Safer sex

The Hep C virus is spread through blood-to-blood contact. This means if blood is exchanged during sex, there is a chance of getting infected with Hep C. Here are some examples of times when you could get or give Hep C during sex:

• sex when a woman has her period
• sex with no lube (dry sex) or rougher sex that causes tiny tears or cuts
• fisting
• sex when one partner has a sexually transmitted infection
• group sex if you don’t use a new condom, glove or dental dam when changing partners
• sharing sex toys
• using lube from a container that other people are also taking lube from
• oral sex when lips are chapped, cracked, or burned (like you sometimes get from crack pipes)

Even if you think the risk of Hep C is low and you have unprotected sex (you don’t use a condom during sex), you could still get other infections like HIV, Hep B or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These may make it easier to pass on Hep C. It’s like a downward spiral—if you can, use a condom during sex to break this cycle.

External condoms (also called male condoms)

External condoms go on the penis before anal or vaginal sex. You can also use them for oral sex and to cover sex toys. If you’ve never used a condom before, you can practice at home by yourself to get it right.

Here are the basic ins and outs of using an external condom:

• Use latex or polyurethane condoms and check the expiry date on the package.
• Keep condoms in your purse or jacket pocket; if you keep a condom in your pants pocket, heat and friction can damage it.
• Open the package carefully so you don’t tear the condom.
• Pinch the tip of the condom to remove air and to leave space for cum (semen).
• Place the condom on the end of the penis so it’s easy to unroll—if it’s upside down, it won’t unroll easily.
• Unroll the condom right down to the base of the hard-on (erect penis).
• Use a water-based lubricant (examples include Astroglide, Wet, Forplay, KY); oil-based lubes, like Vaseline, can make the condom break.
• After cumming (ejaculating), pull off the condom while the penis is still hard and be careful not to spill the cum.
• Tie the condom in a knot and throw it in the garbage.
• Use a new condom each time you have sex.

Internal condoms (also called female condoms)

This condom can be used for vaginal sex, anal sex, fisting and covering sex toys. It's like a bigger, baggier version of the external condom with two flexible rings: one on the inside to hold it up in place and one on the outside to hold it open. You can practice at home if you've never used one and you can put it in hours before you have sex.

Here's how to use the internal condom for vaginal sex:

• Check the expiry date on the outside of the package.
• Make sure the inner ring is inside the end of the condom (it can come out if you don't like it).
• Squeeze the inner ring and put it in the vagina, being careful to not twist the condom.
• Use your finger to push the ring the rest of the way up—as far as it will go. It won't go too far because the cervix (top of the vagina) will stop it.
• Add some lube to the inside of the condom or on the penis.
• Make sure the outer ring is spread open so the penis goes inside the condom and not underneath it or beside it.
• After sex, turn the outer ring to twist it closed (this will keep the semen inside the condom) then pull it out and throw in the garbage.
• Use a new condom each time you have sex.

For anal sex, remove the inner ring before inserting the condom and follow the same steps as for vaginal sex (above).

Dental dams

A dental dam is a square piece of latex that you can use during oral sex as a barrier to stop the spread of Hep C and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It covers the vagina or bum so that the mouth and the genitals don't touch each other directly.

Latex or polyurethane gloves

Wearing latex or polyurethane gloves for fisting protects both you and your sex partner from Hep C. It’s important to use a new glove for each person.

Sex and drugs

Uppers such as poppers, ecstasy, crack and crystal meth can make people feel horny and more secure during sex. Rougher sex and longer sex can create tears and cuts that can spread Hep C, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Some drugs also weaken the body, increasing the chance of developing tears and cuts. Wearing a condom, reapplying lube and changing the condom if you need to will help keep you and your partner protected.

Making the choice

Using a condom is the best way to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections and protect you and your partner. It can be hard to use condoms all the time because some people don’t like them or are sick and tired of using them. Maybe your partner is pressuring you to not use them. Try to talk about condoms to figure out the best option for you and your sex partner. You can switch to a different type if one kind doesn’t work for you, and try working the condom into foreplay. Applying a drop of lube into the tip of the condom before putting it on the penis can also add to the pleasure. You can also have other kinds of sex, such as hand-jobs, that are safer. A needle exchange program or health centre can talk with you about other ways to have safer sex. 

Revised 2011.