THEGAYUK

Tag: Sexual Health

The latest news from the world of sexual health. Everything you needed to know about gay sexual health. If you’ve got a question don’t forget to ask our experts.

  • ADVICE | I Have Piles… Can I Still Have Sex?

    This week a concerned reader asks about haemorrhoids and whether he can still have sex.

    I Have Piles... Can I Still Have Sex?

     

    Dear Jose,

    I have just found that I have piles… Great! The problem is I’m the bottom in our relationship. Is it safe to f**k whilst I’ve got these? If I use creams and they go away, is there a possibility they’ll burst – am I more likely to get an infection – if say we have a three way or go to an orgy?

    J, 40, Somerset.

     

    Dear J

    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 a STI can make transmission more likely.

    I would recommend using Preparation H or Germoloids to help control pain and inflammation and to reduce swelling. During sex it is also important that you use a good water based lubricant, particularly during acts of multiple person or high frequency sexual activity as this will reduce the chance of any inflammation being caused. They are very unlikely to burst during normal sexual activity, even in the case of sex parties, threesomes or orgies. If creams etc. though do not fix the underlying problem and I would recommend as a permanent solution surgical intervention.

    This can now be done almost painlessly by syringing the haemorrhoids and a referral can be obtained by going to see your GP. There are also a number of  private clinics undertaking the therapy which do not require GP referral.

    Jose Perez de la Cruz, BPubHtlth,

    Public Health Practitioner

     

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

     

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  • ADVICE | I Am Thinking About Bottoming For The First Time… How I Can I Be Clean?

    ADVICE | I Am Thinking About Bottoming For The First Time… How I Can I Be Clean?

    This week one reader is concerned about being unclean during sex.

    I Am Thinking About Bottoming For The First Time... How I Can I Be Clean?

    Dear Jose

    I’m thinking about bottoming for the first time and I’m a little worried about being “dirty” down there during sex. I’ve heard about certain things you can do to make sure you’re clean and that there’s no sh*t when you’re having sex?
    Is there anything I can do that’s safe?

    Thank you for your advice

    Tom, 25 Huddersfield

    Dear Tom,
    Hi there it depends what you mean by dirty. Obviously proper preparation prior to undertaking sexual activity such as anal sex reduces the chances of embarrassing things occurring such as “sh*t dick”.

    This can be accomplished by proper douche technique or commercially available enemas.

    From a sexual health point of view, any sexual act is broadly safe so long as you or your partners do not have any STIs, id you do have any underlying STIs then get them treated.

    The best way to protect against these is to use condoms and to get regularly tested for STIs, at least every 3 months, this testing is available free at NHS sexual health clinics and some Terrence Higgins Trust offices. I would also recommend using condoms with a good water-based lubricant, again these are available free form Terrence Higgins Trust.

    Advice by: Jose Perez de la Cruz, BPubHtlth,
    Public Health Practitioner

    BACK TO SEX HEALTH CLINIC

  • ANSWERS | What Is A White Glove Bottom?

    If you’ve heard the expression he’s such a white glove bottom and wondered what it is – we have the answer for you.

    What Is A White Glove Bottom?

    A white glove bottom is a guy who won’t bottom (be penetrated by another guy) unless he’s completely sure he’s completely clean if you get our drift. So basically he’s the type who will most probably douche or use an enema before penetration to ensure there’s no mess… ever.

    Not every man who bottoms is a “white glove bottom” – if you know your body and have a good diet it isn’t always necessary to be excessive with your cleaning.

    But if you’re worried about mess, use a condom. These things happen and it’s not the end of the world.

     

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

     

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  • ADVICE | Why Does My Foreskin Smell?

    This month a reader is concerned with a smell coming from under his foreskin. Our experts answer his question.

    Why Does My Foreskin Smell?

    Dear TGUK
    Inside my foreskin. I keep getting a smell from it. Once in the past I was given a cream to sort an area out and it’s that where the smell is coming from.
    G, 33

    Hello G

    Thank you for your message. Nobody likes a stinky pinky, so hopefully we can get this sorted for you.

    Smells coming from the foreskin are usually created by bacteria. The penis is a fantastic incubation ground for all sorts of bacterias. Warm, moist and if you don’t wash, or aren’t able to wash the area properly it can lead to smells, often from what’s called Smegma. The white, creamy material that you can often find under the foreskin.

    You don’t say whether you’ve got a tight foreskin or whether you are able to fully pull back your foreskin. If you’re not able to do this, it could stop you getting rid of the smegma build, which after a while, smell.

    The best way to clean the area is with warm water. It’s often advised not to use shower gels or soaps because they may cause irritation.

    If you’re not able to fully retract the foreskin you should see your doctor about this.

    However you say that you have been given a cream in the past to sort out the smell. Without knowing what the cream is or what it is for, we suggest that you go back to your docs and get to the root of your problem.

    If you have an infection or your penis is red and sore or has a rash then you definitely should book in with your GP – or take some time to go to a walk in sexual health clinic.

     

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

     

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  • HIV Infections Continue To Rise In The Gay Community

    New HIV infections amongst men who identify themselves as gay or bisexual have continued their upward rise.

    New infections of HIV in gay and bisexual men in 2014 increased by 110 new cases over the 2013 statistics. In total 3360 gay and bisexual men were diagnosed with HIV during the 2014 period. Despite being a small minority in the UK’s population gay and bisexual men account for 54% of new HIV diagnoses.

    New diagnoses are higher in 2014 than they were than at the height of the AIDS crisis during the late 80s and early 90s.

    In the period of 2012-2013 new HIV infections increased. The rise of HIV in the gay community has risen from 2450 in 2004 to 3360 in 2014. The National AIDS Trust estimates that there are nearly 110,000 people living with HIV in the UK and around 26,000 living with undiagnosed HIV.

    For the 150th issue of FS Magazine, the magazine published by sexual health charity GMFA, a survey found that around a third of gay men did not use a condom the last time they had penetrative sex.

    Seventy-one per cent of gay men said they would use PrEP immediately if it were available on the NHS. PrEP is a medicine when taken daily is extremely effective in stopping the transmission of the HIV virus.

  • LAHORE: Drag Queens Should Do Sex Education In Schools

    LAHORE: Drag Queens Should Do Sex Education In Schools

    In a recent interview with TheGayUK Asifa Lahore Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen said that Drag queens had an obligation to do more for visibility in the LGBT community including doing sex education in schools.

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  • ADVICE | Can I Get HIV From Sharing A Bath?

    One reader asks our sexual health expert Jose Perez De La Cruz, whether he is at risk of getting HIV from sharing a bath.

    Can I Get HIV From Sharing A Bath?

    Dear TGUK,

     I recently stayed at someone’s house in the morning I had a bath before I left. I didn’t know at the time (nor did he), but the lad has since told me that he’s been tested HIV positive and it was likely that he caught it before our meet up.

    The hook up we had was pretty safe. We used condoms and I’ve heard that you can’t get HIV from blowjobs, so I’m assuming I’m okay.

    I’m worried about the bath. can I catch HIV or any other infection from using the same bathtub as someone else?

    I was in there for a good 30 minutes. Plenty of time for an infection to get in me.

    Pls, Help.

     

    Hi Tom,

    Relax. There is absolutely no chance you can catch HIV from a bath. HIV is a very fragile virus and would be dead within seconds even in normal air so such an environment would probably make this even quicker.

    To catch HIV requires exposure to blood, semen, vaginal fluid, prostatic fluid (pre-cum) or contaminated breast milk. Even without allowing for the aforementioned fragility of the virus if one of these fluids, by some unlikely chance, had made its way into the bath water it would be so diluted that it would be unable to infect you.

    The same applies to most other infections, bath water is not a very good medium for the growth of sexually transmitted pathogens.

    There is a very small risk you can catch HIV from blowjobs, the risk being slightly higher if you are giving the blowjob and the person ejaculates in your mouth.

    As standard advice only, if you have any concerns about any sexual contact you have had I would recommend you attend your nearest sexual health clinic for a sexual health screen.

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

    INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR BY JOSE PEREZ DE LA CRUZ

     

    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.

     

    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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  • Nearly Half Of Men Find Wearing Condoms Uncomfortable

    A new survey of nearly 500 men has found that nearly half of them find wearing condoms uncomfortable because of sizing issues.

    A survey which asked 466 men about their condom habits found, worryingly, that nearly half (44.42 %) of men found wearing a condom uncomfortable and despite this discomfort had not try condoms of a different size. Sixty Nine per cent had never experimented with a different sized condom.

    Speaking about the survey results Cary James, Terrence Higgins Trust, Head of Health Promotion, said:

    “The results suggest that most guys probably spend more time thinking about their wardrobe than their condom choice – but the right condom fit will feel much better than any pair of jeans. Using the right condom not only increases pleasure, but also reduces the chance of it breaking or slipping off during sex.

    “The days of condoms being one size fits all are well and truly behind us, and we want everyone to feel the difference using the right condom can make. The ‘Fits Me’ tool not only helps people find the right condom but also gives them the change try those condoms either for free or at a discounted price.”

    THT have launched a new campaign called FITS ME QUIZ which aims to find the right size condom. After the quiz, users are offered a free condom sample of the size that fits you the best.

  • ADVICE | He Has HIV, Should I Call It Off?

    This week, sexual health expert Jose Perez de la Cruz, answers a reader’s question about a potential new boyfriend, who is HIV positive and is worried about having a sexual relationship with him.

    Hey there,

    I’ve met a really cute guy recently at a bar and we made out and he’s incredibly sexy and we had a great connection.

    We didn’t have sex, but the next day he texted me to say he was HIV+.

    Now I’m really nervous, I want to see him again, but I’m worried I might catch HIV if we have sex. Also long term, I like having sex unprotected, (only in a long-term) but that’s not going to be possible ever is it?

    Should I call it off?

     

    Hello,

    There is certainly no need to call off what could potentially be a very satisfying relationship, solely based on the fact that he is HIV positive.

    The risk of contracting HIV from someone during unprotected sex is determined by a number of factors. If an HIV positive individual is on medication, and his viral load is undetectable then there is very little chance of catching HIV from them, though, we cannot say it is impossible. An undetectable viral load means that the quantity of active HIV in a person’s bloodstream is so low that it is in fact almost zero. Conversely, the higher the viral load the more likely and indeed the easier it is to catch HIV.

    Therefore, I think the best thing to do prior to engaging in any sexual intercourse of any kind is to establish whether he is undetectable or not.

    Even if he isn’t there is always the option of using condoms. I understand that many people don’t like them, but if you choose to have unprotected sex with anyone, at least use a good water based lubricant.

    To a degree lube also reduces the risk of catching HIV as it reduces the internal trauma which commonly occurs during sex.

    Hope this helps.

    Jose Perez de la Cruz, BPubHtlth,

    Public Health Practitioner

    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

     

    Got a problem you’d like advice on?

  • Kay Burley Slammed For Calling Sexual Health Clinic “AIDS Clinic”

    Sky News’s Kay Burley has been criticised for calling 56 Dean Street, an “AIDS Clinic”

    Kay Burley has come under fire for calling 56 Dean Street, the NHS sexual health clinic, currently under fire for an email data breach, an “AIDS clinic.” 56 Dean Street is a sexual health clinic which is predominantly aimed at the gay community in London

    Tweeting about the email breach of around 780 of the clinic’s HIV patients, Kay Burley said,

    “Aids clinic which revealed patients names: Clearly this is completely unacceptable. We are urgently investigating how this has happened”

    Aids clinic which revealed patients names: Clearly this is completely unacceptable. We are urgently investigating how this has happened

     

    Slamming Ms. Burley, GMFA CEO Matthew Hodson corrected her by Tweeting,

    “Because of the great work of @56deanstreet & others very few people now progress to #AIDS. @KayBurley please get your terminology right.”

    Britain’s Got Talent’s Aaron Carty, who wowed judges with his Beyonce Experience, corrected the news anchor by saying,

    “It’s actually a sexual health clinic @KayBurley @SkyNews @56deanstreet”

    https://twitter.com/AaronCarty/status/639061301390655488

     

    Speaking to THEGAYUK about the mistake, a spokesperson for the clinic said,

    “We can confirm that due to an administrative error, a newsletter about services at 56 Dean Street was sent to an email group rather than individual recipients.

    We have immediately contacted all the email recipients to inform them of the error and apologise. Any concerned patients can call 020 3315 9555 and 020 3315 9594.”

  • Leicestershire: Trade Sexual Health Wins Regional Award

    Trade Sexual Health, a sexual health service set up to champion the health of the LGBT community in Leicestershire have won an award.

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