Safe sex is any sexual activity that prevents semen, vaginal fluid or blood from entering the bloodstream of another person.

Condoms can be used with water-based lubricant to prevent these fluids from entering the body during vaginal or anal sex.

Oral sex is a very low risk activity. Anal or vaginal sex without condoms remains the highest risk sexual activity for transmitting HIV. There is not enough evidence to specify the exact risk of HIV transmission during one episode of oral sex. The risk increases if there are cuts or sores in the mouth, allowing HIV to enter. For more information check out our oral sex page.

See also

Real time A workbook for gay men about making healthier choices (PDF 680 KB)

HIV/AIDS FAQS

Sex and HIV positive women

HIV positive gay sex (PDF 1.951 MB)

www.thinkagain.com.au an AFAO website for gay men about disclosing HIV status.

www.condoms.org.au, an AFAO website for gay men about using condoms for anal sex.

See AFAO's No Worries campaign page for more info on anal sex

The Body: an AIDS and HIV Information Service Includes information in languages other than English.

Last updated: 3 July 2009