic lubricants have
appeared on the market; these are condom 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, eg nonoxynol. Although useful against HIV and other
STIs, spermicides can irritate the inside of your arse and cause
allergic reactions.
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 (condom-compatible) 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 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 (non-condom-compatible) lubricants
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 bobsleigh 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 damage condoms (some would argue render them virtually useless) and so increase the risk of HIV/STI transmission. If you're going to fuck, using a water-based or condom-compatible lubricant is essential.
Nonoxynol 9
In test tube conditions, nonoxynol 9 has been shown to inactivate
HIV. However, laboratory conditions don't exist in your arse and we
don't know how effective it is there. Most usually, it is added to
condoms and lubricants. Some guys find that it causes irritation. So,
while it may offer additional protection against HIV, an arse lining
irritated by nonoxynol 9 could make you more susceptible to infection
and there seems to anecdotal evidence to support this.
Gloves
Not everyone who fists uses gloves. Some guys 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 are in good condition the
risk of HIV is very 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 glove
can be pulled off, turned inside out and disposed of easily.
Where to get them and what to look for
Some clinics give away free gloves but you will probably have to ask
for them. You can buy them in shops; unfortunately you will find that
some 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 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. You may find the guide
above helpful in deciding which size of glove would best suit 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 this is probably excessive and you may find that
they restrict your hand and finger movements, and sense of touch.
This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:
Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.
Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.
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