When we think about safer sex and ourselves, we have to try our best to engage in what is considered an informed decision. Just like anything — a risky move on the freeway, giving your phone number to someone you just met, or having unprotected sex –making an informed decision around any risky activity means that we take into account the risks we take when we choose to do these things. Giving a guy head is no exception, and you need to know the facts of what you can and cannot get (or pass on to your partner) when you do it without a barrier.
Fellatio, when performed to climax, is considered an activity that puts both parties at moderate risk. This means that according to HIV prevention guidelines, you are almost in the high risk category. Fellatio without ejaculation is in the low risk category, though pre-come may contain viruses. Whether you are on the receiving side or the giving side, unprotected you are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. If mouth sores, cuts in the mouth, or there are tiny cuts from having recently brushed or flossed your teeth, then your risk is increased. Some STD’s can remain dormant for as long as a few years, and it’s possible to give someone something you didn’t even know you had.
Viral STD’s like herpes, HPV, Hepatitis C or HIV can be contracted by either of you through fellatio if you have cuts or sores in your mouth. It is essential to use protection if either of you has one of these viruses. If one of you has a bacterial infection, you must use latex (or non-latex) barriers until you’ve completed treatment. Because the medical community’s conventional wisdom changes on safer sex often, check with the CDC for new information.
Download my free e-book (in a variety of formats) The Modern Guide to Safer Sex (Digita Publications) for a handy reference chart for all sex acts and their variations.
The barrier of choice when going down on a guy is an unlubricated condom. Unlubricated condoms are available in latex and non-latex versions, and some of the latex versions come in unlubricated flavors. For plain latex condoms suited to your oral adventures, try Durex, which come in clear, or Ria, which come in a fun assortment of colors. LifeStyles’ Kiss of Mint are a popular choice, are thin, cream-colored and unlubricated, and taste like, well, latex and mint. Trustex makes the tastiest (though lubricated) condoms in the business, and they come in flavors such as banana, chocolate, cola, stawberry, grape and vanilla. All condoms I’ve listed usually cost around 55 cents each when sold individually.
When using a condom for oral sex, you can greatly increase the wearer’s sensations inside the condom by first placing a drop or two of lube inside the tip of the condom before putting it on. The pinch the tip to keep any air out of it, and place the condom at the head of his cock. Grasping the sides of the condom, keep the top on with one hand and roll the condom down the length of his shaft with the other. Some people like to put the condom in their mouth, and apply it to his penis hands-free – this takes some practice, so either find a willing volunteer or practice on a dildo before you try to impress him with your skills.
To find out even more about safer fellatio, how to use safer sex gear to make sex more spontaneous (yes, it’s true!), and many very handy safe sex tips, get The Ultimate Guide to Fellatio. Visit the Babeland web site to buy your condoms or any other safer-sex supplies, and find them there in non-latex versions as well. Be safe. Make any unsafe sex you decide to have a mutual decision based on knowing the facts about you, your partner, and the risk you’re taking.
Refer to the safer sex chart as needed, and email me anytime: violet at tinynibbles.com.