THEGAYUK

Author: Pharmacy2U

  • ADVICE | I have achy balls, what should I do?

    ADVICE | I have achy balls, what should I do?

    Dear TGUK

    I sometimes get aches in my left ball. I’ve done a check for lumps but haven’t found anything odd – or unusual. There’s been no blood in my pee or cum.

    The pain is like a dull ache that goes from the bottom of my balls to the pit of my stomach. It doesn’t last very long. Because it doesn’t happen all the time I haven’t been to the doctors about it, but wondering if I should.

    Paddy, Dublin

    Hello Paddy

    Re-occurring pain anywhere is a reason to get checked and you should see your GP for an examination. It could be something entirely benign or something more serious although from what you say you don’t have other symptoms.

    These are:
    A new hard lump on the testicle
    Swelling or enlargement of a testicle
    An increase in firmness of a testicle
    An unusual difference between one testicle and the other

    However there is no harm in being on the safe side and ruling this out by visiting your GP or GUM clinic and if it is anything serious, the earlier it’s caught the more effective the treatment. If you get a significant acute pain that persists in either your testicle or abdomen, you should see your doctor for urgent review.

    The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

    Have you got a dilemma you’d like us to help you with? Click here to write to our team of experts.

    This article was first published in September 2016

  • DILEMMA | I’m 53 and I’m finding it hard to get it up

    DILEMMA | I’m 53 and I’m finding it hard to get it up

    Dear Doctor

    Finding it hard to get an erection not sure if this is normal for my age (53) and is affecting how I feel when having sex.

    What can I do to make sure I can get hard and stay hard?

    John

    Dr Nitin Shori is Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service answers:

    Hi John,

    Let me first reassure that you are not alone in suffering in this way and that help is available. It’s estimated that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 have some form of erectile dysfunction.

    It’s often referred to as impotence and it is a very common, treatable condition.

    To understand the reasons for erectile dysfunction, it’s important to know how an erection occurs. When aroused, your brain sends signals to the blood vessels in your penis, relaxing the arteries and allowing blood to flow in. The veins then close to trap the blood in your penis, causing it to expand and harden.

    Anything that interferes with this process can lead to erectile dysfunction. Causes of the condition can be broken down into two categories: physical and psychological.

    Physical causes of erectile dysfunction can include low testosterone and diabetes as well as prostate problems.

    Psychological factors can include stress or being unhappy, anxiety or depression. If psychological problems are interfering with your ability to get or maintain an erection, a psychotherapist specialising in sexual difficulties may also be able to help you.

    A consultation with your own GP or the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service will establish whether you could be prescribed one of a range of effective erectile dysfunction treatments that are available on prescription.

    They all work in slightly different ways to significantly improve a man’s ability to obtain a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity.

    The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

    Do you have a sexual or emotional question for our experts? Click here

    This article was first published September 2017 and has been updated

  • ADVICE | I’ve got lopsided balls, is this normal?

    Have you ever wondered if one ball hanging lower than the other way normal? Or why one is bigger than the other? Medical Director from Pharmacy2U, Dr Nitin Shori, answers your questions.

     

    Dear TGUK
    I’ve got one ball hanging lower than the other – I’ve not noticed whether other guys are the same because our school has separate shower cubicles – so I don’t know – and I’m still a virgin.  Is there something wrong with me? Should one ball hang lower than the other, I’m quite worried about it.

    John, 15, Glasgow

     

    Dear John,

    It’s quite common for one testicle to be bigger than the other and also for one testicle to hang lower than the other one.

    You’re 15 as well and males go through puberty between 12 and 16, reaching full physical maturity at around 18, so it may also be that you’re still developing.

    In any case, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious and unsure of what is and isn’t ‘normal’ while you’re growing and your body is changing.

    Testicles should feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm but not hard. You may feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle, which is called the epididymis.

    What we advise men to look out for is changes in their testicles such as swellings, lumps or bumps that weren’t there before as this can be a sign of testicular cancer and this is why doctors advise you to check your testicles regularly.

    If you’re still concerned and want to talk to someone confidentially, then your GP is a good starting point.

    We’ve teamed up with the UK’s leading online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U, to answer all your health and sexual questions.

    Got a problem you’d like advice on? Click here to ask your question.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

    Advice given in this article is for guidance only and you should always seek your own independent, professional medical advice from your own GP if you are concerned about your health.  

  • ADVICE | I had sex a couple of years ago and now I keep on getting ill. Do I have HIV?

    A reader tells the doctor that he’s been feeling unwell 3 years after having a sexual encounter with two guys. Doctor Nitin Shori Medical Director of Pharmacy2U.co.uk answers his concerns.

    I always feel ill do I have HIV

    Dear Doctor

    I had sex with 2 guys about 3.5 years ago. Different times just once each both times with latex condom. I have looked up HIV symptoms and I am freaking out. At some point (I can’t remember how close to these events) I had a bad case of tonsillitis with tiredness and fever and I also suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, which is at least 3 years old (although a shampoo called Nizoral controls it).

    How likely is it that I got HIV from these encounters? I have taken a test recently but the wait is damaging my mental health. I can’t eat or sleep and I see symptoms in everything, especially as I get more tired. I even felt I had aids related dementia as my alertness deteriorated.

    Alex, Plymouth

     

    Dear Alex

    HIV is mainly transmitted through unprotected sex (without a condom) and the sharing of contaminated injecting equipment (eg. needles to inject drugs with).

    As you used protection, there is a low risk that you could have contracted HIV from the sex you had. However, you have done the correct thing and got yourself tested. If you have unprotected sex or think you could have been exposed to HIV through penetrative or oral sex, or drug use, it is always worth getting checked out.

    Although there is no cure for HIV, new treatments mean those with the disease can live long, normal and healthy lives.

    If you are anxious about the wait for your results, speak to your GP, who will be able to offer support and advice

    To help prevent HIV, always use a condom when having sex and never share needles or other injecting equipment (spoons, swabs or syringes).

    Stress can cause you to forget things or become tired quickly, so your symptoms could be a reaction to your wait for your results. If your tiredness and forgetfulness continues, speak to your GP who will be able to arrange some simple tests for conditions such as anaemia or a vitamin deficiency.

    Pharmacy2U Online Doctor

     

  • ADVICE | I’m going to have sex with someone who has a vagina… like me, how can I stay safe?

    This week our medical expert answers a sexual health question on lesbian, bisexual women and people who have vaginas.

    Dr Nitin Shori is Medical Director of Pharmacy2U.co.uk, which provides NHS repeat prescription and Online Doctor services, answers, 

    Dear Doctor,

    I’m planning to have sex with someone else who has a vagina (like me) and I want to know more about how to stay safe.

    Thank you

    M

    Dear M

    Women can catch sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) through sex or any ‘one-on-one’ contact, such as oral sex or foreplay.

    To make oral sex safer, use a dental dam – a small square of very thin plastic or latex, which can be used to cover the genitals or anus. It acts as a barrier and helps to prevent STIs being passed from person to person.

    You should avoid receiving oral sex if you are on your period, as menstrual blood can carry HIV or hepatitis. You should also avoid oral sex if your partner has told you they have an STI, if they have a sore throat or if they have any blisters, cuts, rashes, sores or warts around the genitals, anus or mouth, or if they have unhealed piercings in their genitals or mouth.

    Some infections can be passed by touching or vulval rubbing. Wash your hands before and after sex, and use latex gloves with plenty of water-based lubricants.

    If you are using sex toys, use a condom to cover them. Change the condom for each partner or between penetration of different body openings. Sex toys should also be washed with soap and water between sessions.

    If you have had unprotected sex, have any symptoms of STIs or think you may be at risk of catching one, speak to your GP or sexual health clinic. Regular STI tests are a good idea, to ensure you have a healthy sex life.

    The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

    YOUR QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS |

    Have you got a question for our medical experts?

  • ADVICE | After a nonconsensual sexual act, I’m worried I might have an STI

    After a nonconsensual sexual act, a reader is concerned that he might have an STI.

    Doctor Nitin Shori, Medical Director of Pharmacy2U.co.uk, answers.

    Dear Doctor,

    A man recently put their mouth on my penis for a few seconds before I told them to get off. It was not exactly consensual. I have a boyfriend and I am very worried the guy could have passed on an STI to me. Are the chances of doing so very low seeing as it was only a second or two and it was receptive? Thanks

    Thanks

    First of all, it’s never OK for someone to engage in any sexual practice with you that you do not give your consent to. Forcing someone to engage in sexual activity without their consent is a crime – it’s sexual assault/rape.

    If you have been a victim of a sexual attack and want to report it, call your local police or 999 if an emergency. You can also get support from organisations such as Victim Support or The Survivors Trust.

    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be passed on through oral sex. The STIs that are most commonly passed on through oral sex are gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis. However, all STIs can be passed this way. Receiving oral sex is often safer than giving oral sex, as you are less likely to be exposed to genital fluids.

    Many people do not get any signs or symptoms that they have been infected through oral sex, so if you are worried, it is always worth getting tested by your GP or local sexual health clinic. To protect yourself against infections during oral sex, use a condom or dental dam – a small square of very thin plastic or latex, which can be used to cover the genitals or anus.

    Avoid oral sex if your partner has an STI, has blisters, cuts, rashes, sores or warts around the genitals, anus or mouth, has a throat infection or has any unhealed piercings in their mouth or genitals. Regular STI checks are a good idea, to ensure you have a healthy sex life.

    Have you got a question?

  • ADVICE | I have genital herpes and it’s cleared up… Can I have unprotected sex?

    This week Dr Nitin Shori answers a question from a reader who is concerned that they might pass on herpes, even though the outbreak has cleared up.

    I have genital herpes and it's cleared up... Can I have unprotected sex?

    Dear Doctor
    I was diagnosed with genital herpes 1, 6 months ago and have recently started to use Valtrex treatment. Is it possible to have unprotected sex with someone not infected? Or is there still a chance they can contract it even if there are no outbreaks?

    Thank you

     

    Once you have been infected with the herpes simplex virus, it will remain in your body and can lead to occasional outbreaks.

    Unfortunately, it is possible for you to pass the virus that causes genital herpes to a sexual partner at any time – even if you are not experiencing an outbreak and have no symptoms.

    Transmission is even more likely during an outbreak. Condoms are proven to reduce transmission.

    Even if you do not have symptoms, people at risk of passing on herpes should always use an effective barrier method of practising safe sex, such as a condom or dental dam. The same virus causes cold sores and genital herpes and can be passed from one area of the body to the other during oral sex if protection is not used.

    ALSO READ: Ask the doctor…. Did I catch herpes?

    Valtrex helps the body to fight the herpes simplex virus but is not effective in preventing it from being passed from one person to another.

     The symptoms of a genital herpes episode can include small blisters in the anal or genital area, which burst to leave small red sores which can be painful; pain when urinating; stinging, tingling, or itching in the genital area; and a general feeling of malaise, or a flu-like symptom. Prescription treatments are available that shorten the duration and severity of an outbreak.

    Dr Nitin Shori is the Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service,

     

    The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE | My penis is stinging what should I do?

    This week a reader is concerned that his penis has started to sting and the end has gone all read. Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori looks into for him.

    My penis is stinging what should I do?

    Dear TGUK team

    My foreskin has gone all tight and is stinging whenever I pee and my urethra is all red. I had unprotected sex around a month ago.

    Martin, Salford

     

    Dear Martin,

    The first thing you must do is get a test that will rule out a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

    The latest statistics from NHS England show that there were more than 435,000 STI diagnoses in 2015 alone and many people now fear that we may have forgotten the safe sex message, with disease rates on the increase.

    In Wales, reports of new diagnoses of chlamydia, herpes, LGV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C have been increasing for the last two years.

    Alarmingly, in some patient groups, the number of cases of syphilis have increased by 76 percent in three years, while gonorrhoea cases have risen by 53 per cent. Even more worryingly, there appears to be evidence of some drug resistance that can make some STIs more difficult to treat.

    STIs are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact, which is why it is so important that we spread the message of using condoms and other barrier methods when we’re going to be intimate.

    You can be tested for STIs at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP surgery. Some people prefer the privacy of buying a reliable testing kit online from a reputable supplier, such as Pharmacy2U.co.uk.

    There are different types of STIs and some, if caught early, are easy to treat with antibiotics. Chlamydia is the most common STI in England and can be treated with antibiotics.

    But many have no cures, including genital herpes and HIV. There can be far reaching health implications with some STIs, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated.

    In many instances, STIs don’t give their sufferers symptoms, but obviously, you sound to have symptoms that something is not right.

    Get tested and I hope everything works out for you but remember prevention is better than cure. Speak to a GP for treatment if you do test positive.

     

    The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

     

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE | Is My Penis Too Small?

    Dear TGUK,
    My flaccid penis is quite small, probably about 2-3inches but it becomes 5.5-6 inches when erect. Is this normal? How do I get over my fears about being naked in front of another person, as I am 20 and still a virgin?
    Jeff, Edinburgh

    Dear John,

    This is a very common worry. The truth is that there really is no such thing as ‘normal’ when it comes to penises. For example, there is a lot of variation in the angle of an erect penis. Some erect penises point straight up, others straight down or a slight bend to the left or right. There are many different sizes too.

    It is normal for men to be worried about size because of all the cultural pressure society places on it. Try not to get anxious about it. So long as you are otherwise healthy and happy, the most important thing is taking precautions to ensure that you do not run the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including using condoms, when you do have sex.

    While there are many products and procedures available suggesting that they can help men to increase the size of their penis, there is little conclusive evidence to prove that they are safe and that they work. There really isn’t much that men can do to change what they are born with, so my advice would be to come to terms with what you have.

    There are however some steps that you can take to improve your own and others’ perception of the size of your penis, including trimming your pubic hair and losing weight. Staying fit and healthy can also improve your sex life.

    In some cases, people inaccurately conclude that they are not as big as they should be. Counselling has been shown to be beneficial for men with penis anxiety as therapy helps patients identify and correct any distorted views, building self-confidence and overcoming fears about sexual relations.

    Have you got a question to ask our experts? Use the form below to submit your question.

    THIS PAGE SHOULD NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF A VISIT TO YOUR GP, A&E OR A SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC. INFORMATION PRINTED HERE IS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY. IF CONCERNED FOR YOUR HEALTH MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE| Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

    This week’s sexual health column focuses on the possibility that depression medications cause erectile dysfunction.  Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori takes a closer look.

    Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

    Dear TGUK,

    I’m in my 30s and I’ve been having trouble getting it up. I’m currently on medication for depression so I’m wondering if that’s what’s causing it. I don’t want to come off the depression meds, but my failure at not being able to keep an erection is causing a few issues in the bedroom.

    Paul

     

     

    Dear Paul,

    A low sex drive and inability to maintain an erection can be a side effect of many antidepressants. However, depression itself can also cause these same problems.
     
    It’s important that you treat your depression and tackle the underlying factors that might be causing it. If you speak to your GP they may be able to change your medication to one that has less of an affect on your libido or consider whether your depression itself is the cause.
     
    There are also other factors that can affect your sex drive and it may be worth considering them.
     
    Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a very common condition, particularly among older men.
     
    Stress, anxiety, fatigue and certain health conditions are also common factors in causing impotence, while excessive drug or alcohol miss-use can also affect sexual performance.
     
    Another factor could be age. Testosterone levels naturally start to fall for most men from the age of about 30 or 40.
     
    While many automatically associate testosterone with sexual performance, this powerful hormone has a much wider influence and can often impact on energy levels and motivation, as well as loss of strength and muscle mass.
     
    If the above is ringing bells you can test for testosterone and consider gels or supplements which will boost your levels. You can get testosterone testing kits and prescriptions online if you’re pressed for time to see your doctor and want to rule this out.
     
    There’s also a range of products that can help with erectile dysfunction available online if you want to be discreet, including Viagra.
     
    Given your circumstances, you should discuss your antidepressant medication with your GP before you start exploring other potential causes of impotence.

     

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE | I have little whiteheads on my balls

    This week a reader is concerned about little whiteheads on his ball bag. We ask Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori from Pharmacy2U whether it’s something to be concerned about.

    I have little whiteheads on my balls

    Dear TGUK
    I noticed that I have a few little whiteheads on my ball bag. They are tiny – maybe a few millimetres big.
    They don’t hurt and they’ve been there for as long as I can remember.
    I know this is gross but you can squeeze the little whiteheads – and a little bit of stringy white stuff comes out of them, when you do that. The pus or whatever it is doesn’t smell. I pop a few now and then in the bath – and sometimes a couple more appear a week later.
    Are they normal? Should I stop squeezing? Is it something to be worried about?

    Ben, Somerset

    Hi Ben

    You can get rashes on your testicles as you can any other part of your skin that are caused by anything from blocked pores to allergies or heat irritation.

    If anything, this area is a bit more sensitive so treat it with care. Shaving can often cause symptoms like yours. Could this be a factor? Have you had break outs anywhere else? Are you using a new body-wash or even a new washing powder that could be causing a reaction?

    Also, the weather has been humid lately and this can cause rashes through sweating. You need to ensure you wash regularly and properly dry yourself before dressing as rashes love moist, damp places! If you shave you need to keep the area clean afterwards.

    Rashes can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but from what you describe it doesn’t sound likely. However, if it doesn’t clear up, do go and see your GP or local GUM clinic just to make sure.  The majority of STDs can be treated quickly and efficiently the earlier they are diagnosed, so even if it is that I wouldn’t worry unduly at this stage. You can also get an STD testing kit online if you just want to put your mind at rest and rule that out.

     

    The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

    Got a problem you’d like advice on?