Talk, Test, Test, Trust Guide

Step One – Talk

To safely stop using condoms within your relationship, you need to be able to talk openly and honestly with each other about why you want to do it, what the potential benefits and risks might be, the ground rules for sex inside and outside (if any) the relationship and how you’ll deal with any problems that may arise.

Step Two – Test

Both of you need to have a HIV test which you can do together or separately. If you’re going to have anal sex without a condom you should both be totally sure you are HIV negative and aren’t going to put each other at risk.

If the tests for both of you come back negative, you should still continue to use condoms during the window period advised by your doctor or healthcare professional.

Step Three – Test

If neither of you have had unsafe sex throughout the window period then the second test will confirm that both of you are HIV negative. If this is the case and you still want to stop using condoms with each other you can then move on to the next step.

Step Four – Trust

Maintain clear and open communication about your sex with each other and other people outside the relationship (if that’s what you’ve decided) and establish guidelines for dealing with any problems should they arise.