Bareback sex is the riskiest form of sex, because it involves potential skin damage caused by bare skin rubbing against bare skin, along with the potential of bodily fluids including pre-cum and cum exchanging from one sexual partner to the other. In addition to this, men who have sex with men account for the highest number of new HIV infections at the current time. Bareback sex can be a pleasurable experience and many of us may still engage in unprotected sex with other men knowing these statistics, whether it be with a partner in a monogamous relationship, with a fuck buddy or with a random guy. The level of risk also changes based on various situations including the partner type, whether bodily fluids are exchanged, the viral load if one person is infected, along with a number of other reasons.

As careful as we can be when it comes to trying to navigate bareback sex in the safest way possible by checking the HIV status of barebacking partners and doing a risk assessment, attempting to remain HIV negative cannot be guaranteed. Taking the best possible precautions can still result in becoming exposed to HIV and this is something which every barebacker must consider. It is not possible to make bareback sex perfectly safe, but there are precautions which can be taken such as communication, serosorting and avoidance in some cases, although HIV can still be contracted when taking these precautions. You are about to be introduced to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which is a treatment which may assist with reducing the risk of seroconversion.

If you are ever in a situation where you have tried to be as careful as possible and had unprotected sex with someone who you believed was HIV negative, but you later you found out otherwise, it is possible for you to take action to help prevent contracting HIV. A guy may tell you that he is HIV negative in order to have bareback sex with you, then after wards he may admit to being HIV positive or unsure about his HIV status, or he may genuinely believe that he is HIV negative, but he may not be. The first thing you need to do is remain calm, because if you panic, it’s difficult to remain focused on finding a solution. It’s easy for someone to say remain calm in such a stressful situation, but it is important and providing you with this information may help you remain calm if such a situation ever arises in your life.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a course of antiretroviral drugs thought to reduce the risk of seroconversion after being exposed to HIV. Timing is critical for PEP to be effective, as treatment should begin within an hour of possible infection and no longer than 72 hours after exposure, as the treatment may be ineffective if commenced after 72 hours of post-exposure. The treatment involves taking a course of medication for a period of 4 weeks. During this time, the patient requires close compliance and unfortunately the medication can have unpleasant side effects including malaise, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting. It is important to note that while PEP after exposure is effective, there have been some cases where it has failed, so this is not a foolproof solution.

You may be wondering whether it is possible to take PEP medication prior to engaging in unprotected sex as a way of avoiding HIV transmission and trying this as a form of protection instead of using condoms. Research is currently underway as to the effectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP has not yet been proven to be successful and further testing and research is required before any conclusions can be drawn. As a result of the current PrEP, it is not advisable to use PrEP as an HIV reduction method each time you have unprotected sex.

PEP is available through hospitals and sexual health clinics and an assessment is firstly made by a doctor or health care professional to determine whether to commence the PEP treatment. This will include a doctor or health care professional asking a series of questions about whether the other person is known to be infected with HIV, the type of exposure and whether there is a risk of transmission. At the first visit to the doctor or sexual health clinic, blood tests will be performed to check whether you are already infected with the virus. Tests will usually be repeated at six weeks, three months and at six months. When there is a definite risk of exposure to HIV, PEP would usually be recommended.

Here are a few points to consider:

• PEP consists of a combination of drugs taken for four weeks. These drugs have been shown to reduce the risk of infection following accidental exposure to HIV. They do not protect against repeated or long term exposure to HIV. Common side effects include malaise, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting.

• For PEP to be effective, treatment should be commenced as soon as possible (within an hour of the risk event is preferable). This gives the drugs the best chance to work against HIV before it becomes established in the immune system. There may still be a significant benefit in taking PEP if it’s started within 24 to 48 hours after possible exposure. In some situations PEP may still be of use up to 72 hours after the risk event.

• PEP should not be used regularly as a way to avoid contracting HIV, it should only be used in emergency situations, such as having unprotected sex whilst being affected by alcohol or another substance, forced unprotected sex (rape), or when a person lies about their HIV status.

• Taking PEP is not guaranteed to stop you from being infected with HIV and is not a replacement for safer sex. Taking PEP will not make you immune to further exposures.

The way the treatment works and the importance of commencing the treatment as soon as possible, is that it can take a few days for HIV to become permanently established in the body following exposure. The PEP drugs given at this time may help the body’s immune system stop the virus from multiplying in the infected cells of the body. The cells originally infected would then die naturally within a short period of time without producing more copies of the virus. There is currently no known cure for HIV once it has established itself in the body, which is why it’s so important to commence the PEP treatment as soon as possible. Research indicates that taking PEP makes infection with HIV a lot less likely, but PEP doesn’t work each time, as some anti-HIV drugs don’t work against some strains of HIV, the initial amount of HIV in the body (viral load) was too great, the virus was multiplying too quickly for the drugs or body’s immune system to control or the body’s immune system was already damaged.

When you first arrive at a bareback porn website, you are usually greeted with some hot preview content and samples, but sometimes you can’t tell exactly what’s inside the members area of the website. There is nothing worse than getting excited about a particular website, signing up to become a member and then being disappointed once you have parted with your hard-earned cash having discovered that the members area isn’t what you expected. Some bareback porn websites appear to be a standalone website, but are actually like a display window for another website. Some websites use content featuring the same porn stars which other websites use, so while the content could be classified as being exclusive, it may not seem unique to the viewer.

:: All Real Bareback
When you first arrive at All Real Bareback, you get a sense of raw energy, where these European studs are pumped with adrenalin and ready to get down to business. The website name matches the content, so what you will see is an amateur website filled with real guys having bareback sex. The sex is real – no acting or porn sets and the men have raw sex in a variety of settings, including hotel rooms, gay sex clubs and private apartments. The members area offers a bareback menu option which takes you to the bareback videos. Other menu options include bareback photos, but there are some solo scenes, bonus content (not all bareback) and bonus websites. Videos are downloadable in both Windows Media (.wmv) and Apple QuickTime (.mov) formats and are Digital Rights Management (DRM) free. A monthly recurring membership is USD$24.99. Visit All Real Bareback.

:: Bare Twinks
If watching twinks have bareback sex turns you on, then Bare Twinks is definitely a website you should consider. Filled with 57 scenes featuring American twinks having sex without a condom, this website offers members high quality photos and videos. Each scene is available with two video resolutions in Windows Media (.wmv) format, along with a photo set which can be downloaded or viewed at the website. You can also stream the videos if you prefer to watch them rather than downloading them. Those of you who enjoy anal creampie breeding will be rewarded with a number of breeding scenes, including internal ejaculation and post-ejaculation reinsertions. This website is very honest with a listing of all scenes available before you join the website – a very nice touch! A monthly recurring membership is USD$29.95. Visit Bare Twinks.

:: Bareback Access
This one website is your bareback passport to six barebacking websites – it’s not a standalone website itself, it’s more of a passport or web portal which navigates you to a number of websites within their bareback website portfolio. If a wide range of content appeals to you, then this is definitely a great website to consider. With a mix of European and American websites showcased, there’s something to cater to your tastes including twinks, jocks, studs and an assortment of scenes including indoor, outdoor and special themes. A Bareback Access password gives you instant access to Bare Adventures, Bareback That Hole, Breed Me Raw, Feed That Hole, Felch That Hole and Sweet & Raw. Videos can be downloaded and do not have Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, so you can watch them after your membership has expired. This is your opportunity to access six bareback sites for the price of one, making this excellent value for money. A monthly recurring membership is USD$29.95. Visit Bareback Access.

:: Boys4Porn
This website was previously known as Epic Men, but last year it went through a total redesign and was rebadged as Boys4Porn, reflecting the type of models you see inside the website. You can expect unique content featuring twinks and young men having bareback sex and there are a handful of solo scenes offered – but all of the action involves bareback sex. The video and photo quality is excellent and videos can be downloaded in segments or as an entire video – depending on the scene. Photos are contained within a zipped album and are easily downloadable or viewable online. You can explore an excellent preview section showing the scenes which you will find in the members area. There are currently 50 hardcore bareback scenes on offer plus 8 solo scenes. The tour includes photos and a scene description – providing an honest demonstration of what you see outside the website is contained inside the members area. Videos can be downloaded and are not protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), so you can keep watching them on your computer whenever you want, with many of them in full High Definition 1920 x 1080 resolution. A monthly recurring membership is USD$19.95. Visit Boys4Porn.

:: Chaosmen
Filled with jocks, studs and a selection of masculine men, Chaosmen is an excellent website which began offering bareback scenes a number of years ago sporadically, but their latest sex scenes include bareback action. With over 70 bareback scenes on offer, Chaosmen offers good value for money. Videos can be downloaded and are Digital Rights Management (DRM) free, with Windows Media (.wmv) and Apple QuickTime (.mov) formats available. Several video resolutions are available so you can select which resolution works well for your visual needs and bandwidth capabilities. For the past few months, at least one bareback scene has been added each week, plus there are other offerings available including solo, oral servicing and gloryhole scenes. Videos are available in resolutions of 1024 x 576, 420 x 236 and 320 x 180 for the latest videos in .wmv format and 640 x 360 and 320 x 180 in .mov format. Videos are downloadable and can also be streamed for PC and Mac using Silverlight Streaming. A monthly recurring membership is USD$24.95, which auto-renews at USD$19.95 each month after the first month based on a Loyalty Discount being applied to your membership. Visit Chaosmen.

:: Raw Rods
Beautiful black men with huge endowments between their legs can be found performing at Raw Rods, all in condom-free action. These guys look tough and their weapons fill some pretty amazing holes – just looking at the bottoms faces will show you how big these tools are, but the guys do their best to take what they are given without complaining. The website is sorted into episodes and the tour pages introduce you to a selection of the latest updates, complete with photos and a description. Performers bios are also available in the preview section of each episode, which is actually a mirror of what you will find in the members section. Members can vote on each episode, which can be seen in the preview section before you join to help you see what members think. Videos are available in both Windows Media (.wmv) and Apple QuickTime (.mov) formats with resolutions of 1280 x 720, 768 x 432 and 512 x 288 for .wmv formats and 768 x 432 and 512 x 288 for .mov formats. Photo sets are placed in albums and can be downloaded to your computer in one zipped file. A monthly recurring membership is USD$24.95. Visit Raw Rods.

I have tried to include an assortment of websites which offer unique content, good value for money and also quality content designed to impress you rather than disappoint you. There are also other great value for money and good quality websites offering bareback content not listed here due to space restrictions, but I plan to include additional bareback porn websites in the future.

The discussion of HIV status before having unprotected sex can sometimes have a challenging effect on an erection, but men who are HIV negative and about to have bareback sex need to have this discussion before having unprotected sex. A percentage of barebackers honestly believe that they are HIV negative, but they may not be and they could then be unintentionally transmitting HIV to unsuspecting guys. This article is not designed to lecture barebackers, the purpose is to highlight some important issues that not all of us may be aware of when discussing HIV status.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) data collected in 2006, statistics show that 21% of HIV positive people do not know that they are HIV positive. One reason could be because the virus can enter the body and after some initial symptoms (which one could conclude is only the flu), there are no obvious symptoms. Another statistic is that more than half of new cases (57%) were among those aged between 25 and 44, where men who have sex with men account for the largest number of new HIV diagnoses. According to the National HIV Testing Day website, every 9½ minutes, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV.

It can take up to 3 to 6 months from the time when first infected with HIV for the virus to show up in the system and this is known as the “window period”. On average you may need to wait 2 to 8 weeks from the time of possible exposure to get an accurate test result. This means that for a period of time, a person can believe that he is HIV negative, when he could be HIV positive and not even know it. He could also be transmitting HIV to other people during this time. Regular HIV testing will reduce the time between possible infection to diagnosis for those infected, which then lowers the number of sexual partners who may have potentially been exposed to HIV.

The following example shows how easily HIV can be spread between barebackers who are not aware of their actual HIV status. If a barebacker is infected with HIV today and is tested for HIV next week, his HIV test results may show as negative, so he might then disclose to potential barebackers that he is HIV negative, because he believes that he is. HIV negative men who then have bareback sex with this guy will think that it is fairly safe because they both believe they are HIV negative. This unprotected sexual encounter could result in HIV transmission between partners, but both men may continue to tell future barebacking partners that they are HIV negative based on their beliefs and advice given to them by their previous sex partners. This pattern of sexual partners and disclosure could continue to expand with future sex partners.

If the same barebacker referred to in the previous example was tested every three months, his first result may show as being HIV negative, but his next test result in three months time may show that he is HIV positive. This then gives the information sooner, which can then be given to future sex partners. Regular HIV testing reduces the number of sexual encounters in between tests, which could slow the spread of HIV transmission and provide more accurate HIV status disclosure. Of course, those who this guy has had unprotected sex with between the HIV negative and the HIV positive diagnosis may have been exposed to HIV, but if they also test regularly, then the amount of exposure to others can be reduced.

You don’t always have to go to a doctor or HIV testing center to be tested – these are the most reliable options, but there are other options available too. Rapid HIV home test kits can be purchased for about twenty dollars on the internet and you can test yourself in the privacy and comfort of your own home providing results within ten minutes. It’s important to mention that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved of the use of rapid tests in the United States and only the Home Access HIV-1 Test System has FDA approval, which is not actually a true HIV test kit, it’s a blood sample collection kit which requires you to obtain a sample and then send it away to be tested.

Many men may not be aware of the window period or realize that when they test HIV negative they may not actually be HIV negative because of the window period. Some barebackers feel comfortable taking the word of another when he says that he is HIV negative, particularly if he says that he has tested HIV negative recently. Going through a series of questions about a guys health status may seem like a turn off, but it doesn’t have to be this way and is an important part of information gathering. If more barebackers underwent HIV testing every three months, this would be one way to help provide more accurate HIV status disclosures.

It is a good policy to be as honest as possible, but to be as honest as you can, you need to get tested for HIV on a regular basis and even then there are no guarantees. You also need be as honest as you can with yourself and with others. If you want to continue having unprotected sex, then you need to understand the window period and also be aware that the person you are about to have unprotected sex with might honestly believe that he is HIV negative and tell you this, but this may not be the case. Everyone being honest, combined with regular testing and having an awareness are all important factors to consider when it comes to being honest about HIV status.

The reason I originally set up this interview, was due to the fact that I was receiving messages from guys asking me about porn stars and I didn’t have intimate knowledge about the industry from someone involved in the industry. When I was provided with the wonderful opportunity to interview Sean, I was excited to be able to uncover some of the insights Sean had about Alex working in the industry and the impact this had on their relationship. We all might have certain expectations about what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone who has performed in the adult industry, so this interview might give you a better understanding from a different perspective.

Before we get started, it’s important to mention that the angle of this interview is based on the relationship between Sean and Alex, where one member of the couple worked in the porn industry and the other didn’t. The interview did not focus exclusively on the porn industry, but you might find a future interview here between myself and a porn star or someone involved in the industry to give you a better understanding.

An interview between Sean and Brad Berrigan.

Brad: Do you feel that being in a relationship with a porn model is more exciting than being in a relationship with any other guy?

Sean: I guess it’s different for each person. If you are all about showing off your boyfriend, then maybe it’ll be the case. But then again, would you actually be that proud to tell everyone that your boyfriend is in the porn industry?

Brad: Do you believe that dating a guy who has done porn is any different to dating a guy who hasn’t done porn?

Sean: I believe there are indeed a few differences. First, their schedules are anything but normal. They often need to be away from home for a few days, even a week for shootings. Also, my personal experience has shown that they tend to feel insecure about themselves, the way they look (how ironic!).

Brad: Did you experience any issues which you found difficult to deal with while dating a porn star, such as being jealous of other guys seeing him naked and in sexual situations with other guys?

Sean: It’s not an easy thing to know that your date, partner or boyfriend has sex with other guys, even if it’s his job. And I would like to meet a guy who can HONESTLY say that he feels entirely comfortable with that situation. As far as pure jealousy, I haven’t experienced it as such. Of course guys will see him naked, having sex… But at the end of the day, he’ll still be sleeping in your bed. In addition, if our relationship had become something very serious, Alex promised me that he would’ve quit the adult industry.

Brad: Did you find that dating a guy who has done porn added any complications to your relationship?

Sean: As I’ve mentioned previously, the fact that they are often insecure about themselves can become a hassle. They also need to be extra careful as to the way they look, and they tend to be a bit maniac about it. Alex was a bit on the “high maintenance” side, and it sometimes made me impatient.

Brad: Did you feel that either of you had to meet certain expectations when it came to having sex?

Sean: Absolutely not. I think it’s not true that porn stars are the best lovers because “they do it all the time”. As Alex once told me, it’s not especially pleasant to perform sexual acts with 8-10 people around you, telling you what to do, how to moan, under the heat of spot lights, etc. It’s absolutely mechanical and in case you’re wondering, the answer is: yes, they do have issues keeping their hard-ons at times. I didn’t feel I had to meet any expectations on my side either. When two people are together and share something, I think it’s just wrong to have expectations about how sex should be. It’s a whole new story every time, and it’s more about the connection between the two than sex itself.

Brad: Are there any tips you would give other guys who might want to date a porn star to help their relationship be the best that it can be?

Sean: I think you need to be crystal-clear about your own expectations and, most importantly, be honest with yourself. If you say that you feel comfortable with your boyfriend doing porn, you need to be sure of this and not just “pretend”, else your relationship is headed straight for disaster. Also, know that porn stars sometimes need to spend days without having sex before doing a scene, although they sometimes “forget” to respect that rule. All relationships require honesty, but I think it’s especially true if you are dating a porn star.

Brad: Would you be willing to date a guy in the future if he is currently or has previously been involved in the adult industry?

Sean: I’m certainly not searching for guys who are in that industry, but I can’t say that I wouldn’t date one. I don’t tend to define someone by what he does, but rather by who he really is. With that being said, I wouldn’t date someone who shoots bareback scenes. As much as I love watching bareback porn and love barebacking with someone I trust, I’d consider it too risky.

Brad: What is your opinion of the gay porn industry, and did your dating a porn star have any effect on your opinion?

Sean: Of course, Alex let me in on a few “secrets” from that industry (the lack of arousal, lack of chemistry between actors, actors who refuse to share their STD/HIV test results with other actors before doing a scene, all the drama surrounding this industry, shitty work conditions/environment, etc.), but it hasn’t really changed my perspective. I just now know more than ever that it can sometimes truly be “gay for pay” and that editing can make a scene that went terribly wrong look fantastic in the end…

I would like to sincerely thank Sean for sharing his porn star dating experiences with us here. If you have dated a porn star or if you are currently dating a porn star, please share your thoughts and experiences by posting a comment on this interview. If you would like to set up an interview with Brad, then click here to make a request. If you are a porn star, particular in the bareback porn industry, I would also like to hear from you with a view to arranging an interview.

I was introduced to barebacking through my own natural instinct and not through bareback porn. – Brad Berrigan.

If you browse through internet forums and discussion boards, you may find conversations where some people believe that bareback pornography encourages unprotected sex, which then leads to an increase in the spread of sexually transmitted infections between men who have sex with men. This article offers my own personal views and I welcome the views of everyone on this topic so we can get a well-rounded viewpoint. You can provide your own personal comments and participate in the poll at the end of this article.

It is my belief that bareback porn does not encourage the majority of men to have unprotected sexual experiences, but it could lead to some men engaging in bareback sex. As some people can be unpredictable and do unpredictable things, it is not possible to make a statement to include everyone and for this reason I am only referring to the majority of men. Those who watch bareback porn will have their own reasons for doing so and a future article will explore this issue in more detail. Some men may consider bareback porn as their form of protection, because it gives them enough of the bareback experience that they don’t need to have unprotected sex in real-life.

Bareback porn is created for entertainment purposes, between consenting adults who have made the decision to avoid using condoms during their sexual encounters on camera. For men who consider bareback sex hot to watch, but too risky to participate in reality, bareback porn is the perfect solution for them and provides a release so they don’t have to personally engage in unprotected sex. Some men who watch bareback porn only use condoms when they have sex in their own lives, so some viewers of bareback porn are not even barebackers.

Many men who watch bareback porn may also engage in unprotected sex, but this does not mean that bareback pornography enticed them to engage in unprotected sex. A lot of barebackers consider bareback porn as their way to keep themselves warm in between their own sexual encounters, whether it be with a partner, fuck buddy, group or casual sex setting or an accompaniment for something they enjoy. Bareback porn can also be considered an enhancement to some people’s sex lives, where it gives them some extra heat which they can use in their sexual relationships with a partner.

A number of bareback porn producers offer HIV testing prior to performances taking place, or at least discuss sexual health as part of their intake processes. Each studio has its own policies and guidelines when it comes to how they handle sexual health matters, but it comes down to the fact that models are in a more controlled environment when they perform on film, although it is not perfectly safe and there are still risks involved. Many videos come with a health warning which is usually displayed at the beginning of the video to advise viewers that the production has been made as a fantasy and warns of the risks associated with barebacking and many websites also include a similar notice.

I believe that if bareback pornography happened to be abolished or was no longer made available, then more gay and bisexual men would then feel the need to go out and actually have unprotected sex to satisfy their need for bareback encounters, because their needs could no longer be met through bareback porn. This would then increase the risky situations these men would be putting themselves in and as a result, the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections would increase, rather than decrease because of the flow-on effect.

I consider that bareback porn has an important place in society, as it provides a service to those who watch it. Watching bareback porn does not mean that a person who only has safer sex in their lives will then go out and start engaging in unprotected sex, if that were the case, then television networks would need to eliminate a large majority of television programming which includes themes such as violence. You could easily compare watching a television program with bareback porn. Viewers generally don’t go out and do exactly what they see on television – some might, but the majority just watch programs for entertainment and this is the comparison I’m making here.

It all comes down to commonsense and the need for bareback porn to exist so it can provide a service for men who watch it to take care of their sexual needs, which is what it is designed to do. I have unprotected sex with my partner and I watch bareback porn too, but watching bareback porn does not make me want to go out and have bareback sex with a bunch of men. I also started barebacking before I started watching bareback porn, so I was introduced to barebacking through my own natural instinct and not through bareback porn.

When you are experiencing bareback sex, the right amount of lubricant is important to keep things moving smoothly. Try not to use too much lubricant first up, just apply some on the outside of the anus if you are the bottom, then put some on your finger and smear this inside the anus. The top needs to apply a suitable amount of lubrication to his penis and then you are all set. You may need to apply more lubricant during intercourse, as some lubricants dry out over time. If you apply too much lubricant at the beginning, then you may lose the sensation, making it difficult to feel anything, but if you don’t add enough, then this could cause too much friction, which could be a painful experience for the bottom. It’s better to add a small amount and then go from there and remember that communication is the key to achieving a good rhythm and good sex.

If you intend to use a condom rather than have bareback sex, lubricant plays an important role also, as lubricants can help keep condoms in good working order. By applying a condom-safe lubricant such as water-based or silicone-based lubricant to the outside of the condom, you reduce the friction and decrease the chance of condom breakage. Adding a small amount of lubricant to the tip of your penis before applying the condom may provide the top with a better sensation. If you are barebacking, then the right kind of lubricant and the right amount is also important with friction control, because establishing a good amount of friction is important for both the top and the bottom.

There are some things to remember when using condoms, such as adding a few drops inside the tip of the condom to increase the level of sensation. Be careful not to add too much lubricant though, as this may cause the condom to slip off. Be sure to use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants, as oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline, baby oil, vegetable oil, massage oil or body lotion can damage the strength of the condom, which could result in condom breakage. Some lubricants can also cause allergies, but there are now a number of products on the market which are organic or low allergenic and they may be a good choice for anyone who experiences allergies with certain types of lubricants.

All lubricants have a main goal of providing a slippery coating to the penis to help make sex more comfortable. Even though lubricants all have a similar goal, there are a number of different types of lubricants on the market designed to do things a little differently. There are basic lubricants to help a penis slide more comfortably inside the anus, but some offer additional features, such as providing muscle relaxants, a heating sensation and some are made from organic ingredients for those looking for lubricants which are more natural. Here is some information about the main types of lubricants which are currently available.

Anal lubricants and sprays are designed specifically for anal sex, as the name suggests and many contain an ingredient called benzocaine; an agent which numbs the anal area to help provide a more comfortable experience. This helps the sphincter muscle relax, resulting in reduced pain during penetration and a more enjoyable sexual experience. You need to be aware that lubricants containing benzocaine will numb all body parts they come into contact with, including a penis. Some anal-specific lubricants have a herbal base, which don’t have an anesthetic effect.

Oil-based lubricants consist of a petroleum base similar to Vaseline or vegetable base depending on the type of lubricant. Although long lasting, these lubricants are not safe to use with most condoms. The ingredients in these lubricants can weaken latex and cause condoms to break down. These lubricants may be used with polyurethane condoms, although oil-based lubricants are harder to clean up afterward, so be careful with your amounts. Oil-based lubricants tend to offer a thicker consistency which reduces friction, which is important because the anus does not provide any moisturizing properties. The thicker properties may provide a longer lasting experience, which can continue well beyond the time of intimacy and can be difficult to clean up afterwards.

Sexual enhancement lubricants are designed to enhance sexual function by increasing nitric oxide production in the targeted area. The sexual stimulation causes a local release of nitric oxide, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and inflow of blood to the corpus cavernosum. This results in higher concentrations of nitric oxide boosting erection quality by further dilating the blood vessels of penile erection tissue. You need to refer to the product manufacturer for further information relating to compatibility of each product with condoms.

Silicone-based lubricants are similar to water-based lubricants, in that they are safe to use with most condoms, but not all may be, so you need to be aware of this. Silicone-based lubricants, because they do not contain water, do not dry up the same way water-based lubricants do. A few drops of silicone-based lubricant will usually last all night, even under water. You need to be aware that silicone-based lubricant is not recommended for use with silicone-based toys, as the lubricants can dissolve the surface of the toys, making them sticky, where they can slowly disintegrate.

Warming lubricants contain special ingredients to provide a heating sensation to the skin. The heating takes place when the lubricant comes into contact with the skin and adds a unique element to anal sex. If you breathe on warming lubricant, it can increase the heating effect. The main ingredient in warming lubricant is glycerin and other ingredients are propylene glycol, alcohol and can even contain herbal extracts or chilli peppers. Warming lubricants can be water-based or silicone-based and can be used for massage or for sexual activity.

Water-based lubricants are water soluble and based on a formula that includes 90% de-ionized water. Water-based lubricants are the most widely available type of lubricant on the market and are safe for use with condoms, they are non-toxic and can be re-activated with regular water should they start to dry up. Water-based lubricants can be given flavors, colors, and scents. Water-based lubricants are the most similar to the natural lubricants of the human body.

Now that you have been introduced to the variety of lubricants on the market, you might like to experiment with some of them to see which ones feel best for you. This article has been designed to introduce you to the various types of lubricants available, but ingredients and notes about individual products have not been discussed here. It’s important to carefully read the manufacturers product information relating to the best uses and warnings which may apply, as lubricants can differ with their consistency, ingredients and purpose.

Many barebackers enjoy the freedom of not using condoms because of the intimacy, sensation and pleasure that condom-free sex can bring, but sometimes sexually transmitted infections can become an issue and a concern. If you are ever in a situation where you are about to engage in bareback sex with a guy, when you discover that one or both of you have a sexually transmitted infection, then you both need to make a decision about whether to proceed. You may both decide to have bareback sex together, you may both decide not to engage in sexual activity at all or you may both decide to use a condom in this instance to reduce the possibility of transmitting or contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

If you both make a choice to have sex using a condom, there are a number of things you can do to make the experience feel as natural as possible, in an attempt to replicate the sensation of bareback sex. Because condoms are designed to be a barrier for sexually transmitted infections and as a contraceptive device, you are unable to use a condom correctly and swap bodily fluids with each other. It may be possible to increase the level of sensation to create a more realistic feel by taking a few steps which are discussed here.

The type of condom you choose can make an enormous difference to the sensation you experience if you use a condom for anal sex. If you want to learn more about condoms, then Wikipedia is an excellent source of information, including extensive information about the history of condoms, their purpose and also the different types of condoms available. This particular article will be discussing the male condom specifically, which is applied to the penis, rather than the female (or reality) condom, which is inserted inside the partner. It is important to remember that condoms are not 100% effective in reducing sexually transmitted infections, but they do give a higher level of protection than sex without a condom.

When choosing a condom, there are a number of factors to consider. If sensation is an important issue to you, then you may decide to use condoms which are thinner or labelled “sensitive”, “thin”, “maximum pleasure” or something similar. Usually the thinner condoms allow more sensation, but there may be a risk of damage when using thinner condoms and having rough sex without adequate lubrication, so the use of an appropriate lubricant is important. Remember that oil based lubricants can damage some types of condoms, so you need to check that the lubricant you use with condoms is condom-compatible.

Many adult shops or online stores have a category or option to help you select the right kind of condom to suit your particular needs. The type of condom you select is probably the most important aspect of increasing the level of sensation. The thicker the condom, the less sensation you are likely to get. Latex condoms can sometimes cause allergic reactions, but there are other condoms made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane and polyisoprene, which may be less allergenic. You do need to be careful with some condoms, such as lambskin condoms, which are made from sheep intestines. Lambskin condoms can be marketed as being natural and less allergenic than latex, but because lambskin condoms consist of porous material thought to be large enough to allow infectious agents to pass through while blocking sperm, they should not be used.

Another step you can take to increase the sensation is to add a small amount of lubricant to the tip of your penis or the reservoir of the condom, as this can heighten the sensation the top experiences while he is thrusting inside and out of the anal passage. It’s important not to place too much lubricant inside the condom, because this could lead to the condom slipping off during sexual intercourse. Also be aware of condoms lubricated with a spermicidal chemical called nonoxynol-9. Recent studies have found that with frequent use, this chemical may increase the risk of HIV transmission, because it can cause skin irritations to the rectum and expose the body to sexually transmitted infections.

While it may be difficult to replicate the experience of bareback sex using condoms, these are a few things you can do to help increase the sensation for yourself and your partner. It’s important to remember that condom usage requires care. You need to use the right type of condoms (studded condoms for example can result in damage to the rectum), incorrect lubricant can damage the condom, nonoxynol-9 lubricated condoms can cause skin irritations, lambskin condoms can still result in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and even if you use a condom, this does not result in complete protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Important: This article has been designed to look at ways barebackers might consider using condoms in some situations, but this article does not extensively discuss how to correctly use condoms or the effectiveness of condom usage. For this reason, please ensure that you research this information using online resources or information from your local health department to ensure that you are familiar with condoms.

The use of lemon juice to prevent sexually transmitted infections is questionable based on outcomes from various researchers, but I thought I would include some of the research here to help stimulate thought about nature possibly being a useful ingredient to reduce sexually transmitted infections. The LemonAIDS project findings have not been updated at their website for some time and the section relating to lemon juice was last reviewed in 2004.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne found test tube laboratory tests showed that lemon juice had the ability to destroy both HIV and sperm. The tests and research were based on heterosexual sex, where the main concerns were relating to issues about whether the acidity of the lemon juice would pose problems for the vagina. As the research did not include men or the rectum, it is unknown whether lemon juice may assist in creating a barrier for sexually transmitted infections during anal sex.

Historically, there are references to lemon juice being used as a contraception by women in the Mediterranean before more modern methods came into existence. Some cultures have been known to use lemon juice as a contraception method and to also prevent the transmission of some sexually transmitted infections. In examining lemon juice and its effectiveness to block some sexually transmitted infections, researchers found that the acidity of lemons does have the ability to inactivate sperm and HIV. Later findings by other researchers has found that the acidity at certain levels can cause damage and lesions to the vagina.

If it can be proven that lemon juice is an effective barrier for HIV transmission, then this would be an amazing breakthrough. Lemons are available in a large part of the world and are rather inexpensive to purchase, meaning that many people could have access to the fruit. Lemon juice is also known as an excellent cleaning application, which could also be used as a cleansing agent after sexual intercourse. It would also be interesting if a natural fruit was found to be useful in assisting those wanting to engage in sexual intercourse without the use of other forms of protection such as condoms.

I have researched lemon juice and its use for possibly providing protection during sexual intercourse and found that there really isn’t a great deal of information available on the subject. I am unsure whether this is because the use of lemon juice as a potential sexually transmitted infection barrier has not yet been proven to be effective. The issue of whether companies could patent, manufacture and distribute a product for monetary gain may also be a factor, considering that lemons can be grown by just about anyone or sourced from the local supermarket.

The following is a list of some of the observations made by Professor Roger Short from the University of Melbourne at the time the initial discovery was made:

• The effects of 20 percent lemon juice on HIV in culture is that it kills the virus very quickly.
• Concentration of 20% lemon juice in a fresh human ejaculate irreversibly immobilizes 100% of spermatozoa in less than 30 seconds.
• It would be necessary to use only about 3ml of lemon juice in the vagina to inactivate HIV and sperm.
• Neat lemon juice applied to the vagina, or the penis and foreskin is not in any way painful to the user if no lesions are present.
• Citric acid, which gives lemon juice its acidity is also a normal component of a man’s ejaculate, so it’s not a foreign substance to the body.
• Lemon juice might also be very useful for post-coital washing of the penis, particularly the foreskin, to protect men from HIV infection.
• If lemons are in short supply, lime juice would be a good alternative.
• Lemon juice killed HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in the test tube.

It is important to note that these findings were the initial findings and that further research is still required to ascertain whether the use of lemon juice as a preventative for the spread of sexually transmitted infections is effective. Another important issue is that the research refers to women and the vagina, not to men and the rectum. For this reason, it’s important to just consider the findings, rather than applying the preliminary findings to your personal life at this time. I say this, because further research undertaken by researchers has found that lemon juice can cause lesions in the vagina and as a result, this can cause higher exposure to sexually transmitted infections because of the broken skin.

Skin is very important in helping prevent viruses from entering the bloodstream, because it is our body’s barrier, so when the skin becomes broken from lesions, wounds or sores, the skin is no longer in tact and is less able to help protect us from external health concerns. To find out more about the Lemon and AIDS research and the work of the LemonAIDS team, please visit their official website.

This is a fascinating issue which I will continue to follow and report here if any significant findings become known. To complete this article, I have found a number of other researchers who have different findings to that of Professor Roger Short and his team, who found that the effects of 20 percent lemon juice on HIV in culture kills the virus very quickly. Here are some snippets from the Science and Development Network website:

• Carol Lackman-Smith of the Southern Research Institute, United States, presented data at a conference showing that 50 per cent solutions of the juices damaged the cells that line the vagina.
• Anke Hemmerling of the University of Berkeley presented results suggesting that weaker dilutions of 10-20 per cent cause little, if any, damage to the lining of the vagina.
• Robin Shattock of Imperial College in the United Kingdom has shown that in the presence of sperm, anything weaker than a 50 per cent solution of juice does not efficiently inactivate HIV.

One of the most recent articles I found was at an excellent HIV health resource called The Body. The article Why Women Should NOT Use Lemon or Lime Juice as a Microbicide is an interesting read and brings together some of the most recent information available about lemon juice. So from the latest findings, lemon juice should not be used as a HIV or sexually transmitted infection technique at this time, as there is a chance that lesions could result, which could actually increase the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection because of the potential of broken skin.

Choosing the right person to have bareback sex with
To lower your health risks, barebacking with a monogamous partner is one way to help achieve this outcome. If you and your partner have established a strong level of trust and you are both free of sexually transmitted infections, then you have a good understanding about the risks involved. The problem with this idea is that if either partner ventures off to have unprotected sex with other men, then the level of trust is diminished and the level of risk increases.

If you are not living in a monogamous relationship, or if you live in an open relationship, then you may consider exploring sexual adventures with other people. If you can establish trust with another person, such as an exclusive fuck buddy, then this may be a relatively safe option, providing that the buddy you choose is also healthy and that he only has unprotected sex with yourself. You need to remember that trust is a very big part of this process and while you might trust the other person, they may not be trustworthy. If one of you decides to have sex outside the fuck buddy arrangement, then the level of risk increases.

Taking good care of your body
Good health through exercise and diet can assist with keeping your immune system in optimum condition. This can be beneficial if your body is subjected to a virus or health risk, because it may give your body stronger resistance (but this is not guaranteed). Choosing healthy food options and a reasonable amount of exercise each day can help contribute to good health. Resting your body with a good nights sleep is also important. Other ways of taking care of your body include limiting the amount of alcohol you consume, removing cigarettes from your life and be conscious about drug use if this affects you. Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs may make your body more susceptible to infections because they may affect your immunity.

Another factor you may need to consider is exposing your body to risks by creating ways for infections to enter your body through your bloodstream. If you shave around your pubic area, including your scrotum, buttocks and around the base of the shaft of your penis, you could cut or nick yourself during the shaving or hair removal process, giving bodily fluids and viruses easier access to your body. This can also be an issue if you allow semen to enter your mouth. If you brush your teeth and damage your gums, they may bleed. An enema is a good idea to clean your insides before anal sex, but care needs to be taken to ensure that the cleansing process does not strip away the protective lining of the rectum. Genital piercings also need to be taken into consideration, as they could cause problems.

Checking out the equipment before proceeding
It’s a great idea to examine yourself for any signs of sexually transmitted infections or wounds which may expose you to any potential health risks. You are just as responsible for transmitting any viruses as the other guy, so it’s important to check things out close to home before venturing out. If you don’t see any signs of sexually transmitted infections, such as sores, rashes or other symptoms, then you need to check out the other guy before taking things further. Try to do this in the most casual way you can, because being clinical or psychotic about it won’t do anything to keep you in the mood.

A little something to help things go more smoothly
Choosing the right type of lubricant may be a very important factor, because you need to be aware that too much friction can cause flesh damage, such as a tear in the rectum. Too much lubricant can have the opposite affect, where things are so slippery that the sensation is reduced. Some lubricants now include ingredients which assist in relaxing the anal sphincter muscles to reduce the pain which can be associated with anal penetration. Water based lube is the most common type of lube, which can dry out after a while, so you may need to add some saliva to it, silicone based lube is a great choice for a consistently smooth experience and oil based lube (not condom friendly) can be very greasy and difficult to clean up after wards.

Pulling out before releasing the load
Some men may choose to limit their exposure to bodily fluid by pulling out before ejaculation takes place. This process may be somewhat effective, however, seminal fluid may also carry viruses. Some sexually transmitted infections don’t require bodily fluid – skin to skin contact is all that is sometimes needed for transmission to take place. If you choose this option, you need to be aware that it’s important for the top to pull out before he ejaculates, so a level of trust needs to be established. Remember that it’s easy to live in the moment and forget about withdrawing before the fluid begins to flow.

Choosing a partner with the same health status as you
Some men choose to only have sex with people who have the same health status as themselves. Both HIV negative and HIV positive men can do this in a process called serosorting. Serosorting involves both men establishing their own health status and maintaining the knowledge of their status to accurately remain having sexual contact with people of the same status. HIV negative men do this by only having sex with other HIV negative men and HIV positive men only ever have unprotected sex with other HIV positive men. This can be done for other sexually transmitted infections, but serosorting relies on honesty and pinpointing accurate health assessments, which can impact on its effectiveness and reliability.

Sometimes you just need to protect yourself
If you discover that either yourself or your potential sex partner has an issue with their health, then you may decide to forego your sexual encounter or choose a lower risk activity. Sometimes it’s best to avoid having sex to stay healthy rather than taking a risk for a few moments of pleasure. Another option is that you may choose to use a condom in some instances so that you can still have sex, but be better equipped to protect yourself in the event that a health concern is identified. This is something that needs to be considered on an individual level, as some barebackers completely avoid using condoms and they are not considered an option for some.

These are just some of the ways men can try to make bareback sex a safer experience. Of course the level of safety depends on each individual and also the precautions taken. It’s important to remember that you can be as careful as possible and still end up contracting a sexually transmitted infection. This is why men who choose to have bareback sex need to make an informed decision beforehand and be aware of the risks associated with bareback sex and be prepared for the consequences of possibly becoming infected by another person. Each of us is in control of our own actions, do only we can be held accountable for the choices we make.

People who aren’t barebackers may wonder why men would engage in such a risky behavior when so much information is available online and in other forms of media about the importance of safer sex and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. That is a reasonable question to ask, which unfortunately cannot be answered easily because barebacking can be a complicated issue to explore. The subject of bareback sex can be analyzed, where a few conclusions can be drawn about barebacking and why men may choose to risk their health by doing so.

Bareback sex is the riskiest form of sexual activity a person can have. Masturbation is regarded as the safest form of sex, but the risk increases with oral sex, followed by anal sex being at the riskier end of the scale, with anal sex without using a condom being the riskiest. There are ways to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk associated with barebacking and a future article will be discussing this. The following is an exploration into some of the benefits and drawbacks men may experience as a result of having anal sex without using a condom.

Bareback sex to some is known as natural sex, because two people are drawn together, where they experience sex without the use of synthetic devices developed to create a barrier (condom) between the participants. This barrier was designed to prevent the transmission of bodily fluids from one person to the other and also to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The barrier can also impact on the sensation of the sexual experience, as condoms can reduce the feeling of the friction when the penis is sliding inside and out of the anus during penetration.

Other reasons include the affect on intimacy and romance, where a condom can be seen as something which prevents two people from being close and intimate, which raises an awareness that the people having sex are afraid of each other and may not want to accept some parts of the other person during the experience. Condoms can sometimes be difficult to put on or may be prone to falling off if they are not used correctly and only certain lubricants can be used with condoms. Some men just don’t like the thought of reducing the pleasure they may be able to experience during sexual intercourse.

The risks associated with unprotected anal sex are high and there is a risk that the anus could tear during sex, which could expose a person to infections more easily, because of the open wound and bodily fluids having easier access to the other person. Sometimes if the bottom is not clean inside, there can also be an issue with sex being messy and smelly, so a little preparation may need to be done to ensure that the sex is as pleasant as possible. These are just some of the drawbacks bareback sex can bring.

There are a number of reasons why men may consider these risks and still have unprotected sex. Some men may be involved in a long term monogamous relationship, where a high level of trust has been established, along with good communication between the two. Barebacking in a monogamous relationship can be relatively safe; providing that both partners have been tested for sexually transmitted infections prior to engaging in sexual intercourse, are honest with each other and not indulging in any unsafe activities outside their sexual relationship.

Some men may have close friends whom they consider to be “fuck buddies”, where they don’t consider themselves to be in a relationship with the other man, yet they participate in sexual activities together. This feeling of trust may result in men feeling safer with this level of activity, but honesty is also a key component to this level of safety. If a person has a number of fuck buddies, then their exposure to possible risks will then also increase.

There are other men who may enjoy and live for the rush associated with risking their health by barebacking and dealing with the consequences at a later time. Some men may meet up with someone to have casual or anonymous unprotected sex with them and not know anything about the other person. There is a combination of factors as to whether a man considers barebacking to be a safe or an unsafe activity. Some men may just go with the flow of the moment and see where it takes them.

This is why barebacking is a complex issue, as men will have different reasons for not wanting to use protection. For some, the feeling of trusting someone so much by sharing their love can indicate the strength of their relationship to their partner. Condoms may be seen as preventing more than just sexually transmitted infections, so for some men in a long term or monogamous relationship, bareback sex can be seen as a sign of caring and commitment to the other person.

Condoms could be seen by some people as being unnatural, artificial or a reminder of disease. By putting on a condom, this could be seen that one man doesn’t want to get too close to the other man, or that he might be afraid of him. Some men may also associate condoms with disease. Condoms can block intimacy, trust, sensation and bodily fluids, which are a natural part of sexual intercourse. Having sex without a condom can be seen as a natural activity and the way in which sex was meant to be.

Some men also enjoy the sensation created through the friction of skin on skin contact and the concept at the time of ejaculation, where bodily fluids from one man are shifted to the other to bond their moment of pleasure together. This can be seen as intimacy, but it can also be viewed by others as a more sexually charged experience. It all depends on the individual as to how they interpret the orgasm.

There are some men who may not feel that they can love themselves enough, so they are not concerned about their health or well-being. This is a problem all around the world due to gay and bisexual men being frowned upon or made to feel guilty because they are gay or bisexual. Some men may feel that if they are regarded by some in society as being unimportant, then why not have unprotected sex and risk their health, especially if they have no regard for their own health or whether or not their partner has a sexually transmitted infection.

Some men may be HIV positive and feel that as they already have HIV, they are free to participate in unsafe sexual activities. It is important to remember that it may be possible to become reinfected with other strains of HIV or become exposed to other Sexually Transmitted Infections. For men who are HIV positive, they may choose to only have bareback sex with other men who are also HIV positive through a process called serosorting. Serosorting is a which in which some men attempt to reduce the spread of infections by limiting their exposure to men who have the same health status as themselves.

In conclusion, an important factor is to consider the way two men having unprotected sex are compared with a man and a woman having unprotected sex. People may believe that it is perfectly natural for a man and a woman to have unprotected sex, yet it is not okay for two men to have unprotected sex. There are also men and women who sleep around, it’s not just limited to gay and bisexual men. We all need to take a closer look at the way we interpret bareback sex, because homosexual men should not be judged differently for having unprotected sex when heterosexual men and women do exactly the same thing.