The PrEP drug has been a game changer in the field of HIV prevention, but is it available on the NHS for gay and bisexual men?
It all depends is the short answer. PrEP is not freely available on the NHS in most parts of the UK, but you can take part in a trial in which 10,000 gay and bisexual men (and other people at a higher risk of getting HIV) can get the drug for free. The trial began in 2017 and is called the IMPACT trial. You can find out which areas are taking part in the trial and whether they still have availability for men to join.
Many clinics outside London are still looking for participants.
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.
Does PrEP stop other STIs?
Pharmacy2U’s Clinical Governance Pharmacist Phil Day gave this warning however on why sometimes using a condom when having sex is best practice,
“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, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
It’s a thing and for the brave who undertake this procedure can expect results which make their buttholes look years younger than they actually are, by helping the muscles relax, but come on, who really who wants loosening up down there?
So what does Anal Botox do?
Just like facial Botox, muscles are frozen and relaxed – and effectively stop working – or have their function greatly reduced for a period of time, usually six months.
Some guys, who have had it, say that their holes look 20 years younger – but aren’t a-holes meant to look like a pair of pursed lips of a 40-a-day-Coronation-Street-extra?
But wait, there is a medical reason for injecting botulinum into your arsehole.
It can also be used to treat an anal fissure. Anal fissures are caused by trauma or injury to the anal canal. The fissure can cause bleeds, especially when you poop. It’s very uncomfortable. Fissures can usually heal on their own, however, if a fissure lasts longer than six weeks medicine or surgery may be needed. However, it’s been discovered that injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox) directly into the sphincter will paralyse it temporarily, which will reduce pain and encourage healing.
Anal botox isn’t just for aesthetic reasons. It can be used in the treatment of anal fissures.
And what of the incontinence?
We asked Doctor Rick Viney consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, who told us that anal botox does indeed relax and loosen the sphincter, think Martini’s and a smooth chat up line for your butthole but using a needle and a medical profession on the other end of it.
He adds, “It’s not unsafe but if the dose is a little strong you can expect some faecal incontinence. It’s not permanent and will wear off after 4 to 9 months”.
However, the results aren’t immediate, Viney reveals,”Remember it takes a week or two to work so take things easy straight after treatment”.
Oh, and you may not be able to control your farts either.
Poppers are known to enhance sexual experiences and some believe they make anal sex easier as they can help a person relax their sphincter muscles, but when you inhale, most people find that they get a headache… but why?
When you inhale, the chemicals in poppers dilate your blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow to your heart and your brain. This is why your face may turn red and your heart thumps a little harder when you take poppers. Many people talk about a warm rush sensation. This is the blood flowing through your body.
The effects are short-term, although the headache might last a little longer!
So what causes the headache when your inhale poppers?
Why do poppers cause a headache?
It’s all to do with how the chemicals react to your own physiology. When you snort or inhale your blood vessels dilate, meaning they get bigger, which means your blood has the chance to rush through your system. It also means your blood pressure becomes very low. Headaches can be one of the symptoms of low blood pressure.
All that fresh blood pumping around can get the heart pumping quicker. But soon after the blood vessels start to restrict again. The dilation and constricting of blood vessels in the brain can trigger the pain centres of the brain, which might cause the headache you feel after using poppers.
Drinking alcohol while taking poppers might also exacerbate the issue.
The thing to remember is this, if you’re not enjoying it or are worried stop using them. The rush will end after two to four minutes, but your headache might last for an hour. Take an aspirin and a glass of water.
One of the major concerns for gay men who have had prostate surgery to remove the prostate gland is whether they can ever bottom again.
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The prostate is often referred to as the G Spot for men, or indeed, trans women. It has tonnes of nerve endings and when manipulated, it can cause huge amounts of pleasure for the recipient. Due to its placement in the body, the only way to access the prostate is either through fingering, anal sex or sounding.
What and where is the prostate?
The Prostate is a satsuma sized gland, located between the penis and bladder. Its function is to help in the production of semen. It produces the white fluid which is mixed with sperm created in the testicles.
What happens when the prostate is removed?
Removing the prostate is an operation which will be done under general anaesthetic, and it’s called a prostatectomy. This is where the entire or part of the prostate gland is removed. Usually due to cancer, but it might be removed for other reasons.
The operation does carry risks, including erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and loss of ejaculation, however, it doesn’t mean that sex for gay men has to stop.
In order to check the health of your prostate, you might receive a rectal examination.
Can you have gay sex after prostate surgery?
One reader recently asked whether it was safe for him to bottom again after surgery. We asked Doctor Rick Viney, a consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, whether it was possible to bottom, or be the receptive partner in anal sex after a prostatectomy, he told us,
“With plenty of lube and going very gently at first there should be no problems.
“Now the prostate has gone the sensations may be diminished.
“Probably best done on an empty bladder as there may be a risk of some urinary incontinence unless you are ok with that – you might want to warn a potential partner of this possibility, beforehand.”
In our podcast with Prostate Cancer survivor Martin Wells he told us, depending on your treatment, you could lose your ability to get a self-maintained erection, but said, that even though he couldn’t have sex in the same way as he had before his treatment, he learned a brand new way of being intimate with his partner. He now enjoys a more tantric approach to sex.
As always, it’s always best to ask your own physician or GP after surgery to see if there might be any other complications.
Poppers are a well-known, legal aroma used by many bi and gay men during sex, but are they safe to use?
Are poppers safe to use?
Poppers have a long history in the lives of gay men. They are often used during sex and when inhaled can create a head rush, like a “high”.
They are known to enhance sexual experiences and some believe they make anal sex easier. When you inhale, the chemicals in poppers dilate your blood vessels – which allows more blood to flow to your heart. This is why your face may turn red and your heart thumps a little harder when you take poppers. The effects are short-term, although the headache might last a little longer!
How do you take poppers?
How do you do take poppers?
Poppers come in small glass bottles, usually brown with bright wrapping. They are sold as room aromas, and the idea is that you leave the cap off the top and let the aroma permeate the room. However, many people inhale directly from the bottle.
What are poppers made of?
The ingredients of poppers have changed over time, they used to be made of amyl nitrate. However today, they are made from alkyl nitrites. Specific alkyl nitrites include butyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite and amyl nitrite.
What does it look like?
Most poppers come in a small bottle, which is sealed and has a child-proof cap. The bottle is usually covered with a bright, colourful plastic brand wrap.
They are dangerous, potentially lethal if swallowed.
Are they safe?
Poppers are generally safe to use, although they can cause death if swallowed. Also, people who have heart problems should stay away from using them – especially when combined with other medications, such as viagra. They can cause a person’s blood pressure to drop incredibly low.
If you mixed poppers with other drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, MDNA the oxygen supply to your vital organs might be affected, which could cause a coma or even death.
The chemicals are irritating and will cause chemical burns if you get it on the skin. It can cause a rash around the nostrils.
After inhaling many people also talk about a banging headache, although it shouldn’t last long.
In 2014 optometrists warned about vision loss in those who habitually use poppers. There have been reports of temporary and permanent vision loss. It is referred to as “poppers maculopathy”. If you experience any issues with your eyesight you should seek medical advice.
Poppers are also highly flammable.
Sexual health risk?
Are there risks to your health by taking poppers?
Poppers can cause a person to undertake sexual activity that might be risky. Getting carried away in the moment, means that users could try to go further than they otherwise might – for instance, try rougher anal sex, fisting or double penetration.
GMFA warns, “As poppers expand your blood vessels inside the arse, the chance of anal bleeding increases and makes it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream. Poppers can also influence you to have rougher sex, like fisting, which also increases the chance of bleeding.”
Are they legal?
Yes, poppers made from alkyl nitrite (Isopropyl Nitrite) is legal to buy (not for human consumption) however, amyl nitrite is a controlled substance under the Medicines Act 1968. Poppers made from Butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite have been illegal for a number of years. Website TalkToFrank reveals, “Poppers are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but amyl nitrite is regulated under the Medicines Act 1968 and there have been cases where the Medicines Act was used to fine shops for selling poppers. Poppers are also covered by general consumer protection legislation. Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.”
“So suppliers of air fresher for example and potentially florists could be arrested because the scent given off by roses makes people feel romantic, makes them feel better.
“By the strict definition of the law they are supplying a substance which when inhaled through sniffing changes your mental state, that’s how ridiculous this law is.”
** We corrected the right chemical which is legal in the UK.
Is herpes only transmittable with penetrative sex or can you get from oral sex as well?
There are two main types of herpes, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV1 tends to affect the mouth. HSV2 tends to affect the anus or vagina, both, however, are transmitted by direct touch contact.
So yes, you can get herpes (on your genitals) from someone who has a cold sore.
HSV1 tends to show itself as cold sores, HSV2 tends to show itself as genital herpes. There is no known cure for herpes, but its symptoms can be controlled. Medications like Compeed, Zovirax or Bonjela can help with cold sores, or genital herpes can be controlled with Aciclovir Tablets.
The problem is that herpes is often unknowingly spread amongst people, meaning people either don’t know they have it – or it’s still contagious even when there are no visible symptoms.
How can you protect yourself from Herpes?
Protection, such as condoms, during sex – whether it is oral or anal, is the only real way of making sure that you don’t contract herpes.
Most people have at least one of the strains…
What’s more many people have at least one of the strains. It’s estimated that between 50 and 80 per cent of adults have oral herpes, according to the World Health Organization. That means your risk of getting herpes is actually quite high.
Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Rick Viney a urology surgeon from the BMI The Priory said, “The two principal strains of herpes are hsv1 and hsv2. Hsv1 classically affects the mouth and hsv2 the vagina and anus. These are transmitted by direct contact, so it is entirely possible for the two strains to end up in the wrong place during oral sex. “
So HSV1 can cause genital herpes, and HSV2 can cause cold sores. The only way to stop transferal is by using condoms or a dental dam.
Shooting a film takes a long time, there are loads of things to think about… angles, lighting, press shots, pack shots for the DVD (who still buys porn DVDs?)). The lists go on, but the performers have to stay hard – sometimes for hours on end. So how do they do it?
Firstly there are the oral meds that performers can take. Viagra for instance.
Pornstar Michael McLachlan told us, “Yes, of course, we take pills to help us get hard and stay hard during filming. Some scenes can take 3 hours some can take 5 hours. We have to do all the still images and promotional images that day also for DVD covers etc. So yeah we need something to sustain an erection while taking photos and no sexual stimulation is happening. We aren’t magicians. Though some guys can fit a lot up their ‘sleeve’”.
Injectables
Some guys take it one step further and use injectables, directly into their penises, which can cause erections without arousal. An “anonymous” legal rep for a gay porn star told Quora users, “Liquid ED drugs are injected straight into the penis. It lasts for 6-8 hours.
Fluffers?
Remember the term “fluffers”, well apparently studios used to hire someone specifically to get the guy ready and up before the scene’s start.
Our anon legal rep continues, “… and fluffers were used to keep male actors hard. Before you ask, a fluffer is a male or female who fellates the actor’s penis just long enough to keep it aroused. In the 70s and 80s were actually hired and regularly paid to be “at the ready”
Pumps
Then there are the pumps. Pumps aren’t used that often because overusing them can actually be dangerous, and could lead to a burst blood vessel in the peen. Not nice.
The edit
Then there’s always editing. You know a scene might last more than a day. The stars may actually cum quite early on in the day and then come back to it, later on, and do different angles and positions later on in the day.
Mark Myers, a sexual health expert on Quora said, “Porn stars may last longer than the average man, but a lot of what you see in porn is not “real”. For example, directors shoot multiple takes and lots of footage just to create one 20 minute scene.
“Still, it’s reasonable to assume that male porn stars train themselves to last longer by practising deep breathing, frequently changing positions (and sometimes exercising during sex), and of course, lots of practice.”
There are many Gay Saunas or to use the Americanism, gay bathhouses, in the UK – but are they legal?
The short answer is yes, gay saunas are legal in England and Wales. They are also legal in Scotland, however, sexual activity is not permitted by the license that these venues must have.
In 2013 Police in Scotland called for a ban on the availability of condoms in all saunas in a crackdown on sex workers in Edinburgh. They also called on the licensing committee that “no items of a sexual nature will be permitted on the premises” should be included when reconsidering licenses.
Police in Scotland also raided two saunas who found during their inspection, “officers found evidence to indicate that the premises were used for activities other than those permitted by the licence, specifically sexual activity”.
As long as you are just paying for entry to the club to have consensual sex with other members who are also in the club, for no financial reward, then that is legal. As long as the club has no control over others who are having sex in the club that is also lawful.
Getting your profile picture is so important – first impressions count.
Your dating profile picture is the first thing that other members will see of you, so take some time to get it right. We’ve put together some tips on what works and what doesn’t work for the perfect profile picture.
It goes without saying that your profile picture should be of you. We’re not fond of catfishing, fraud or just pictures of cartoon characters. You’re a real person, so a real picture of you is best.
Remember what they say first impressions can last a lifetime so make sure, when you’re choosing yours, that it reflects exactly how you want to portray yourself.
So here are our top tips:
Recent photos
Make sure your profile picture is recent. We’ve all heard the stories of people turning up to dates only to discover that the person they meet is a good ten years older than their profile photo. It’s a bit like trades description. People want to know who they are meeting – a trustworthy and honest person will have an up-to-date, recent picture of themselves. It’ll also help identify you if you guys actually meet in real life.
Ever wondered why it hurts when you’re having sex?
Partner not being patient
There’s no rush and it’s not a race, so STFD (slow the F down). It can take time to the receptive partner ready – regardless what you see in porn, or that infamous spit and shove scene in Brokeback Mountain – you shouldn’t really just start ploughing – you could cause damage. The more effort you put in at the beginning will pay dividends for the long play.
Piles
You might have them not even know about it. Some piles are inside you – and you won’t even know that they are there until – pop! People who have piles complain that they are itchy and stinging. If you have that sensation it might be worth getting some medical advice – and lay off the anal sex for a few weeks.
If you’re suffering from haemorrhoids you can buy Preparation H or Germaloids online and this should help ease them away and give yourself a few days rest from sex to help you heal.
You have a sexual health issue
STIs can play havoc with your private parts causing untold itches, stinging and throbbings. If you’re sexually active go get checked out at your nearest sexual health clinic.
You’re not relaxed
Again take it slow. The anus is not self-lubricating and needs a little attention before your partner can go full steam ahead. Make sure you spend a little time on foreplay. And make sure there’s lube – plenty of it.
