How do you prevent STBBIs?

To reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible, we prefer you put all odds in your favour: combine STBBI screening with barrier protection methods and lubricant (if you like things nice and slippery).

External condom

An external condom—or the “traditional” condom—is the most popular method of protection against sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). The external condom is put on the penis, dicklit (a word some transmasc people use to refer to the outer part of the clitoris that has grown bigger with testosterone), or sex toys (like dildos or vibrators) before vaginal or anal penetration. When sharing sex toys, condoms should be changed between each use and each partner. Different sizes are available to better fit the surfaces that need to be covered, and some even come in several flavours for oral sex (but beware… flavoured condoms are best reserved for oral sex, because they can cause irritation to or provoke an allergic reaction in the anus or vagina).

External condoms can also be cut into dental dams for oral sex by cutting them lengthwise. However, it requires a bit of DIY skills (#ArtAttack) and you have to be careful with the scissors so as not to damage the usable surface.

There is a wide variety of condoms available to fit your style. Here are our season favourites:

Essential: Lubricated condoms

You can’t beat a classic. Most condoms are lubricated to minimize friction and maximize comfort. What’s more, did you know that friction increases microlesions, and therefore, the risk of STBBI transmission? If you have a non-lubricated condom, you can also use it with a lubricant, but avoid oil-based ones.

Fan favourites: Condoms of different sizes

There are plenty of different sized condoms out there to ensure everyone’s comfort: slim-fit formats, which are ideal for a tighter feel, or larger Magnums with a wider end for when you’re feeling a bit too cramped. Choosing the right size gives you more comfort and ensures that the condom stays in place.

Discovery: Flavoured condoms

Using flavored condoms for oral sex offers a more pleasant experience than plain lubricated ones. However, these condoms should not be used for anal or vaginal penetration, as their sweetness and flavor compounds may irritate the mucosa or trigger allergic reactions.ction.

Discovery: Latex-free condoms

Don’t think you can wear condoms because every time you do, you get the equivalent of a sunburn down there? If so, you might be allergic to latex. Instead, try using hypoallergenic, latex-free condoms to have all the safe fun you deserve.

Internal condom

Internal condoms are inserted inside the vagina or anus before penetration by a penis, dicklit (a word some transmasc people use to refer to the outer part of the clitoris that has grown bigger with testosterone) or sex toy.

Dental dam

Dental dams are square-shaped pieces of latex or polyurethane that can be used to cover the vulva or anus during oral sex.

Latex glove or finger

As its name suggests, latex gloves are worn on hands, like ordinary gloves, and can be used as protecting during mutual masturbation and fistfucking. Another option: the latex finger, which is worn on a single finger for digital stimulation of the anus, clitoris, or vagina. Put your gloves on. 🤙

Lubricant

Did you know that friction increases microlesions, and therefore the risk of STBBI transmission? Lubricants can be used alone or with a barrier method to increase pleasure and minimize friction. There are water, silicone, and oil-based lubricants and they come in a wide selection of smells, textures, and sensations depending on your preferences. There really is something for everyone!

Remember not to use an oil-based lubricant with latex condoms because it can damage them, making them ineffective against STBBIs (so maybe use that great DIY coconut oil recipe you saw earlier online for something else)!

Our favourites: Silicone-based lube is a must if you want things to glide all the way into the next festival season. Don't worry, slide happy! It’s also compatible with condoms, but don’t use it with silicone toys… Otherwise, you can say goodbye to your new $250 vibrator!

Water-based lubricants are best if you want to get as close as possible to the feel of natural lubrication or if you are prone to allergic reactions, since their pH resembles that of the vagina. It is also compatible with sex toys and condoms and is flavourless and odourless. Call it your most crowd-pleasing partner in crime!  

These are our favourites, but we have an even more detailed article for you if you want to know everything there is to know about the different lubricants.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are additional protective methods against HIV that, when combined with safer sex practices, reduce the risk of transmission to people who do not have HIV.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a preventive treatment for HIV. It can be taken as a pill or an injection and is designed to block the virus from replicating, thereby preventing a permanent infection. PrEP is aimed at people at risk of contracting HIV, such as an HIV-negative person who has frequent sexual contact with one or more HIV-positive people (carriers of HIV) whose viral load is detectable or who are not receiving treatment. If you think PrEP is a good option for you, ‌make an appointment with a doctor to find out more.

The cost of PrEP varies depending on your insurance coverage, but for example, if you are covered by the Quebec health insurance (RAMQ), you will still have to pay a minimum of around $95 per month for this preventive treatment.

What is PEP?

PEP is like the morning-after pill, but for HIV. It should be taken as soon as possible after a potential exposure to HIV—up to 72 hours to be most effective. It is a tritherapy (a combination of three drugs) that is commonly used to treat HIV, which aims to block the virus’s replication and prevent a permanent infection. 

If you think you are at risk of contracting HIV, seek medical attention as soon as possible to start treatment within 72 hours. Go to the emergency at a hospital or to a clinic specialized in sexual health.

A pharmacist can also prescribe it for you for three days, to tide you over while you wait for your consultation. Treatment lasts for 28 days and is covered by Quebec’s health insurance plan, so your maximum out-of-pocket contribution is approximately $95 (instead of $1,500–2,000).

What is PEP?

Doxy-PPE is a preventative strategy used after intercourse to reduce the risk of certain bacterial STBBIs: chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.

It involves taking doxycycline after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours, but up to 27 hours afterwards.

A healthcare professional must prescribe doxy-PPE to verify if its appropriate and safe ‌to use. However, access in Québec is not yet widespread. 

Research shows it can reduce the risk of certain bacterial STBBIs, particularly syphilis and chlamydia, and possibly gonorrhea. 

Mutual masturbation can be an effective method to prevent STBBI transmission, especially if you’re waiting for STBBI test results*wink*. For maximum pleasure and minimal risk, take control of your engine and let your partner(s) admire your moves. You could also treat yourself to a 2 for 1 by masturbating while watching your partner(s) do the same.

If you’re more into group masturbation or fistfucking, latex gloves and internal or external condoms should be part of your party mix.

Not having sex remains the most effective way of preventing the transmission of STBBIs. It may be undesirable for some people, but it is true —especially if you’re waiting for test results or if you’ve tested positive and are waiting for your treatment to be complete.

You might also consider temporary abstinence if you or your partner(s) have lesions (e.g., herpes sores or genital warts) that can increase the risk of transmission of certain STBBIs such as herpes, syphilis, and HPV.