The major risks associated with AIDS still exist
“The major risks of AIDS still exist” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.
Okay, this isn’t the most frivolous or exciting topic to write or read about, but it is an important one. So keeping quiet doesn’t make much sense. The risks of AIDS lurk within the BDSM community as well. And although there is still no cure, fortunately there are now effective treatments. Still, prevention is better than cure… uh, treatment. Because a cure isn’t possible yet.
What is AIDS?
AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is caused by the HIV virus. AIDS is no joke. It attacks your immune system, preventing your body from defending itself against infections and diseases. A simple cold can suddenly become life-threatening. In the past, an HIV diagnosis was almost a death sentence, but fortunately, we’ve made significant progress since then. Still, it remains a serious disease that can drastically change your life. The good news? Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the course of the disease. But don’t underestimate it.
How can you get it?
First and foremost: unprotected sex. Skipping a condom is like playing Russian roulette with your health. This also applies when sharing sex toys with others. When using sex toys (especially if they’re also used by others), it’s best to put a condom on the toy. This applies to both anal and vaginal use. Another major risk is contact with blood. Think, for example, of needle play, knife play, blood cupping, and blood play. Each of these activities puts you at risk of infection. So, to be safe, use latex gloves, but keep in mind that if you accidentally prick your fingers with an infected needle, it can still penetrate the latex. So there’s always a risk.
Medication: Light at the end of the tunnel?
We live in a time when medical science has made tremendous progress. There is no cure for AIDS, but there are effective treatments. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), for example. This medication regimen helps keep the HIV virus under control and prevents it from multiplying. This means that people with HIV can lead an almost normal life. It’s not a miracle cure, and you have to take the medication faithfully, but it’s a giant step forward.
Prevention is better than cure
Yes, it’s a cliché, but clichés exist because they’re true. Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to HIV and AIDS. Here are a few golden rules to keep in mind. First of all: always use a condom. Second: be selective about who you get intimate with. Know your (sex) partners and make sure they’ve been tested. Never share needles – not for drugs, not for tattoos, not for needle play (always use new needles for that anyway) – for anything. And if you want to minimize the risk completely, consider PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) if you’re at high risk. This medication can prevent you from contracting HIV, even if you’re exposed to it. However, it’s not a guarantee, so just be a little careful.
| Activity | Risk of AIDS |
| Oral sex without a condom without ejaculation | no |
| Oral sex without a condom with ejaculation in the mouth | yes (for the person performing oral sex) |
| Oral sex with a condom | no |
| Oral sex on a vulva without a dental dam | no (yes, if the woman is bleeding and the person performing oral sex has serious wounds in their mouth) |
| Oral sex on a vulva with a dental dam | no |
| Vaginal penetration without a condom | yes (for both) |
| Vaginal penetration with a condom | no |
| Anal sex without a condom (with/without ejaculation) | yes (for both) |
| Anal sex with a condom | no |
| Rubbing the penis along the anus | no (unless semen or blood is involved) |
| Rimming | no |
| Fisting | yes (unless gloves are used) |
| Needle play | yes (for both, when using each other’s needles) |
| Knife play | yes (for both, when cutting yourselves with the knife) |
What are barebacking and bugchasing?
Barebacking can roughly be translated as “What do I care? I’m already infected with HIV.” This refers to (anal or vaginal) penetration without a condom by two people who are both HIV-positive. Incidentally – despite both being infected – it is still not recommended, as this can only make the situation worse.
A “bugchaser” is someone who deliberately and voluntarily engages in unprotected sexual contact with HIV-positive individuals in order to contract HIV. They get a thrill from the excitement of the risk.
More information
The importance of condoms, even during kinky sex!
Safety & hygiene – Theme page
Orgasm, Sexuality & Masturbation – Theme page
Source
Text & image: Mistress Moriah
