HIV and other STIs in other ways of having sex

Page last reviewed 5.4.2024

There is lot of other ways to have sex than only oral or anal sex. HIV and STI risks vary between different sexual habits.

The most popular ways to have sex between men, excluding intercourse, are kissing and caressing, satisfying the penis with the hand and full body contact. In these methods, there is no risk of HIV transmission. However, other STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) can be transmitted if, for example, sperm containing bacteria get on the mucous membranes of the penis via hands. If a person has a syphilis sore in the mouth, syphilis can be transmitted through kissing.

Finger or fingers into the anus

Many people find pleasure in inserting a finger or fingers into the anus. It can serve as a substitute for anal intercourse or in this way the anus can be prepared and relaxed for anal intercourse. Inserting fingers into the anus is safe, since there is no risk of HIV transmission. However, if bacteria-containing semen gets into the anus through the fingers, chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infection is possible. Nails should be kept short and lube should be used to increase pleasure.

Rimming

Licking the anus, rimming, is safe and there is no risk of HIV transmission if the person who is licking does not get blood in their mouth. However, there is a risk of catching chlamydia or gonorrhea in the pharynx when licking the anus. In addition, chlamydia or gonorrhea infection from the mouth to the anus is possible.

In addition, for example, hepatitis A and some intestinal bacteria or parasites can be transmitted by licking the anus. Syphilis infection is also possible if a syphilis sore is in the anus or in the mouth of someone who licks the anus.

The risk of STIs can be reduced by using a dental dam (a special protection for oral sex) or a split condom as protection between the mouth and the anus. You can find information about oral sex protection and the condom on this page.

S/M

Physical punishment, tying up, slapping or role-playing does not involve the risk of HIV or other STI transmission, unless blood or semen gets on the mucous membrane or broken skin.

Sex toys

Sex toys mean, for example, dildos, massage sticks or anal plugs. The longer and wider the sex toy is, the greater the risk of it breaking the mucous membranes of the rectum. If the same sex toys are used by more than one person, the transmission of HIV and other STIs can be prevented by putting a new condom on the sex toys every time the user changes, or by washing them with warm soapy water between uses.

Lubricant is a good addition when using sex tools. It is good to take into account what material the sex tool is made of when choosing a suitable lubricant. Sex tools are made from different materials, such as silicone or plastic alloys. It is not recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant with a sex tool made of silicone, because it can damage the surface of the sex tool. The water-soluble lubricant is suitable for all sex tools.

The sex toy is cleaned by washing it with mild or unscented soap and water. The tool should be allowed to dry properly. Sex equipment can also be disinfected by boiling it for a few minutes if the equipment does not have radiators.

Fisting

If there are no wounds or semen on the hand, inserting the hand into the anus does not transmit HIV infection. However, syphilis or hepatitis C can be transmitted during fisting. It is good to use protective gloves when fisting. Nails must be short and rings must be removed.

Fisting often uses an oil-based lubricant such as Crisco. If you change to anal intercourse after fisting, it is better to use a water-based lubricant, since the oil-based lubricant left in the rectum weakens the condom. Unprotected intercourse after a fistfight is particularly risky, because the fist can cause wounds and lacerations.

Urine and faeces

There is no risk of HIV transmission if urinating and defecating on the skin or mucous membranes, if there are no ulcers and there is no blood in the secretions. If the skin is broken, there is a risk of getting a bacterial infection from the feces.

Groupsex

When having sex with three person or in a larger group, it is good to note that the condom should be changed every time the partner changes, if using a condom during intercourse is part of one’s own safe sex strategy.

HIV is not transmitted from surfaces or through hands, but is destroyed quickly when it comes into contact with air. However, the risk of infection can arise in situations where the penis changes the anus immediately between two or more people, or if during fisting the anus of two or more people is fisted with the same fist, changing the anus without a break.