Post-pandemic, many of us have found ourselves feeling more lonely than we ever have. Sure, we may have more ways to connect than ever before, but let’s face it, Grindr chats and Zoom meetings can only go so far.
A recent survey of 2000 adults conducted by Santander UK showed that around a fifth of people are feeling increasingly isolated during the pandemic. While 14% of people worry that they have lost friends forever due to not being able to meet with them.
Currently, a fifth of the population live alone and 38 per cent currently feel lonely – 14 per cent more than those who reside with someone else.
Being LGBT+ can also exacerbate loneliness issues, with many feeling that they already live on the periphery of society, so a question posed recently on Reddit revealed how some gay guys are dealing with their loneliness.
Passing the time with entertainment
If I’m feeling lonely I read books. TONS OF BOOKS. It puts me in the characters lives and it usually makes me feel better. VIA
Another added,
I tend to throw myself at hobbies. Biggest one right now is reading but I also build models. Another big one is art. I’ve been challenging myself to draw dumb stuff but only with a pen. This way if I mess up, I have to figure a way to incorporate it into the drawing. It’s pretty fun actually. VIA
Do more of what makes you happy
Take the time to focus on yourself and what makes you happy, besides having a snuggle partner or boyfriend. Find things that make you, the individual, happy, like photography, hiking, writing or cooking for example. When you find things that you enjoy, you’ll realize that when someone does come along, he’ll be an addition to your happiness and not your only reason for happiness. VIA
I’m lucky enough to live close to a really some incredible county parks systems and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, OH. It’s not anything special, we’re not talking the Pacific Northwest or the Rockys, but it’s a quiet large outdoor space I go to when I’m lonely or upset. It feels like MY special place. Running really changed my life. I go maybe 7 or 8 miles and then if I’m still feeling rough or have more time to kill, I’ll go for a hike after but definitely didn’t start at that rate. VIA
Loneliness the new hunger?
Loneliness is like hunger, it’s your mind’s way of letting you know that you need to socialize. VIA
Don’t allow loneliness to be all-consuming
Seeking companionship is important, but, you shouldn’t allow it to destroy you. Even in a relationship, these views can break you apart. You may want to find the source. Finding why you feel this way is an important step. Don’t use your phone before bed or watch tv late, it will help you with sleep. I’ve constantly felt that way in the past, feeling empty and lonely, it’s just a moment, it will pass. Find you. VIA
Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the anus, the opening at the end of the gastrointestinal tract through which stool leaves the body. The anus is a complex structure that includes various types of cells, and anal cancer can develop from any of these cell types. Most anal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which originate in the squamous cells lining the anal canal.
Cancer can present with a variety of signs and symptoms. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms and consult your GP if they occur.
The signs and symptoms of anal cancer include:
Rectal Bleeding: This is the most common symptom. It may appear as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool.
Anal Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain, discomfort, or a sensation of fullness in the anal area.
Anal Itching: Itching in the anal region, which may be persistent.
Lump or Mass: Feeling a lump or mass near the anus. This may be externally visible or palpable inside the anal canal.
Changes in Bowel Habits: This can include changes in the size or shape of the stool, difficulty controlling bowel movements (fecal incontinence), or a persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement.
Discharge from the Anus: Unusual discharge, including mucus or pus.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of the lymph nodes in the anal or groin area.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without a known reason.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or fatigue.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical advice for further evaluation and diagnosis is important. Early detection and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcomes.
What can cause anal cancer?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: HPV is a major risk factor for this type of cancer. Certain strains of HPV are known to cause changes in the anal cells that can lead to cancer.
Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of developing many cancers, including anal cancer.
Immunosuppression: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking immunosuppressive drugs, are at higher risk.
Age: The risk of cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 50.
History of Other Cancers: Trans men who have a history of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancers have a higher risk of developing anal cancer.
Receptive Anal Intercourse: Engaging in receptive anal sex increases the risk due to potential HPV exposure and trauma to the anal area.
Youthful skin is characterized by its smooth texture, even tone, firmness, and radiant glow. It’s often free from common signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Achieving and maintaining youthful skin involves a combination of proper skin care, healthy lifestyle choices, and protection from environmental damage. By understanding and implementing effective habits, you can preserve your skin’s vitality and keep it looking fresh and vibrant well into your later years.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and helps maintain its elasticity. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day. Also, incorporate foods with high water content like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon into your diet.
2. Use Sunscreen Daily
Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature ageing. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy. This helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles and age spots.
3. Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine
Develop a simple skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil, exfoliate a couple of times a week to get rid of dead skin cells, and apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial for skin regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Quality sleep helps reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes and gives your skin time to repair and renew.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats supports skin health. Foods like berries, nuts, fish, and leafy greens can help keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can lead to breakouts and dull skin.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to these tips, and you’ll keep that youthful glow for years to come!
Many people will expect you to be in great spirits at Christmas but don’t necessarily take into account why you may appear to be down. For those of us who experience negative thoughts or feelings at Christmas, it can be hard to admit that at such a festive time of the year that you don’t share in the delight of the holidays. However, more people are struggling than you think. Making the decision to talk about your feelings and share them with those around you can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times – especially when you discover that many of the people around you may find themselves in the same position!
Be picky with social engagements – they are not obligations!
It’s extremely easy to get burnt out over Christmas and New Year. Between work parties, spending time with friends, the intensity of family gatherings and then the pressure of New Year, many people are sucked into giving away too much of their free time and ending up extremely tired, lethargic and blue. Make time for the people you care most about, but ensure that you take enough time for yourself to recover and relax.
The weather influences the way in which we behave every day – it dictates the food we eat, the clothes we decide to wear, and to some extent where we decide to go. However, for millions of people in the UK, the short, dark days around Christmas and New Year can have a disastrous impact on health and wellbeing, triggering the onset of a depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
There are, however, plenty of ways to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and exposing yourself to as much sunlight as possible are of course extremely important, but you could also consider other options such as light boxes and dawn simulators to help regulate your circadian rhythms.
SAD is also closely linked with a lack of vitamin D which your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight – given that sunlight is in fairly short supply in the UK at Christmas, it may be worth getting your vitamin levels checked – using vitamin D supplements could certainly help to resolve any deficit you may have.
Reduce alcohol consumption
http://gty.im/159602791
For the heavier drinkers, those trying to cut back, and people who perhaps have a poor relationship with alcohol, my suggestions for remaining sober and in control at Christmas are as follows:
Take your favourite non-alcoholic drinks to any parties or gatherings, for example soda water, ginger beers or lemonade. This will help you to blend in with a glass in your hand, you’ll feel less conspicuous, and will likely avoid being asked for a drink every few minutes
Plan activities that will get you out of a setting in which you would typically find a drink in your hand – for example, winter walks, going to the cinema, family activities at home, etc.
Be assertive: a lot of people will likely question you on your decision not to drink. Some will be genuinely interested; others may just enjoy poking fun. However, if you ensure you come prepared with a short but effective summary or spiel as to why you’re deciding not to drink, this will really help you to avoid peer pressure and take ownership of your decision.
It’s very easy to become inactive and sedentary at Christmas. The food, the presents and the time spent with close ones can compound with the often poor weather to make the prospect of exercise daunting. However, regular exercise can boost your self-esteem (especially for those who enjoy the chocolate at Christmas), and will also help you to sleep better and get the rest that so many of us look forward to in the run up to Christmas.
If you’re having difficulty during the fesitve season and have no one to talk to, you can reach out to Samaritans or the LGBT+ helpline, Switchboard
Is the time you’re spending on Grindr time well spent? Are you getting what you want out of it, or do you find yourself spiralling after a night of tapping, blocking and messaging? Do you think you might have a Grindr Addiction?
Table of Contents
What is Grindr Addiction?
Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disease that is usually characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite the harmful consequences that may result. It is often characterised by a physical and psychological dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, food or yes, even Grindr.
Addiction is considered a chronic disease because it often involves long-term changes to the brain’s reward system and other areas involved in motivation, memory, and decision-making. These changes can make it difficult for individuals to control their impulses and make rational choices, even when they are aware of the negative consequences of their behaviour.
Addiction can have a significant impact on someone’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It is treatable, but recovery can be a long and challenging process that requires ongoing support and commitment.
To be fair it doesn’t have to be Grindr it could be any of the dating / hook-up app, but Grindr is, by far the most used and wide spread of the hook up apps catering for gay, bi and curious men.
During the pandemic it was one of the only ways that gay guys could keep in touch with other gay guys. It was and still is a community. In many ways it has become what gay bars used to be for the gay community. It’s a place were people can meet, chat, talk sex and well, you get the picture.
In fact for many guys it’s become a way of life, for some it is life.
Grindr Addiction. Spending too much time chatting can be a sign of addiction.
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate a grindr addiction. These can include:
Feeling a compulsive need to check dating apps throughout the day. Are you sneaking a peak during work hours, or even during times when you really shouldn’t be checking them? Like on a date with another guy?
Neglecting other responsibilities, such as work, school, or social activities, in favour of using dating apps. Is the pull of dating apps so strong that you can’t focus on work anymore? Spending too much time doing this could lead to issues at work such as bad performance reviews, poor co-worker relationships and potentially the inability to complete tasks.
Feeling a sense of anxiety or withdrawal when not using dating apps. Do you get a dreaded feeling when your battery starts to die or there’s no wifi so you can’t log in to your favourite dating app? Do you start to get agitated, angry or withdrawn when you can’t log in?
Continuing to use dating apps despite experiencing negative consequences, such as failed relationships or social isolation. Despite the fact that the apps can leave you feeling depressed, dejected and lonely, do you find yourself still using them?
Spending excessive amounts of time swiping or scrolling through dating profiles. Swiping or tapping over and over, on a never-ending quest to find Mr Right?
Giving up activities. Giving up hobbies, social activities, or other interests in favour of spending countless hours online.
Changes in behaviour. Changes in personality or behaviour, such as mood swings or becoming isolated or secretive.
Is there a way of overcoming Grindr Addiction?
If you or someone you know is struggling with a dating app addiction, here are some steps that may help:
Acknowledge the problem: The first step to overcoming any addiction is to recognize that there is a problem. Acknowledge that your use of dating apps has become compulsive and is having a negative impact on your life.
Set goals: Decide what you want to achieve by reducing your use of dating apps. Setting specific goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
Create a plan: Create a plan for reducing your use of dating apps. This might include setting limits on the amount of time you spend using them or deleting the apps altogether.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family members, or a mental health professional for support. Talking to others about your addiction can help you feel less isolated and more motivated to change. You could even check out self-help groups like Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous.
Find other activities: Identify other activities that you enjoy and that can serve as a healthy distraction from dating apps. This might include exercise, hobbies, or social activities with friends.
Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is important for overcoming addiction. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dating app addiction, seeking professional help is recommended. Visit our wellness resource page for phone lines and help charities.
Being a gay man can present unique challenges when it comes to mindfulness. With discrimination and stereotyping prevalent in society, finding peace and acceptance within oneself can be difficult. However, with dedication and practice, it is possible to cultivate a mindful mindset that fosters compassion, positivity, and self-love.
Here are five ways to be more mindful as a gay man.
Start with Your Breath
Mindfulness begins with the breath. Take a few minutes each day to simply focus on your breathing. Notice the sensation of the air entering and exiting your body. When your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. This practice can help to calm your mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
Embrace Your Body
As a gay man, you may have struggled with body image issues or societal pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty. However, true mindfulness involves accepting and embracing your body as it is. Practice gratitude for your body and all that it does for you, and engage in self-care activities that make you feel good, such as exercise or a relaxing bath.
Build Loving Connections
Mindfulness involves connecting with others in a positive and meaningful way. Seek out relationships that uplift and support you, whether with friends, family, or a romantic partner. Openly express your emotions and listen to the emotions of others with an open heart.
Let Go of Judgment
Judgmental thoughts towards oneself and others can block the path to mindfulness. Practice non-judgment by observing your thoughts without attaching value judgments to them. Instead of criticizing yourself or others, approach situations with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Celebrate Your Authentic Self
As a gay man, embracing your authenticity is key to mindfulness. Celebrate your unique qualities and interests, and don’t be afraid to express them. Be open to exploring new experiences and opportunities that align with your true self. When you live authentically, you cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfilment.
Incorporating these practices into your daily life can help you cultivate a more mindful, compassionate, and authentic mindset as a gay man. As you embark on your mindfulness journey, remember to be kind to yourself and approach each day with openness and curiosity. With time and practice, mindfulness can become a powerful tool to help you navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
A survey has shown that a majority of men want to be able to cry more without the fear of being judged, because of, yep, toxic masculinity.
But crying isn’t the only activity men want to do more of. According to a recent YouGov poll currently, one in twenty men now wear makeup, but the number of those who would actually want to wear it is far higher.
A new survey of around 1,200 men conducted by Direct2Florist shows that if it wasn’t for the fear of being judged a whopping 65% would wear makeup.
[totalpoll id=”126354″]
And judgement from others wasn’t just stopping guys from applying some foundation. Shockingly 73% would be more physically affectionate with friends, 70% would like to admit they loved bubble baths and weirdly 55% said they’d read more novels by female authors if they didn’t feel so judged.
This week, Harry Styles sparks debate by appearing on the cover of Vogue in a dress.
Whilst trends are changing, it’s clear there’s a push-and-pull between toxic masculinity and changing gender roles.
Toxic masculinity and its prevalence in society is holding back men from doing so much, including, loving musicals, loving bubble baths and worryingly crying in front of other people.
Simon Stirling, MD of Direct2Florist, said, “Harry Styles wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue has sparked debate about masculinity and gender norms in 2020. Whilst most have seen the look as a positive, some have reacted uncomfortably towards the look. We’ve recently noticed consumer trends suggesting a rise in men buying flowers for themselves and this, along with conversation off the back of the Vogue cover, lead to the debate around what men are comfortable with these days. Our survey has revealed there’s still a long way to go for most.”
“Whilst some of these, like liking rom coms and having bubble baths are a little bit silly, some, like not being comfortable crying or being affectionate with friends, do suggest the challenges some are still dealing with when it comes to toxic masculinity. This year especially mental health is more important than ever, and with International Men’s Day this week it’s important any men struggling make a point of opening up to friends and family.”
Millions of people unable to leave their homes due to new lockdown restricions enacted by the government, but it’s important to remember, that if you’re or you know someone who is in danger from someone you or they live with, that there are resources to help.
Northumbria’s police force was keen to say that they were there to support survivors during the next month and beyond.
If your home is not save seek support
Northumbria Police’s Detective Superintendent Deborah Alderson, of the Safeguarding Department, said: “We know that home is not a safe place for those experiencing domestic abuse, and another lockdown vastly limits a physical escape and access to friends, family and support networks.
“If your home is not a safe environment then we urge you to seek support, to contact police. We will do everything we can do to support you which can include finding safe accommodation for you and your children or removing abusers from homes.
“The police are always here for you and lockdown should not mean locked up with your abuser. Anyone suffering abuse is allowed to leave their home and seek support from police, charities, friends or family.”
What are the helplines available for victims of domestic abuse
We speak with Dr Simon Rosser and Dr Bill West, editors of Gay & Bisexual Men Living With Prostate Cancer, about the 12 things that we need to be aware of when it comes to Prostate Cancer.
1. How common is prostate cancer in our community?
Prostate cancer is the #1 invasive cancer for men and the most common cancer in the gay male community. One in seven gay men will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Since gay male couples have two prostates, they have twice the risk than heterosexual couples or a one-in-three chance.
2. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
(C) BIGSTOCK
Prostate cancer typically develops without symptoms which is why it needs to be detected through a blood test (the Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA test) and by a doctor feeling for any abnormalities during a digital rectal (or finger up the butt) exam.
Two common prostate problems should not be confused with prostate cancer. As we age, our prostates typically get larger which can lead to problems urinating. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Prostatitis refers to when the prostate gets infected or inflamed.
3. So, what causes prostate cancer?
Older men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and black men are at greater risk of diagnosis and/or worse outcomes. Our research indicates that HIV positive men and bisexual-identified men have worse outcomes than HIV negative men and gay-identified men, respectively. Gay “lifestyle” factors – such as being gay versus straight, lots of sex or no sex, amount and rigour of receptive anal sex, smoking, drug and alcohol use, a history of sexually transmitted diseases and long-distance cycling – have not been associated with greater risk or worse outcomes.
4. Why is prostate cancer in gay men an issue?
Different prostate cancer treatments have different effects on our sexual functioning. About 20 per cent of patients treated with radiation experience radiated bowel, which makes receptive anal sex painful to impossible. Conversely, almost all men treated with surgery (and many with radiation as well) will have erection difficulties, after treatment, making bottoming very challenging. Treatment can also effect penis size, ability to ejaculate, the experience of orgasm, pleasure in receptive sex, and urinary problems during sex or at orgasm.
This makes it important to discuss gay sex with your specialist as part of choosing which treatment will have the least side effects for you.
5. If I want to be checked for prostate cancer, what should I know?
The typical test for prostate cancer involves both a blood test and a digital rectal exam. Because massage of the prostate may hypothetically affect the blood results, we recommend you refrain from receptive anal sex or other anal stimulation for 48 hours before the blood is drawn and make sure the blood is drawn before the digital exam.
6. Does being diagnosed mean you have to be treated?
No. Many men with low-risk prostate cancer never need treatment. Instead, they go on active surveillance. This simply involves having a blood test every three months to monitor the amount of prostate-specific antigen in their blood. This may also involve additional biopsies to track if the cancer is changing.
7. Is prostate cancer contagious?
No, if your boyfriend, husband or a male sex partner has prostate cancer, you cannot get it from him. Prostate cancer is not sexually transmitted.
8. What’s it like to be diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Fortunately, prostate cancer has an excellent (over 99%) survival rate provided it is treated early. We are a male couple where both of us have been diagnosed. Here’s what to expect. The initial diagnosis can be scary and requires a biopsy which can be uncomfortable. Don’t panic. Most prostate cancer is slow-growing so in many cases, you can go at your own pace. Gay men are more likely to feel isolated or go through treatment alone, so it’s important to reach out for support. Prepare a list of questions before each consultation and ask them at your next visit. Bring your man (if partnered) or a friend (if single) to the consultation, both for support and to listen to what the specialist says. Deciding if you need treatment and what treatment is best for you are critical milestones, where many patients seek a second (or third) opinion.
9. How does it affect being gay?
Because it’s cancer and because it affects our sexual functioning, many gay prostate cancer patients report feeling less than other gay men. There’s a stigma to having prostate cancer which can affect our sexual self-esteem, sense of attractiveness and potency. And because it affects erections, some men may become more at risk for HIV if their erections are not strong enough for condoms or if they decide to bottom more instead.
10. What’s gay sex like after treatment?
Everyone is different. In our experience, good sex is definitely possible after treatment but it is challenging. It takes time and patience (up to two years post-treatment), commitment to sex as a priority, good communication between partners, lots of sexual rehabilitation exercises, and flexibility. The biggest loss we had to deal with was spontaneity – erections don’t just happen, and we have to plan sex if it is to be successful. We found erectile drugs and vacuum pumps to be a help as well.
11. What should I think about in choosing a specialist?
Know that many urologists and oncologists see themselves as technologists focused on survival. Not all are good at talking to patients or discussing sex. While survival is obviously important, quality of life is as well. Most gay and bisexual men are sexually active and want to remain so after treatment. So, it’s critical to find a specialist you can be open with, and have your questions answered. When making an appointment, ask for a specialist who is comfortable discussing the sexual effects of treatment. And if they seem uncomfortable or unknowledgeable about sex between men, seek a second or third opinion until you find someone you can trust.
12. If I’m gay, bisexual or a man who has sex with men living with prostate cancer, where can I get help?
For more information: See our just published book, J. M. Ussher, J. Perz, B. R. S. Rosser, Gay and Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery (Harrington Part Press, New York 2018). For support services: Malecare.org is the largest provider of online support worldwide and has groups specifically for gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients.
To get involved in research: At the University of Minnesota, we are conducting the first, large, NIH-funded study testing online rehabilitation designed by and for gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients living in the US. See: www.restorestudy.umn.edu or email: Restorestudy@umn.edu.
Dr Simon Rosser is a gay men’s health researcher and Dr Bill West a health communication specialist at the University of Minnesota. They specialize in prostate cancer in gay and bisexual men. They co-authored several chapters in J. M. Ussher, J. Perz, B. R. S. Rosser, Gay and Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery (Harrington Park Press, NY, 2018). They are married and out as a gay couple living with prostate cancer.
Syphilis is a sexually acquired infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, a spirochete bacterium.
In the UK, syphilis infection is relatively uncommon but diagnoses in men and women have increased over the past decade. In 2015 there were 107,000 reported deaths from Syphilis worldwide.
Who gets syphilis?
Anyone who has sex can get syphilis. People most at risk are those having unprotected sexual intercourse (i.e. not using a condom or in gay terms, barebacking), those with more than one sexual partner, and those who change partners frequently. The simplest way to protect yourself is with condoms.
How do you catch syphilis?
Syphilis is caught through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal intercourse or genital contact with an infected partner.
Syphilis cannot be caught by casual contact (toilet seats, swimming pools and saunas).
The symptoms of syphilis are not specific. Initial presentation is usually one or more painless but highly infectious sores (primary infection) which appear at the site of infection. These sores disappear within two to six weeks in the absence of treatment.
Secondary symptoms may develop 6 weeks to 6 months after the onset of primary sores. Later symptoms are highly variable, but may include a rash on the palms or soles.
Late syphilis occurs four or more years after an untreated primary infection. Complications may occur in the mucocutaneous tissue, heart, respiratory tract or central nervous system.
How serious is syphilis?
Syphilis can cause a variety of issues from the seemingly unserious, like headaches but can escalate to stroke, hearing loss and sexual dysfunction. The Mayo Clinic lists some of the problems the disease can cause to your nervous system:
Headache
Stroke
Meningitis
Hearing loss
Visual problems, including blindness
Dementia
Loss of pain and temperature sensations
Sexual dysfunction in men (impotence)
Bladder incontinence
Without treatment, syphilis can damage your heart, brain or other organs, and can be life-threatening.
What protection is there against syphilis?
Sexually active people can reduce their risk of syphilis by reducing their numbers of partners and using condoms or dental dams.
How is syphilis diagnosed?
Syphilis can be diagnosed by detection of the organism in the ulcer. Antibodies to syphilis can also be detected in the blood. Samples must be taken by a health care professional.
Genitourinary medicine clinics (also called STI clinics) have the equipment and facilities for testing and for contacting, testing and treating sexual partners. Details of these clinics can be found in the telephone book, from the local hospital or from the NHS choices sexual health website. Clinics are completely confidential and will not inform GPs of results unless requested to do so. Anyone can attend one of these clinics at any age (even if under the age of consent to sex which is 16). Appointments are not required.
A person with suspected syphilis should also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections which may be present without symptoms.
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.
All current and recent sexual partners should be tested and treated to prevent re-infection and the further spread of disease. Treatment should be offered whether or not they show any signs of infection Public Health England’s mission is to protect and improve the nation’s health and to address inequalities through working with national and local government, the NHS, industry and the voluntary and community sector. PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health.
Handy for anyone getting pre-Uni jitters, going to a job interview or wanting an excuse to have more sex!
1) Breathing
It sounds silly as we do it automatically every few seconds of every day. I guess because if we didn’t then we wouldn’t have any stresses at all to worry about! Though I still often hear the phrase, “don’t forget to breath” and why because when we panic we take short little breaths which can make us feel tight and agitated. So when you find yourself in a stressful situation do two things for me. One – Close your eyes. Two – Take in a deep breath to at least the count of six or seven, then control your out-breath to a count of ten or eleven. Then repeat. IF YOU START TO FEEL DIZZY STOP! The closed eyes will allow you to focus on your breath and your breathing will help slow and calm the body allowing you to regroup to tackle any problems.
2) Go for a walk
If you’re in the office then leave your desk and take a walk around the office, be it to the coffee machine or to the toilets. If you’re on a lunch break then try to leave the building. Fresh air and a different surrounding will really help to take away any work-related stresses. Even if you have a deadline approaching a quick five mins walk can help save more time in the long run when you come back refreshed.
3) Hot Bath & Candles
Sounds like a cliché but really can do the trick. I love a hot bath filled with your favourite bath oil or soak. Light a couple of tee lights and turn the lights off. Breath in for six and out for ten, let your mind be free to wander. Breathing. In and out. Stresses of work, relationships, family will try to take over your clearing head as you breathe in and out. In and out. The best advice I was ever given was, when a thought enters your head don’t worry about it appearing, just let it drift away as it drifted in. Breath in and out. Let your thoughts evaporate into the steam of the bath. In and out. You have no worries. You have no stresses. You are enjoying the simplicity of life. Enjoy.
Having yourself available for contact 24hrs a day is not good for your health. You need ‘you time’. Switch off the phone for an hour in the evenings and treat yourself to spending some time with yourself or a loved one. When a phone is switched off you don’t have to worry about life outside of you. If it’s important they can leave a message. I also urge to ditch the phone whilst sleeping. Turn it off and leave in another room, or if it’s your alarm clock then put it as far away from you in the room. Give the brain some time to relax from the positive energies of the phone that still engulf a room when not in use.
5) Drink
Most of us like a good drink now and then. If anything we all think we may drink a bit too much. I know I do, yet I try to convince myself it’s to help me unwind, to help me relax. True, in moderation! If you’re drinking a bottle of wine a night then it’s likely you won’t be getting a good nights sleep and feel groggy in the morning. Tonight why not ditch the bottle and have a peppermint tea instead? It has no caffeine so won’t keep you awake!
Yes, it can be a great relaxant. A good steamy session or even some quality alone time can help muscles to relax and relieve some tension from the body. However please be careful as sex can also cause a lot of stress to your life if you’re having it unprotected and with people you don’t know. A trip to the GUM clinic is not going to help you achieve a more relaxed you!
7) Chocolate
Yes I know I said chocolate and fizzy drinks are bad, but only if they are replacements for your main meals. A little nibble of chocolate (though for me if it’s open, it’s gone!) can give you a little life buzz. It’s these little buzzes that help us to enjoy life.
8) Smiling
It’s true! If you smile you instantly feel better. Go on try it now and prove me wrong. Think of anything that makes you smile. For me there’s a whole bank of ‘smile moments’ in my life, mostly at the expense of family members, sometimes at myself, such as the time I walked into a glass door whilst trying to enter a bar in NY. I may have had a bit to drink and missed the sign that said push but nose-first I left an imprint like an owl does when it’s hit a window at night. My eyes were certainly as wide!
9) Massage
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Having someone else rub oils all over your body and rub all the built-up tension dirt from inside your muscles away is fantastic. I love it. Then again I just like being touched and It can sometimes be a great lead up to tension-busting tip number 6. However not everyone is as free with their bodies, so if you hate the idea of someone else’s sweaty palms prodding you all over then try this. Take a tennis ball and place it on the back of a chair and roll your back over it. This also works for rolling your feet over it to relieve any foot stresses.
10) Eating
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What are you eating and when? Try not to skip meals like breakfast or lunch. Starving the body means it will fight for your attention and when you have a boss fighting for your attention also you don’t need the extra stress of a flagging body! When you do eat try to have something balanced. A good bowl of fruit and cereal for breakfast then a pasta lunch will do you wonders. Don’t replace meals with fizzy drinks or chocolate snacks as they’ll give you a five-minute rush then you’ll feel more tired than you started.
If you can’t have sex with someone else, or that just isn’t yourself then turn to masturbation. There’s a lot of research to show that having a handy shandy can relieve a variety of ailments because it boosts endorphins, reduces stress, improves sleep, improves immune system functioning, and can help with menopausal symptoms.
UK sex therapist Kate Moyle, for LELO told us, “The function of pleasure is to make us feel good; and self-pleasure and masturbation can have positive benefits for our health in a variety of ways, including the release of the hormone oxytocin which can lower cortisol levels, getting to know our bodies better, and building sexual self-confidence.
