Condoms, water-based lubricant (lube), latex gloves and latex dams are a few of the things available to use to reduce the risk of passing on an infection. Latex provides a physical barrier to stop infection moving from one person to another.

Lube is used because it's nice and slippery and reduces the risk of abrasions or opportunities for bugs that cause infections to move into the blood system. It also reduces the risk of latex breaking.

You can often get free condoms, lube, gloves and dams from ACON and Sexual Health services.

Male to male sex can be exciting and varied, limited only by imagination. Some gay men may choose not to be sexually active while others are very active; we all have different ways we relate sexually. It can also be quite nerve-racking if we think we're 'not doing it right' or don't know where to start, or if there's difficulties like not enjoying certain activities, differences in desire, relationship problems or pain. This is all part of sexual health too. Talking about sex and intimacy can be difficult and often we aren't encouraged to talk openly about what we do. But starting this dialogue can bring a greater understanding and clear up any miscommunication. Knowing more about what you and your lover/s find pleasurable can only add to your sex life.

Counsellors at Sexual Health Services can give you ideas on how to talk about sexual health with partners. You might have a friend you could talk to who can listen and give you a few ideas for approaching these subjects. It's important too that sex is between consenting adults and is not coercive (forced) - listening to what sexual partners want and don't want, and noting body language, is essential for strong, healthy sexual relationships.