I am just wondering because it is something I see in porn and I don't know if you have to get tested or birth control or what? Male on Male and Male on Female?
Porn is an extremely unrealistic portrait of sex in many respects, and bareback porn in particular does not properly reflect the risks associated with bareback sex. Having unprotected sex can expose the participants to STI's and HIV. Using a condom is the first line of defense from contracting STIs and HIV. While it might be fun to watch bareback porn, and it's also fun to watch the fantasy's presented in porn, porn is just that, an illusion of sex, not a portrait of what sex is actually like. Please keep that in mind, porn sex is not real sex. For best practice, get into the habit of using protection and wearing a condom. And also get into the habit of asking a potential sex partner about their sex history and their status before engaging in sex, it might seem like a weird thing to ask at first, but it is actually very much appreciated and understood within the gay community. Finally, for sexually active individuals, also get into the habit of going to a health clinic and getting tested regularly for STIs and HIV.
The porn industry has a very strict policy when it comes to getting tested for all STIs before every shoot. Unlike most free HIV tests that are available to the public, the porn industry uses HIV tests that look for the actual virus which allows for earlier detection. Porn performers also get tested very frequently and depending on the company sometimes as frequently as every 14 days. Those policies combined with other very detailed policies allows porn performers to lower the risk of contracting HIV. All that being said, those types of rules and policies are unrealistic for everyone else. So yes, for everyone else doing bareback sex is incredibly risky and you should use condoms in order to considerably reduce risk. Its also important to note that most porn performers will use condoms outside of shooting scenes as well. One because if they get something then they will not be able to perform and they will shot down filming not just for them but for other performers. And two they understand that outside of porn the risk of going bare is just way too high. Look at porn performers like stunt doubles. These are people who know how to reduce risks and perform in very controlled environments. As for everyone else, condoms it is
Unsafe sex between male partners can result in unpleasant, even life threatening STIs. Unsafe sex between a male and female partner can result in pregnancy, as well as those same unpleasant and life threatening STIs. So essentially, unless you're trying to get pregnant - a condom is the best way to go. It still doesn't guarantee safety, which is why you should still get tested periodically if you're sexually active - but it's a lot safer than the alternative.
Generally speaking bareback sex is not safe. It's a risk all pornogrpahic actors are aware of. Bareback sex is the most common way to get HIV. So unless you know the risks you're getting yourself into, avoid it (especially and particularly for hookups).
You are correct, but only you can decide how much you value your own health, and not worry about what others are doing.
Well, it is unsafe because of risk of STIs and whatever, and I'm still a virgin so I dont know what its like, but from when I was up at 1am searching this stuff I guess you'd need to be tested for sti's beforehand? i know it may be uncomfortable to ask but i guess it would be worth it, but if you have a vagina then you have you have the chance of getting pregnant as well, even on birth control its still a risk so its better to be safe than sorry.
Bareback sex is literally the definition of unsafe sex. It's the sexual activity most likely to pass on STIs, especially HIV. Lex
Unprotected sex is the best and easiest way to contract STIs and HIV, most of which are neither pretty nor easily curable, if at all. Also I'd stay away from guys who claim to "regularly check themselves for HIV", or are on PrEP, and insist on having bareback sex with you, they are the highest risk group that you could find to have sex with after sex workers and IV drug users. At the end of the day, the safest choice you can make is to find a partner that you trust and who is willing to stay in a committed relationship with you for longer than two months.
Unprotected penetrative sex carries the highest risk of transmitting STDs, with anal being higher risk than vaginal, but vaginal still really high. I would strongly advise against unprotected sex with multiple partners, but it gets more complicated when you're only sleeping with one person. When you get down to it, people cheat very, very often, and that is often going to be the people whose partners are sure never would. My partner and I are poly, but largely only sleep with each other. We do it when we know it's safe (aka, when we've been tested) and not when it isn't.
My partner and I have unprotected sex, we both got thoroughly tested before having it and we trust each other not to philander (we've been together over 2 years now) HOWEVER people cheat. And in cheating they might bring some uninvited guest home with them in their body. That's something to consider if you're pondering starting to have unprotected sex with your partner.
I absolutely agree with this. My boyfriend and I have been together for over a year, and have made it VERY clear to each other about how neither of us wanted to catch an STD or HIV, which is why I trust him. Granted, you could have this conversation with anyone you're with, but I've know my boyfriend for a while now that I know who he is as a person; He isn't going to go behind my back. Unless you know your significant other inside out, use a condom.
Even with the trust you both seem to have for your significant others, regular testing ensures heighten protection!