SAFER SEX
By: A. Neal

GothicBeachStudio.com believes in open, honest, creative, free individual expression in all aspects of life -- including sex. Although we do not judge anyone's lifestyle, sexual orientation, or personal choices, we also believe anyone engaging in sexual activities of any kind with other people should take responsibility for themselves and their partner(s). Loving someone else in any manner means first loving yourself enough to be healthy, strong, and well-informed. Learning as much as possible, taking necessary precautions, talking to your partner(s), and mutually agreeing to what will take place BEFORE being in sexual situations can help you make logical, adult decisions. And decision-making is the true basis of freedom -- being able to make decisions by yourself, for yourself, and living with the consequences of those choices. Below are frank, factual things YOU can do to protect yourself... and the one(s) you love...

Oral Sex:

The condition of the inside of your mouth determines the amount of risks of transmitting diseases when oral contact with another person's genitals is made. Instead of flossing and brushing your teeth prior to "the act", try breath mints or mouth wash. What you want is no sores, gashes or cuts in your mouth, gums, or tongue or in the mouth of your partner(s) for the opportunity of transmission. Ejaculating into someone's mouth or having them ejaculate into your mouth could increase risks. DO NOT swallow semen. If someone ejaculates into another person's mouth, that person should spit out the fluids immediately and rinse their throat with antiseptic mouthwash (such as Listerine). Also, they should wash their face around the mouth and nose with soap and water. Placing a non-lubricated condom and/or flavored water-based lubricant over the penis before performing oral sex is the safest way to do this act, but watch those teeth!

Masturbation:

Using someone else's ejaculated semen as a lubricant to masturbate with is not the best way to assure safety from the transmission of diseases. But mutual masturbation is one of the safest ways to give and receive sexual satisfaction without the risk of contracting diseases.

Sex Toys:

If shared between partners, sex toys (such as dildos, vibrators, and "butt-plugs" -- any object inserted orally, vaginally, or rectally) should be washed with hot water and plenty of soap before sexual activity and afterward. It is best, say experts, to not share your sex toys and sexual aids, but for each person have their own. If you do use your toys or aid on someone else, try placing a condom or plastic wrap on it first.

Rimming:

Some experts believe "rimming" (stimulating the anus with a tongue) is a relatively low-risk activity for the transmission of HIV (unless semen or blood is present). But there is a great risk for other diseases such as hepatitis or parasites which can affect your immune system. A safety tip: use plastic wrap or a dental dam with a flavored water-based lubricant. Making sure the area is clean helps keep the transmission from happening. After this kind of sexual activity, clean your mouth with mouthwash.

"Fingering" & "Fisting":

Try to use finger cots (the one-finger condom-like glove) or laytex gloves. Use plenty of water-based lubricant to decrease chances of tearing tissue.

Intercourse:

Just about every expert recommends laytex condoms with water-based lubricants for penile penetration in intercourse with another person's body -- either anally or vaginally. Putting a drop of a water-based lubricant in the tip of a condom increases the sensitivity and coating the condom (once the penis is erect) on the outside helps keep from tearing tissue, as tearing increases risk.

Alternative Sexual Activities:

"Dry" or "closed mouth" kissing, massage, watching others, watching and making videos, writing and reading erotic stories, creating erotic photographs, phone sex, the Internet, and our personal favorite -- spanking! -- are alternatives to sexual expression which do not include the exchange of blood, semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. Being creative, being smart, is the surest way to staying healthy.

RELATED ARTICLES: "How to Use a Condom" >> "Sexually Transmitted Diseases" >> Information Hot Lines! California HIV/AIDS Hotline (800) 367-AIDS (2437), TDD (888) 255-AIDS (2437), Spanish (800) 400-SIDA AIDS PROJECT Los Angeles Sex Essentials Workshop (323) 993-1504/ www.apla.org STD Hotline (800) 227-8922/ (213) 588-5221 Gothic Beach Studio are not scientific researchers, sex experts or medical doctors. It is your responsibility to learn as much as possible by consulting with a physician before practicing any potentially-risky sexual activity.