Sex toys

Dildos, butt plugs, vibrators…

There is a wide variety of sex toys to choose from. Using them alone presents no risk of HIV or STBBI transmission. Sharing them represents a negligible risk of HIV transmission except if using them abrades the anus, vagina or front hole.  

For example, if you use a sex toy in your partner’s anus and cause small tears or bleeding, and then you penetrate your partner’s anus without a condom, the earlier play could increase your risk of HIV transmission.

To prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria, make sure you clean your toys well. Toys can have pores where viruses and bacteria may remain lodged between uses. You can use dish soap and hot water; make sure to rinse them well after washing. Specialized stores also sell specific cleaning products for various sorts of toys.

Masturbation

Jerking off or getting jerked off (mutual masturbation, jerking each other off)
Masturbation presents no risk of transmitting HIV or other STBBIs.

Two practices may, however, present a low risk:

• Using your partner’s sperm or precum (pre-ejaculatory fluid) to masturbate yourself with. It’s a better idea to use lube.
• Masturbating by rubbing your penis against your partner’s penis may present a risk of STBBI transmission.