THEGAYUK

Author: Pharmacy2U

  • ADVICE | I have achy balls – should I go to the doctor?

    This week a nervous reader asks Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori about some pains he’s been getting in his testes.

     

    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

     

    Hi 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.

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

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  • ADVICE | One ball hangs lower than the other – am I normal?

    This week a concerned reader is worried that one of his balls is hanging lower than the other. Medical Director from Pharmacy2U, Dr Nitin Shori, takes a look at what could be wrong.

    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.

     

    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

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  • ADVICE | Does PrEP stop you getting HIV? Where can I get it from?

    This week a reader asks about PrEP, what it does, where to get it and if it’s available on the NHS.

    Does PrEP stop you getting HIV? Where can I get it from?

    Pharmacy2U’s Clinical Governance Pharmacist Phil Day answers the PrEP question.

     

    Dear TGUK

    I’ve heard that there’s a drug that can stop me from getting HIV – Where can I get this? Is it available on the NHS?
     
    I’ve been using condoms but sometimes it can really kill the moment. I wanted to know if there’s an easier way to protect myself.

    Tom

     

    Dear Tom,

    While advances in medicine mean that most people living with HIV are now unlikely to contract AIDS, you should still always wear a condom. They also provide protection against a number of other Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

    In fact, there’s been a rise in sexually transmitted diseases for the first time in decades because many people are ignoring advice on wearing a condom.

    Have you tried experimenting with some different rubbers and lubes? There’s a vast choice and manufacturers have invested millions into making condoms that can actually enhance your fun as well as protect you.  If you’re shy, there’s a great range online as well as in the shops.

    You can always put a condom on in advance if you think you’re going to have sex so that it doesn’t interrupt proceedings, or make it part of the sex session by putting them on each other. It’s also wise to use them if you’re just sticking to oral sex.

    But to answer your question on Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, it is a drug treatment protocol using a prescription medicine called Truvada, and has been shown in a recent trial to be highly effective in preventing HIV in gay and bisexual men, when taken daily and used in combination with other infection prevention measures.

    Truvada contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) and is already routinely used in combination with other medicines to treat existing HIV infection.

    The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Truvada’s use by people at very high risk of HIV infection. Despite trials of Truvada in a number of cities, the NHS is not currently planning to make PrEP available on prescription in the UK, leading to anger and frustration among campaigners.

    Truvada is available from a small number of private clinics in the UK and is expensive. People should only ever take medicines prescribed by a UK-registered GP and dispensed by a UK-registered pharmacy.

    Did you know you can order an at-home HIV test online?  Click here to buy one

     

    The 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.  

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

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  • ADVICE | I’m cumming too quickly what can I do?

    This week a reader asks what he can do to stop ejaculating too quickly. Pharmacy2U’s Clinical Governance Pharmacist Phil Day answers his question.

    I'm cumming too quickly what can I do?

     

    Dear Phil,

    I’ve a bit of an embarrassing question. I cum way too quickly. I’ve been with my boyfriend now for six months and we’ve got a great sex life, in fact it’s a bit too good.  I just can’t last.
     
    Literally I last two minutes tops. We have a fair bit of foreplay and I do get a bit close, but always stop, before I climax – however when it comes to the penetration bit I can’t last at all.
     
    Is there a way I can make myself last longer?

    John, Hull

     

    Dear John,

    This really isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. In fact, one in three men say they have suffered from premature ejaculation at some point.

    Despite what blokes say in the pub, the average length of time from the moment of penetration to orgasm is shorter than you might think. We all need to be a bit more realistic about how long we can keep going.

    One of the key things to understand when finding the fix for you is whether this is a temporary problem or something you have suffered from with other partners as well

    There can be underlying physical problems, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety and stress, that can cause it. Some doctors also reckon there are men who have unusually sensitive penises.

    There are a few things you can try, such as masturbating an hour or two before you think you’re going to have sex.

    Also, try taking deep breaths when you’re on the verge of ejaculating as that briefly shuts down the ejaculatory reflex (an automatic reflex of the body during which ejaculation occurs).

    Use positions where you or your partner can pull out easily and quickly if the act of penetration is too stimulating.

    Many sex therapists recommend adopting a ‘stop-start’ technique entailing taking breaks during sex and thinking about something bland and boring.

    Pharmacies also stock a number of over the counter and prescription-only products that could help you too, including thick condoms and desensitising sprays.

    Medication in the form of tablets is also available to treat premature ejaculation in men who experience this regularly and where it causes distress, and is usually taken one to three hours before having sex. You will need a prescription, which can be obtained from your own doctor or through a private consultation with an online GP.

     

    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?