Protection recommendations

Infections can be transmitted during sex. There are many different ones in addition to HIV. Safer Sex means minimising the risk of transmission by using the right protection.

With anal and vaginal sex, there is a risk of becoming infected with HIV. HIV is incurable. So it’s a good idea to prevent infection with the right protection. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted during sex if blood is involved – when consuming substances or during sexual practices like fisting. Consult our protection recommendations.

The three most common STIs (syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia) are all but impossible to prevent if you have sex. Even condoms do not offer sufficient protection, because the pathogens are also transmitted during kissing and oral sex. The best protection against STIs is regular testing; check out our testing recommendations.

Our protection recommendations

Are you having sex?

  • Anal or vaginal sex: condoms and vaginal condoms (femidoms) reliably protect against HIV. They are useful during sex because they also reduce the risk of other STIs and prevent unwanted pregnancy. 
  • Sex toys: use with condoms or vaginal condoms (femidoms) and clean with soap before each use and then disinfect afterwards. Otherwise, hepatitis C and other STIs may be transmitted. 
  • Fisting: the use of disposable gloves – always new for each body opening and each partner – protects against HIV and hepatitis C. The risk of hepatitis C when fisting is additionally reduced if a separate lubricant (tube, container) is used for each receptive person.
  • BDSM: BDSM encompasses a wide range of sexual practices. When observing usual hygiene measures (cleaning and disinfecting utensils) and using condoms during penetrative sex, there is no higher risk of HIV or other STIs than during sex. 

If necessary, seek advice.

In sexually exclusive relationships, protection can be omitted. Ideally, this decision is preceded by an HIV test. 

Likewise, people living with HIV who are in successful treatment cannot transmit the virus (U=U) and no additional protective measures are necessary. A trusting relationship is an important prerequisite for this.

Are you a man or trans person and have sex with men?

In addition to condoms, protection through successful HIV treatment (U=U)  or a sexually exclusive relationship, you can also protect yourself against HIV with PrEP. More at drgay.ch/prep.

Do you pay for sex? Or do you work as a sex worker?

  • Anal or vaginal sex: only condoms or vaginal condoms protect against HIV and hepatitis C. 
  • Oral sex: use condoms during oral sex to reduce the risk of transmission of other STIs.

Do you consume substances by sniffing (nasal) or injection (intravenous)?

  • Sniffing: use tubes only once, do not share with other people
  • Injecting/slamming: use sterile materials (syringes, needles, spoons, etc.) only once, do not share
  • Booty bumping: use sterile syringes only once, do not share