BAREBACK SEX

Bareback sex or barebacking refers to the practice of having sexual penetration without the use of a condom. It’s a slang term which comes from the equestrian meaning of bareback – riding a horse without a saddle.

Bareback sex has been considered more risky because condoms protect against STIs and HIV transmission. Lots of people prefer bareback, saying it feels better, is more enjoyable and preferable to sex with condoms. Some men bareback deliberately, while others might do so because of circumstances. Some reasons people choose to bareback range from a sexual thrill, perceived enhanced sensation during sex, unavailability of condoms, making impulsive decisions in the moment, influence of alcohol and drugs; and also quite often engaged in trusted monogamous relationships.

THE RISKS OF BAREBACKING

Anal sex does carry a higher risk of transmission of STIs than other types of sexual contact because the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection.

Obviously, using condoms helps protect against STIs when you have anal sex, but if you decide to try bareback, it is worth being aware of the risks involved.

HIV-positive people on medication with undetectable viral loads can practice bareback sex as it is virtually impossible to transmit HIV. In some ways it can be safer for a negative guy to do bareback with an HIV-positive guy with an undetectable viral load.

But it is worth bearing in mind that while sero-sorting and PrEP can protect against HIV-transmission, by practicing bareback, it is possible to put yourself at risk of STIs like hepatitis, chlamydia, warts and gonorrhoea.

PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE HAVING BAREBACK SEX

Use lots of lubrication during sex. This reduces friction and helps prevent small anal capillaries from bursting, limiting blood transmission.
Pull out before ejaculating – this may help reduce the risk of infecting the bottom partner.
Look out for signs of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as yellowish discharge coming from the tip of your penis, painful and burning urination or genital or anal warts.
Stay faithful to one partner; the fewer your partners, the lower your risk.
Discuss your sexual histories with your sex partners before having unprotected sex.
Abstain from sex with high risk sex partners such as sex workers and intravenous drug users.
Avoid using drugs and alcohol before having sex. You’re more likely to make more level-headed decisions if you’re sober.
If you feel you may have put yourself at risk of HIV or STI transmission, there are things you can do to protect yourself. PEP (POST-exposure prophylaxis): If you’ve been barebacking, you could consider using PEP. The month-long course of drugs has proven highly effective in stopping HIV transmission. PrEP (PRE-exposure prophylaxis): The pill Truvada (one of the pills in PEP, actually), is a highly effective treatment in the prevention of getting HIV.

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