Prisoners who have consensual sex behind bars face being separated and disciplined Prisoners in relationships are routinely moved to different wings The investigation into consensual sex in jail is first of its kind It also warned that prisoners were at high risk of STDs Prisoners in relationships are routinely separated, according to a new report into sex in prisons Openly gay prisoners who engage in consensual sex are being separated and punished when authorities discover their relationship, according to a major new study by a prison watchdog. The Commission on Sex in Prison, established by the Howard League for Penal Reform and the first-ever review of sex behind bars in England and Wales, also warns that the prison population is a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections and risk-taking sexual behaviour. The briefing paper, Consensual sex among men in prison states, that there is little information about the issue, and prison governors said that it was difficult, if not impossible, for staff to be able to distinguish between consensual sex and sexual assault involving prisoners. They added that prisoners suspected of being in a sexual relationship were separated and could be disciplined. The Prison Service does not allow prisoners to have sex, although there is no prison rule specifically prohibiting sexual acts between inmates. One former inmate told the commission: 'Officers would push open my door very quickly, unannounced, in an attempt to catch us having sex. Of course it never worked but it put us on edge all the time. A senior officer did this once as Simon and I were sat on my bed holding hands watching a movie on TV. He ordered us to stop holding hands and move apart. In evidence to the Commission, the National Aids Trust said that attempts to control consensual sexual activity between prisoners risked undermining efforts to promote safe sex and prevent the spread of infections including HIV. Prisoners, some of whom did not want officers to know that they were having sex, told the Commission that they were often unable to obtain condoms in confidence. Most prisoners will eventually return to the community, meaning that sexual health policies in jails are important not just for inmates, but for the public as well, the report states. Those in jail are at a high risk of sexually transmitted diseases because of a lack of education and condoms. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons and sexual health charities have raised concerns about access to condoms in prisons. The Commission heard that one prisoner, who was HIV positive, had requested and been refused condoms, a situation The Terrence Higgins Trust sexual health charity called 'irresponsible and unethical'. Prisons need to ensure that they protect the vulnerable. The prison population is a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections and risk-taking sexual behaviour Chris Sheffield, Chair of the Commission on Sex in Prison, said: 'There is evidence to show that sex in prison does happen, there is no prison rule prohibiting sex between prisoners and it is difficult for prison staff to be able to distinguish between consensual and coercive sexual relationships. The prison population is a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections and risk-taking sexual behaviour. The need for harm reduction measures and the delivery of sexual health policies are important not just for prisoners but wider society. Some prisons were praised for they way they co-ordinated with NHS services or voluntary organisations to provide sexual health services that included health education and the confidential distribution of condoms. A prison service spokeswoman said: 'Sexual relations between prisoners are not commonplace. We do not condone sex in prisons or believe that prisoners in a relationship should share a cell. Reported incidents of sexual assault in prison are rare. Where an alleged sexual assault is reported or discovered it will be investigated and reported to the police if required.