It is a fact that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often first are transmitted in the fist scene. For that reason I don’t understand why men are still barebacking and fisting without wearing gloves at parties and in private. Even with PrEP, you need to protect yourself. Although I have the impression I belong to a minority I will keep spreading the word…

If you are also a safe fister, you can use one of these symbols in your dating profile.

What is safe(r) fisting?

First of all, start with safe(r) sex. Especially boys (and men) who start to have sex with other men should be very aware of the basic rules of safe(r) sex. Many website can be found on this subject. They tell you much more than “use a rubber”, so take some time to read all information and be aware of the risks you take when you have sex with other men and how to deal with those risks. A good English resource is www.gmfa.org.uk/sex and in Dutch www.mantotman.nl

Less attention is given to Hepatitis B, which is a very infectious disease. In Holland you can get free vaccination if you say you have sex with men. See www.b-a-man.nl (in Dutch only). It is really important to get these vaccinations, so just do it!!!

And regarding the fisting: for me safe(r) fisting means that I always use gloves. No exceptions. Specially during FF parties, when you play with different guys, the risk of transferring a virus from one ass to an other is just to big a risk. And by only washing bare hands, you can’t be sure all the lube (or grease) with blood (and virus) particles are removed from under the nails. Some viruses can survive for weeks in open air.

Even when you are HIV positive, it is recommended to play safe. Not only because you are more receptive for STDs, like Syphilis and LGV, but specially for Hepatitis C. (HepC in NL). Treatment of this dangerous infection can be very hard. Studies in Amsterdam showed in 2008 that 20% of gay HIV positive men were infected with Hepatitis C. I know some men who were treated against this disease and they told me it was absolutely terrible because of the side effects of the medications.
Update 2016: New medication to treat Hepatitis C is on the market. These products have less side effects, but in The Netherlands they are very expensive and are only available for patients with other serious medical problems.

Condoms and latex gloves dissolve in grease. So I use water based lubricant.

Many guys use drugs for fisting. And when you are on drugs, you are less aware of the rules of safety. You forget the condoms and gloves. Is the trouble of heavy medication worth the excitement of a few hours? Not for me! Therefore I never even tried drugs. And the good thing is, I don’t need them to have a very hot fisting experience. But if you decide to use drugs, make sure you are aware of the risks…

PrEP is not the answer

PrEP does prevent the spreading of HIV, which of course is fantastic! But you still need to protect yourself against all those other bastards, like Hepatatis C.

Promote safe(r) fisting on your profile or website

Add a safe fisting only image on your profile or website and show you are a safe(r) fister too!
Link to the image with red background:
https://www.fistrik.com/fistrik/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/safefistingonly.jpg

Link to the image with transparent background:
https://www.fistrik.com/fistrik/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/safefistingonly.png