Category: Dilemmas

  • DILEMMA | Piles ruined my wedding night… What can I do?

    DILEMMA | Piles ruined my wedding night… What can I do?

    Dear Uncle,

    I’m a newly married man. I’m suffering from piles. Can I have sex with piles? If yes how many times in a week I can have sex with piles?

    Concerned, 33


    Dear Concerned, 33

    Yikes, that’s a lot of butt sex questions. Piles are a pain in the ass, quite literally and I would recommend if you’re in pain or bleeding from your butt not having penetrative sex until they’ve all healed up. This doesn’t mean that you have to forgo sex altogether. There are a few ways to simulate anal sex for your partner, read about them here – and let’s not forget our friends the BJ and the humble handjob.

    We asked Public Health Practitioner Jose Perez de la Cruz, BPubHtlth his thoughts on whether it’s safe to have sex whilst you have haemorrhoids and he told us,

    Anal sex has the potential to inflame pre-existing haemorrhoids (piles), though research shows that it does not cause them in the first place. So long as the piles are not actively bleeding or painful at the time on intercourse then it is probably safe to have sex.

    “If they are bleeding or there is inflammation though, this means that the natural protective barrier formed by the skin and mucous membranes is not at its optimum which if exposed to an STI can make transmission more likely.

    “I would recommend using Preparation H or Germoloids (all available on Amazon) to help control pain and inflammation and to reduce swelling.

    Embed from Getty Images

    So, get yourself a good haemorrhoids cream and go to town on those bad boys, when they’ve healed up or disappeared from view then you can start reintroducing anal sex back into your life – but go slow and use lots and lots of lube. If you get a sharp painful feeling or see blood, stop.

    If the piles don’t go away after a couple of weeks, book an appointment with your doctor to see what they maybe able to do to help.

  • DILEMMA | I get a jagged pain when using a butt toy

    DILEMMA | I get a jagged pain when using a butt toy

    Dear Uncle,

    I’ve been using a butt plug and dildo, 5 and 7.5 inches respectively. I’ve used them in the way to get used to the feeling of a penis in my butt, but I get a jaggy sensation when I’m using them. it’s not that comfortable. I don’t get that feeling when I’m with a partner. Am I doing something wrong?

    Rocket


    Hey there Rocket

    There’s a couple of things to consider here: size, material and of course, lube.

    Firstly size, you mention the length, but not the circumference. Five inches might not seem that long, but if it’s as wide as a traffic cone, that might well be your issue.

    As with anything you insert into your butt, you need to take your time, especially if it’s wide. If you want to get a wider toy, you could always try anal trainers/dilators, which can help you “train” your ass to take bigger objects, but you have to start small.

    If you push anything, a toy, a cock, in too quickly, you’re actually at risk of butt-related injuries including tears.

    Secondly, the material… Do you know what materials your toys are made out of? It could be the case that you’re having an allergic reaction to the materials used in the toy. Latex can, in some people, cause a nasty reaction. So it might be worth investigating this.

    This could also go for the lube you’re using. Is it the same as the lube you use during anal sex?

    A jagged feeling could mean that you’ve got some skin tears in or around your anus or even piles. Don’t fret. Tears can heal on their own, you just need to quit playing with your toys for a while and piles can be sorted with a good haemorrhoid treatment.

    If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor.

    Always, use lots of lube and take your time, exploring what feels good and, it really goes without saying, if it hurts stop doing it.

    Have you got a dilemma? Use this form to ask our experts for advice.

  • DILEMMA| My boyfriend really wants me to rim him, I’m not so keen

    DILEMMA| My boyfriend really wants me to rim him, I’m not so keen

    Dear Uncle,

    My bf and I have been together for about a year and we’re really starting to explore what kinds of sexual activities we’re into – and he told me that he really likes being rimmed. Problem is, I’ve never done it and I’m just not that keen on licking his hole, in case it’s dirty.

    I want to make him happy, so what’s your advice?

    Toby, 20

    >>> READ THE ANSWER: NSFW >>>

    Pages: 1 2

  • DILEMMA | I recently had a heart attack, can I start using Poppers again?

    DILEMMA | I recently had a heart attack, can I start using Poppers again?

    Dear Uncle,

    I had a slight heart attack 4yrs ago. I used to like using poppers for sexual stimulation would I be ok to still use them occasionally?

    Leatherman

    Dear Leatherman,

    Poppers… the great marmite of the gay world. Some people love and swear by them, others loathe them and stay clear at all costs.

    The problem is and particularly in your case is that they lead to a drop in blood pressure but cause your heart rate to rise, meaning that you’re adding extra pressure to your heart. Now without knowing what medication you’re on it’s impossible to say whether this reaction is safe or not for you.

    Since you’ve already suffered from heart issues, I would exercise caution and would urge you to seek advice from your own GP who knows your circumstances and the medication you’re on to manage your heart condition and whether it will interact with Popper usage.

    We asked a GP and he told us,

    “Poppers are a form of nitrate, so it’s not advisable to use them if you have a previous heart condition. Particularly as it can interact with some heart medications.

    If you are already on nitrate-based medication like isosorbide mononitrate or GTN spray, it’s a definite no-no.

    Whatever you do, don’t take Viagra and poppers together as they could lead to huge problems, including death as this doctor warned last year.

    Remember the biggest stimulant is your mind. So, instead of reaching for that little bottle to get your rocks off, why not try out something new, play an erotic game or explore what is exciting to you, like an unexplored kink or fantasy.

    We all know that Poppers have long been used to help relax the butthole for anal sex so if that’s your issue, you could always look to using numbing lube or anal training butt plugs to make take that D a little easier.

    Have you got a dilemma or sexual health question? Click here to ask our team.

  • DILEMMA | I’ve never had gay sex

    DILEMMA | I’ve never had gay sex

    Dear Uncle,

    I’m still a virgin. I’m 18 and this worries me. I have never had sex in my life and I think it is important to have sex all the time

    What should I do?

    Addy

    Pages: 1 2

  • DILEMMA | My boyfriend wants me to sleep with other people and tell him all about it

    DILEMMA | My boyfriend wants me to sleep with other people and tell him all about it

    I’ve been with my boyfriend for 6 months and he has a fantasy he wants to fulfil. He wants me to have sex with someone else as it’s a turn on for him to hear about it or watch it if I film it.

    We are not open, I’m the top and he’s the bottom, but he wants me to have sex with someone else one-on-one without him present. We have had a threesome before together, which is fine because we were both there, but I’m not comfortable emotionally having sex with someone else one-on-one without him present.

    With the threesome it was a one-time thing, again he had a fantasy of me fucking someone in front of him, so we did that and it seems to have satisfied him until now. I’m not opposed to having sex with someone else per se, but he wants me to bottom for someone else which I haven’t done in 6+ months and I find that to be very intimate.

    Even though he says he has no desire to have sex with others, himself, I am also concerned that will change and he’ll use this as a reason if he wants to do it, himself. I am also worried about what this would mean for our relationship. I do not want to be open, I would consider this a one time experiment, but once you open Pandora’s Box, you don’t know what could happen.

    Can you advise if this is a healthy fantasy, what it means, and what you think would happen if I go through with it? Thanks!


    Dear Oliver

    I think you’re right about it being Pandora’s Box, once you’ve opened up your relationship it can be quite hard to close the lid – unless both of you are totally in agreement.

    It seems to me that you’re not both on the same page at this point. You’ve only been together for six months – understanding your partner’s wants and needs takes time and visa versa.

    As it stands, it seems he wants you to have sex with people outside of the relationship, effectively opening up your relationship, while you’re happy to have a little opening – but not a wide-open door. At the moment you’re both on a different scale on how open your relationship is.

    I would schedule some time to talk and get on the same page.

    You both need to make clear what your boundaries are and how far you’re willing to go and what your fears are. But remember that all relationships need a certain amount of compromise – the questions is – are the compromises that you offer each other the ones you’re willing to make?

    Of course, compromises should never be so extreme that you’re ultimately in danger or unhappy. Compromises surrounding sexual and mental health issues need to be taken off the table. You’re allowed to say “I’m not comfortable with that”.

    Compromises surrounding sexual and mental health issues need to be taken off the table. You’re allowed to say “I’m not comfortable with that”.

    You’ve also talked about how things are a “one time experiment” the trouble is that way of thinking can be very limiting. People change, tastes change, expectations change. You might find that you really enjoy doing a particular activity – should it only be a one-time thing, if you’re both into it?

    If you can, I’d go in with an open mind and with an open dialogue. Check-in with each other to see how you’re both doing.

    As for the fantasy element, almost all fantasies are healthy, but it’s how, when and why you act upon them, which can lead to something being amazing or very unhealthy.

    As long as you’re both open and honest with each other about the why’s, how’s and when’s then relax, have some fun.

    It’s your relationship, you both get to decide on the parameters – no one else.

    If it isn’t fun or safe, then stop.

    Remember if you’re opening up your relationship, or thinking about having sex without condoms, consider talking to your local sexual health clinic about PrEP, getting vaccinations for Hepatitis and HPV.

    Have you got a dilemma or sexual health question? Click here to ask our team.

  • DILEMMA | I found my husband’s Grindr profile. Is he gay?

    DILEMMA | I found my husband’s Grindr profile. Is he gay?

    Dear Uncle

    I found my husband’s Grindr profile. I’m just not sure what to do. My husband and I have been together for ten years – we’re both in our mid-30s now. Last week, while he was in the bath – I was looking through his phone for our holiday snaps. He takes such good photography – but I noticed the Grindr app on it.

    I’ve seen Grindr in action before, because some guys at work have showed me the app. I couldn’t help myself and I opened it up – now I wish I hadn’t. He’s been sending pictures of his dick and ass to lots of fellas – and has been getting them back. I haven’t confronted him yet as I’m just not sure what to do.

    Is he gay?

    If he’s bi – I’m not sure I could stay with him – as I don’t want to end up having to share him with other guys. Breaking up at this point just isn’t doable as far as I can see.

    We’ve recently moved into a new house, the mortgage is massive, I couldn’t pay it by myself and I need to live around here because of my work. Any advice would be most appreciated.

    Mandy

    Ⓒ THEGAYUK

    Dear Mandy

    I bet you’re feeling pretty worried and concerned at the moment – and maybe angry too, but I just want you to take a moment and breathe. Before you do anything just take a breather and keep calm.

    At the moment everything is probably tumbling around your head and you’re in danger of jumping to one assumption to another, totally understandable, but here’s the thing, assumptions are the mother of all f**k ups.

    So that you move out of assumption land into hard fact land, you will need to talk to him.

    Before having the talk you should write down everything you want to say and to ask, but you also need to be open to hearing his answers.

    Find the right time to talk

    Find a time which is going to be good for a good long talk between you both. Not at bedtime, not first thing in the morning before you both go out to work. A weekend might even be the best idea.

    There may well be a totally reasonable answer as to why he’s been sharing pics and getting pics sent back to him. Some straight guys love gay men’s attention. Doesn’t mean that they’re gay or bisexual or that they want to move into any type of same-sex relationship.

    What happens if it all ends?

    That said, there’s also the chance that the conversation could lead to an extinction-level event for your relationship. I know that isn’t what anybody wants, but let’s put that on the table too. THEGAYUK recently spoke to some lawyers about next steps, if your husband comes out and you both decide to end the marriage.

    I will say this though, if he does turn out to be bisexual – this doesn’t necessarily mean that he wants to have sex with other men – or for that matter other women. It’s a cliché that many in the bi community are really keen to eradicate. Just because they are in an opposite-sex relationship doesn’t mean that they want to jump into bed with someone of the same-sex. It also doesn’t mean that they’re more likely to cheat on their partner than somebody who is gay or straight.

    Ultimately, your decisions will be formed by the information that you get when you communicate with him. Don’t be rash and whatever you decide sleep on it before making any firm decisions about what to do next.

    Have you got a dilemma you want to share? Click here to ask your question

  • DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up? (UPDATED)

    DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up? (UPDATED)

    A reader asks whether he should stop hooking up with guys from dating apps, during the coronavirus outbreak.

    Dear Uncle,

    I’m really concerned about the spread of coronavirus and wondering whether hooking up with random guys off grindr is safe.

    What do you suggest?

    Matthew


    In line with advice from the Government and healthcare professionals, it would best for the time being to cease casual hookups and non-essential meetings with people.

    The Government has called upon people to start “social distancing” in order to protect older people and the most vulnerable in society, this includes those living with HIV and AIDS and those who have compromised immune systems.

    Need some guidance or help, we’ve created a page of resources for our community.

    Dear Matthew,

    You ask a good question and one that could be applied to any number of viruses or infections that we face every time we make the decision to hook up with someone random off an app.

    Every time we decide to hook up with someone we haven’t received an entire up-to-date health scan from (read: basically every time) you are at some risk, but overall we make the call that the risk is worth the play.

    So should Coronavirus be any different?

    An agent for change?

    CREDIT: ©-Vadymvdrobot-Depositphotos

    I think coronavirus could be a good engine for change or adaptation for our community. It might invite us to start talking more openly about our sexual health, testing and well-being in general and there’s no harm in having a conversation with someone about their health before you hook up.

    The more we talk about these things, hopefully, the less stigma there is attached to our health.

    Is coronavirus overhyped?

    Despite the massive media attention given to coronavirus, it’s worth acknowledging that every year the human race battles flu, colds and other infections. The LA Times notes that this flu season alone 32 million Americans were infected with influenza, which resulted in 18,000 deaths.

    But with that said, it would be prudent to take some precautions.

    You could ask the person you’re planning to meet with whether they’re likely to have come into contact with the virus – i.e. have they travelled from one of the places hardest hit with the virus – like China, Iran, Italy or South Korea.

    However, given that the incubation period for this virus is assumed to be around two weeks, even someone who isn’t showing any symptoms may actually be carrying the virus.

    Be wary of your own heath – do you have underlying health conditions that could lead to complications should you become infected with the coronavirus.

    Keep the NHS website in your bookmarks for updates from the medical professionals and make your decisions based on their advice.

    Matthew, in the end, it’s up to you. I wouldn’t stop having fun at this stage, but I’d urge you and others to self isolate if you think you’ve started to get symptoms and not just with Corona – don’t hook up with guys if you’ve got a cold, flu or if you’re in treatment for an STI.

    Let’s not spread infections around.

    We’re a community that needs to protect each other.

    While I’m at it, why not go for a sexual health check-up – ask about PrEP, the HPV and Hepatitis vaccines.

    Got a dilemma you’d like us to answer? Click here

  • DILEMMA | After years of trying anal sex is still too painful

    DILEMMA | After years of trying anal sex is still too painful

    What can you do if anal sex is just too painful?

    HEY

    Why does anal sex hurt so much I’ve been having anal sex for years and still hurts to this day

    Bob


    Dear Bob,

    Your question is one that is asked often and one that has many answers. You say that you’ve been having anal sex for many years and it has continuously hurt, but I’d like to understand if this is unbearable pain or discomfort?

    Many guys who bottom will agree that there is a degree of discomfort when it comes to backdoor activities, this is pretty much normal, particularly for newbies to butt sex, but the overall pleasure experienced can often outweigh the discomfort.

    But if you are suffering unbearable pain during sex then you may need to seek medical advice from your GP – as there may be a more pressing underlying issue.

    That said there are a few things that you can try.

    Limit the length

    The Ohnut, was designed for women who suffer from endometriosis, to help limit the amount of penis that actually enters the vagina, but it can easily work for anal sex too.

    Essentially the Ohnut stops the top from entering you too far – giving you more control over how much cock you’re actually taking.

    Worn externally at the base of a penetrating partner e.g. on their shaft or on a toy, Ohnut compresses down to act as a soft buffer during sex. Each set comes with 4 linking rings that allow you to make simple adjustments, so you and your partner can not only discover comfort but also what depths feel really good for both of you.

    Lube, Lube and more lube

    It goes without saying that lube is always your friend when it comes to sex. I’m sure you’re already using lube but have you tried different types? The lube that you may be using might actually be part of the problem. Don’t just rely on the freebies that you can get from gay bars and clubs.

    There are now lubes specifically designed for anal play, which are thicker and longer-lasting. There are water, silicone and oil-based lubricants available. It might be worth exploring if any of these types make the experience more pleasurable for you. A word of warning though, oil-based lubes are not good for use with condoms.

    There’s also numbing lube, but it might not always be a good idea to use lubes that numb, read this article to find out why.

    Dilating and self play

    Have you tried self play? There are dilators – dildo kits that have a variety of sizes to help you relax the sphincter. You start off with a small insertable and as you become accustomed to the feel and feel you can go larger.

    The best bit about this is it’s all you. There’s no rush and you can take time to find out what feels right for you.

    Are you relaxed?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    One of the biggest issues we face when having butt sex is not the actual mechanics of the butt and all its nerve endings and muscles, it’s actually your mind.

    Are you in a relaxed state? Are you anxious when having sex? Is the sex you’re having, actually the sex you want?

    Only you can answer these questions, but having a think about your mind frame when having sex might lead you to some answers surrounding your discomfort.

    Always remember if sex is just too painful and you want it to stop, then make sure your partner knows and hears you. It’s your body and you don’t have to continue if you don’t want to.

    Have you got a dilemma you’d like to share? Click here to speak to our agony uncle.

  • DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up?

    DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up?

    A reader asks whether he should stop hooking up with guys from dating apps, during the coronavirus outbreak.

    Dear Uncle,

    I’m really concerned about the spread of coronavirus and wondering whether hooking up with random guys off grindr is safe.

    What do you suggest?

    Matthew


    This article has been updated read the new response here.

    Dear Matthew,

    You ask a good question and one that could be applied to any number of viruses or infections that we face every time we make the decision to hook up with someone random off an app.

    Every time we decide to hook up with someone we haven’t received an entire up-to-date health scan from (read: basically every time) you are at some risk, but overall we make the call that the risk is worth the play.

    So should Coronavirus be any different?

    An agent for change?

    CREDIT: ©-Vadymvdrobot-Depositphotos

    I think coronavirus could be a good engine for change or adaptation for our community. It might invite us to start talking more openly about our sexual health, testing and well-being in general and there’s no harm in having a conversation with someone about their health before you hook up.

    The more we talk about these things, hopefully, the less stigma there is attached to our health.

    Is coronavirus overhyped?

    Despite the massive media attention given to coronavirus, it’s worth acknowledging that every year the human race battles flu, colds and other infections. The LA Times notes that this flu season alone 32 million Americans were infected with influenza, which resulted in 18,000 deaths.

    But with that said, it would be prudent to take some precautions.

    You could ask the person you’re planning to meet with whether they’re likely to have come into contact with the virus – i.e. have they travelled from one of the places hardest hit with the virus – like China, Iran, Italy or South Korea.

    However, given that the incubation period for this virus is assumed to be around two weeks, even someone who isn’t showing any symptoms may actually be carrying the virus.

    Be wary of your own heath – do you have underlying health conditions that could lead to complications should you become infected with the coronavirus.

    Keep the NHS website in your bookmarks for updates from the medical professionals and make your decisions based on their advice.

    Matthew, in the end, it’s up to you. I wouldn’t stop having fun at this stage, but I’d urge you and others to self isolate if you think you’ve started to get symptoms and not just with Corona – don’t hook up with guys if you’ve got a cold, flu or if you’re in treatment for an STI.

    Let’s not spread infections around.

    We’re a community that needs to protect each other.

    While I’m at it, why not go for a sexual health check-up – ask about PrEP, the HPV and Hepatitis vaccines.

    Got a dilemma you’d like us to answer? Click here

  • DILEMMA | I want to dress up as a woman when I have sex. Am I normal?

    DILEMMA | I want to dress up as a woman when I have sex. Am I normal?

    A reader asks our agony uncle whether he’s normal for wanting to dress up in women’s clothing when he has sex.

    Dear Uncle

    I’m a man who likes the idea of dressing up in women’s clothes during sex. I’m not trans and I’m happy with my body, but the idea of wearing feminine clothes whilst having sex with another guy a turn on. Do you have any advice on cross-dressing for fun? Is it normal?

    Mike, 28

    Dear Mike,

    The question isn’t really whether it’s normal – if it’s what you want to do and you’re with someone else who’s digging it then who gives a flying monkey if it’s “normal”?

    There are plenty of guys out there who want to crossdress and there’s also plenty of guys out there who are into that as well – you’re not alone.

    Get an online profile

    First off set up a profile on your hook up app/website of choice setting out your preferences and the parameters of what you’re looking for. Are you just looking for NSA sex or are you wanting a relationship?

    Are you looking for guys to only see you in your feminine attire or do you want people to know you as a whole?

    Maybe add a photo and some details about what you’re looking for and offering.

    I would say that it’s best to let people know what you’re into first rather than spring it on them after a number of dates.

    Just like any pre-meet chat, it’s pretty typical and good to be kept informed on what they want and expect and, of course, visa versa. Dropping into the conversation that you want to try cross-dressing will mean that others can decide whether they’re into it as well, that way they’ll be no crossed wires.

    Be sure to check out our Hook Up and Dating App safety article.

    Another suggestion is the dating site https://tvchix.com/ , which welcomes, “all TV’s, CD’s, TG’s, admirers, their partners and friends”

    Real-world experience

    You could also check your local gay sauna to see if they have any cross-dressing or trans / CD nights where you can dress up however you want. Some venues offer this service so it’s worth checking them out.

    And then, of course, you could also seek the services of a professional. Sir Dave, one of the UK’s foremost Fetish specialists told us, “Over the years I have had many clients with an interest in cross-dressing visit me. Many have never dressed in front of anyone before and it is so important to me that they feel comfortable and respected and given a safe space in which to explore their interests and fetishes. Cross-dressing is done for so many different reasons, some times just to explore the feeling.

    “Whatever their reason for it, I provide a safe, discreet space for them to enjoy and build their confidence.”

    Have you got a dilemma you want to share? Click here and let us know what’s going on with you.