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History of Bareback Sex.

 

Although bareback sex has been practiced throughout the ages, the term 'bareback' itself did not really mean having unprotected sex until sometimes in the mid 90's when it was first published relating to intentionally having unprotected anal sex amongst HIV positive gay men.

Interestingly, around the same time that the term bareback became synonymous with unprotected gay anal intercourse, the first antiretroviral therapy (ART) became available, leading to many articles on the topic of bareback sex being published in a range of gay lifestyle (and some mainstream media) publications.

It was considered by many men (primarily those living with HIV) to pose no further risk to their health than having the HIV virus itself and, subsequently, we now know that individuals who have HIV that are considered to be 'undetectable' have zero-risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners, even while engaging in bareback sexual activities, even if their sexual partner does not have HIV.

Of course, as with most things of a sexual nature, there was and, to some extent, still remains a double-standard, while gay men having unprotected sex are still considered by many to be selfish, uncaring, risk takers, when straight couples have unprotected sex, it is simply called 'sex' or 'trying to conceive a baby'.

Bareback Sex Tips.

Abstain if you think you may have an STI.

While getting an STI is serious, thankfully it isn’t as serious as it once was and most STIs can be treated with a course of medications. During this time abstain from sex with others until you have been given the ‘all clear’ by your medical professional. Spreading STIs around your community is not something you want to be ‘known for’.