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.

Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

As it stands, all we really know is that Covid-19 is spread through droplets from when people sneeze and cough.

The reproduction rate of the coronavirus is pretty high (higher than the normal flu) which is why we’re being told to wash our hands for 20 seconds and to cough and sneeze into the crook of our elbow or into tissues.

Is the virus spread through sexual contact?

(C) BIGSTOCK

Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Earim Chaudry, Medical Director at Manual’s told us that “Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease”.

He added,

“While Coronavirus isn’t an STI, the virus can still be transmitted by direct content between two people and if one partner is infected, there’s a strong chance the other partner would also contract the virus.
“The virus can enter through these droplets through the eyes, nose or throat if you are in close contact, which means it can be spread by touch if a person has used their hands to cover their mouth or nose when they coughed or sneezed.

So what are the chances of being infected if you come into contact with someone who has Covid-19? Well as Dr Chaudry explains, “Covid-19 is also a highly infectious virus, which means if you are in close contact with someone infected there’s a high chance you will also become infected”.

If you’re having sex at this time, the good doctor gives this advice,

“As for safe sex, I wouldn’t recommend getting intimate with someone you’re unfamiliar without protection regardless of Covid-19.
“Always practice good ole fashioned safe sex: that means wearing a condom if you don’t know your partner’s sexual health/history. Stay safe!”

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So what are the symptoms?

The symptoms to look out for are primarily a new cough or fever.

Find out how long you and your household need to self-isolate for if you have any of these symptoms.

Feeling panicky, isolated or anxious during these uncertain times? We’ve created a resource page which has important phone numbers, articles and support groups listed. Click here to go there.

19th March 2020
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

17th March 2020
Do sexual health clinics use Penis Swabs, as they show on E4’s The Sex Clinic?

Channel 4 might be doing STI clinics a disservice when it comes to patient fears about what might happen to them when they go in for a sexual health checkup on their show, The Sex Clinic.

Although The Sex Clinic is widely praised for the work that it does in educating us all about the importance of testing for sexually transmitted infections, there’s one thing that it shows, that isn’t quite right.

The sexual health charity, Saving Lives took to Twitter to calm the fears of any guys out there worrying that a penis swab (that’s where they stick a swab down your pee hole) will be taken for testing and it turns out that the swabs that happen on the programme are actually done to fit in with the TV format, rather than refecting what actually happens.

They wrote,

We know we say this every week but: The penis swabs used on #TheSexClinic are NOT standard practice for routine STI screening in UK sexual health clinics. Usually, we just ask for a urine sample. The swabs are used on the show to give rapid results to fit the TV show format.

So there you go, don’t fret. Go for a check-up. If you’re there for a regular and routine check-up it’s very unlikely you’ll have to even show the doctor or nurse your dick.

Phew… right?

12th March 2020
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

6th March 2020
This is why we should stop using “dirty” and “clean” on hook up apps

A doctor has made the case for people to stop using the words “Dirty” and “Clean” when talking about people and their sexual health.

Doctor Naomi Sutton who is a trustee for the sexual health charity, Saving Lives, uploaded a thought-provoking video in which she pleaded with viewers to stop using the words “clean” and “dirty” to describe people and their sexual health because of the stigma that those words carry.

In the video, the doctor, who also stars in the E4 show The Sex Clinic holds up a number of placards with a simple message; let’s not use “dirty” and “clean” as words to describe sexual health and for us all to get tested for STIs more regularly.

She also pointed out that STIs were not a matter of personal hygiene and that there was no way of telling who has an STI by just looking at them.

You can read about our experience of getting a sexual health test here.

Here’s the text from Dr Sutton’s video.

This is a plea,
Let’s stop using the words “clean” and “dirty” to describe people and their sexual health.
It just promotes STIGMA and misunderstanding.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not a matter of personal hygiene, You cannot tell by looking at or talking to someone whether or not they have an STI.
All STIs can be present without symptoms, including HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes Virus and the wart virus (HPV).
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea tests are easy to do,
a) a wee in a pot for men
b) a self-taken vaginal swab in women.
HIV and syphilis tests are simple blood test…. book in today and get tested!
Let’s talk about sex and STIs openly and honestly without stigma or shame.

https://twitter.com/DrNaomiSutton/status/1234737812492234754

It is recommended that sexually active people, who have a number of different sexual partners should go for an STI test at their local Sexual Health clinic every 3 to 6 months, or order a FREE at-home HIV test kit from Saving Lives. if you use the promo code: GAYUK20.

3rd March 2020
DILEMMA | My butt hole has a green tinge

A reader asks what he should do about his butt, which has turned a shade of green

DEAR TGUK,
The skin around my butt hole has gone green. What should I do?
Simon

Dear Simon,

Book an appointment with your GP or get yourself to your closest walk-in clinic. As soon as possible. Don’t delay.

Don’t be embarrassed, shy or ashamed. Your doctor will be happy to help you.

Good luck

Have you got a dilemma? Click here to write to us and get your question featured on THEGAYUK.

27th November 2019
DILEMMA | I’ve just found out that I’ve got genital warts, what should I do?

A reader discovers that he’s got genital warts and want to know if he can treat them himself, Dr Nitin Shori answers the question.

Dear TGUK

I just found that I have genital warts and don’t want to get them frozen off, which I heard is the way to get rid of them.

Can I get a cream buy one or get one without the doctor having to look?

Liam

Hello Liam

Genital warts are very common in England – second only among sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after chlamydia.

They often appear as small fleshy growths or lumps in the genital or anal areas and are caused by a viral skin infection related to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

While they can look unsightly and can sometimes bleed, they don’t usually cause any real threat to your health.

However, they are a reminder of the need to take adequate precautions against STIs, many of which have very serious health consequences.

As well as being passed on during sexual intercourse, genital warts can also be spread via skin-to-skin contact.

It’s important to understand that a condom won’t always protect you and that it is possible for HPV to be transferred from apparently healthy skin.

As you know, genital warts can be frozen off the skin using a technique called cryotherapy. Medical professionals can also use laser treatments, surgery or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove genital warts.

You’d prefer not to have to see a doctor to have your genital warts removed and you’ll be pleased to learn that prescription liquids and creams could be available for you to use at home if you have been previously diagnosed with genital warts by a doctor.

Following an online consultation, the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor Service could prescribe you with one of a number of creams and liquids used to remove genital warts.

Some work by stimulating the body’s immune system against HPV, while others have a directly toxic effect on the wart itself.

Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to get yourself checked for other STIs if you think there’s a risk that you might have been infected.

Have you got a dilemma you’d like to ask? Click here to get your question answered.

15th November 2019
If fingering your butt hurts, here’s what you need to do

If it hurts your butt when you get fingered, you should read on.

The ass is pretty darn resilient and there’s a pleasure to be had from anal sex, but there are a few golden rules to make sure you keep safe and reduce pain.

Hello Lube, my friend.

via GIPHY

Use a good amount of lube and have a towel handy that you can wipe your hands, as it can get quite messy. **That** scene in Brokeback Mountain – as hot as it looks, is just not that realistic. A bit of spit and shove isn’t going to cut it. Use a good lube – and there are a few to choose from on the market. You might find that you get on with some better than others. Try the trial or travel sizes until you find the perfect lube.

Time goes by… Slowly.

via GIPHY

One of the most misleading things about porn is that you can’t just stick it in – and that includes fingers. You need to take it gradually. You could start off with a bit of rimming and then move on to a finger – then if that feels good maybe two. Don’t just go for it. You will cause yourself a lot of pain.

One finger, two finger, three

via GIPHY

You could do a bit of prep yourself before sex. Perhaps while you’re in the shower – or if you douche you could get your butt used to the feeling of a finger or two up there before you get down with your partner. Using warm water to douche could help you relax as well.

Cut those damn nails.

via GIPHY

You say that it hurts after fingering, are your boyfriend’s fingernails ragged? If he’s got claws that a Gruffalo would be proud of it’s time to invest in some nail clippers for him. He may be, unknowingly tearing your insides – which will make the whole experience uncomfortable.

Smoothly does it

via GIPHY

Keep the fingering motion smooth and long and thin (goes right in). He shouldn’t curl up his fingers inside you – this is going to cause discomfort. No vigorous finger jamming like he’s Donald Trump giving a speech.

You could always try a desensitising spray or lube.

Numbing lubes could be the way to know, but make sure you look out for sides for trauma and if you still fill discomfort, stop immediately.

Anal Training

You could go down the anal training route. There are anal toys that act like dilators, we call them anal trainers. They start from a small and thinner insertable that gently stretches your anus. When you get used to the smallest size you can go to the next size. Each time, take it slowly and use lube. Eventually, you should be able to take the largest toy, without too much discomfort.

So to recap: take time and use lube.

If you’re really concerned that there’s something wrong book an appointment to see your GP.
The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
*Disclosure links contained in this article point towards our very own shop, this was not a paid placement and there are other shops available.

12th September 2019
Is it safe to use a banana as a sex toy?

Ever wondered whether it was safe to use a banana in the bedroom?

It might seem like a no brainer – after all banana are a bit penisy – and are cheap as, well bananas but they might not actually be the best thing to use as a sex toy.

There are two main issues. One they are very squishy once out of their skins – I wouldn’t recommend using a banana with its skin still on, because the ends are quite rough and could cause internal damage.

Secondly, bananas don’t have a flared end, like dildos and butt plugs, which means if you lose your grip you’re going to have to poop it out, or maybe even mush it out. Which might be your thing, but probably won’t feel great.

What’s more, if you end up having trouble passing it, you could end up in casualty, which let’s face it is not the best way to spend a Sunday morning.

Sex and Fruit

silviarita / Pixabay

Using fruit and veg could be a great way to excite and reignite your sex life though. Using soft fleshy, non-acidic fruit such as honeydew melons or watermelons can be an exciting way to get new sensations. Simply put a hole in it and thrusting in and out will provide interesting brand new feelings.

Alternatively, you can always use other foodstuffs such as chocolate spreads or even Marmite, who recently brought out body paint.

Caution must be used when inserting anything into your butt that doesn’t have a handle or gives a good grip. People have ended up in A&E after failing to retrieve a cucumber, banana or carrot that’s gotten lodged in their rectums. Anything that gets stuck up your butt will be a painful experience that can actually lead to death if left untreated. We would urge anyone who has gotten anything stuck up there to seek medical advice immediately, no matter how embarrassed you feel.

Oh did I say use lots of lube…>

Alternatives?

via GIPHY

If you’re looking to insert something of a edible variety, why not try a lollipop or ice cubes, which will melt.

It’s best to use toys that are actually designed for insertion, such as dildos and vibrators. Don’t forget if you’re using toys together and share them, to use a fresh condom before using it on your partner, and wash them properly after use.

If you are going to insert a carrot, gherkin, cucumber or banana, make sure you’re relaxed. Some of these veg can be much larger than a penis, so using lots of lube and taking your time is a must.

11th September 2019
What’s it really like to go for a sexual health screening

So, if you’re someone who has sex, it’s important to go get tested.

For some people, there’s a lot of anxiety about going to get tested at a sexual health clinic, but I’m here to let you know, sexual health services in the UK have come along in the last decade or some. So regardless of any the horror stories, you might have heard, here’s what actually happened the last time I went to get tested – which was last week.

If you’re worried that medical implements are going to be stuck down your dick or up your ass or concerned that a bevvy of doctors will be taking a prolonged look at your squishy bits – you need to read on.

I’ve recently moved to a new area and thought about checking up on the sexual health services area, after a quick look online, I found my local sexual health clinic and was able to book my appointment online.

When entering the building, I was able to log in via a screen in the reception. Once booked in, I waited, perhaps 5 minutes before my name was read out – and I followed my nurse, Lesley, into a private office – where she checked my details, asked me a few basic sexual questions – like when was the last time I had sex – oral, anal and any other sexual activities which I had concerns about.

She asks what brought me to get tested today and I tell her that I want to be tested for HIV as well as other sexual health screenings.

I also ask her about getting the HPV vaccine – which she says is not a problem – she also suggests getting the Hepatitis vaccination. Which I agreed to.

After that, we walk across the hallway to a treatment room – in which there was a urinal, a sink, a bed and a trolley of medical supplies.

She asked me whether I wanted an oral and anal swab. ‘In for a penny’, I think and agree to both. She hands me a cotton wool bud in a long-thin plastic container and another small plastic container.

kropekk_pl / Pixabay

She leaves the room and allows me to, in private, pee in the cup and take my own anal swab, it’s really simple and you insert the bud about an inch or two inside you.

I put the top back on the pee jar and the swab back into its plastic container.

Next, after a few minutes, she reenters the room and takes the oral / throat swab, which again is another cotton wool bud. She says “it might make you gag…” I think, “not likely”. It doesn’t.

She then takes a vial of blood, which is painless and takes seconds.

She then collects the pee, the swabs and disappears from the room.

Moments later reappears with the vaccinations, I’ve asked for. Hep A and B and the HPV.

I have two injections in my right arm and the other in my left. All in all, I’m in the room for less than 15 minutes.

There was no examination of my body, although I’m guessing if I went in with specific issues she would have taken a look.

There was no sticking anything down my pee hole and no fingers up my butt.

My swabs were all done by myself. Self-service!

A week later a ping on my phone lets me know all my tests are clear.

So please, don’t fret about going to a sexual health clinic. It really isn’t invasive and remember knowledge is power. Your health status isn’t something you should shy away from – and the best thing, in the UK, testing and my vaccinations were free thanks to the NHS.

3rd July 2019
Can you catch an STI from a French kiss?

So, you’ve reached second base! Lucky you. You’ve reached that much anticipated first kiss with that hottie from across the bar. You are thinking this is a good, SAFE start to intimacy and it’s certainly not as bad as having oral sex or sexual intercourse with essentially a stranger, right? I hate to break it to you but, while it is very rare, it is possible to contract an STI simply from kissing.

(C) BIGSTOCK

Fortunately, Dr Preethi Daniel from London Doctors Clinic is here to break down everything you need to know about oral STIs.

What are oral STIs?

Embed from Getty Images

Oral STIs are most commonly shared through oral sex, and unprotected stimulation of the genitals or anus using the tongue or lips. This is because coming into contact with bodily fluids carries a significant risk of spreading STIs. However, a recent study, published in the British Journal of Medicine Sexually Transmitted Diseases, has found that kissing and specifically ‘deep kissing’ could also be to blame for the spread of STIs. The most common STIs which could be spread in this way include herpes, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, syphilis, chlamydia, other hepatitis, warts and even HIV can be transmitted by kissing.

How to spot the symptoms?

Embed from Getty Images

While it is not very common to contract an STI from a kiss, your likelihood increases if you have cuts or sores in and around your mouth. Symptoms can vary from person to person and what the condition is. If you experience itching, rashes or sores in/around your mouth, this will require medical attention, similarly, a vague sore throat after contact with multiple partners could also be indicative of an STI. Here are the most common oral STIs and their symptoms:

Chlamydia:

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Many people will not experience any symptoms of oral chlamydia, however for those that do they may experience painless sores, lesions that are similar to cold sores, tonsillitis or redness with white spots. A less conspicuous symptom is a scratchy, dry throat.

Gonorrhoea:

http://gty.im/121841540

Much like with Chlamydia, many people who have oral gonorrhoea do not exhibit any symptoms, however if they are present you may experience a sore throat, a fever, redness or swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Syphilis:

Embed from Getty Images

The symptoms of syphilis occur in stages which become progressively worse as they progress. The initial symptoms include painless sores or raised lesions which may appear grey or white.

Herpes:

Embed from Getty Images

The most common symptoms of oral herpes are cold sores which may occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inside of the cheeks, throat and roof of the mouth. These may also extend to the chin or neck. Some people may also experience swollen and bleeding gums or swollen lymph nodes.

Warts:

Embed from Getty Images

These will exhibit as warts or lesions in the mouth; however, they have little to no other symptoms and are generally painless.

HIV:

Embed from Getty Images

HIV does not usually have symptoms in the early stages. Rarely, those with HIV in the mouth may experience a dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, cold sores or oral warts.

How can you get diagnosed?

If you experience any of the above symptoms you should visit your GP. Many clinics offer same day throat swabs which can check for the signs of gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Any sores or lesions will need closer inspection and discussion with your GP, risk factors and symptoms must be assessed before testing is conducted. As with anything the sooner you are tested the easier it is to treat, so visit your GP as soon as you notice any unusual or uncomfortable symptoms.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment options depend on what STI has been contracted. Some infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Viruses, such as herpes cannot be cured but the symptoms can be easily managed with medication. If you have developed warts, they will need to be treated with cryotherapy to completely eradicate the warts. Hepatitis and HIV have no cures and will require specialist management which your doctor will need to advise upon.

Dr Preethi Daniel is the Clinical Director at the, private GP, London Doctors Clinic

16th May 2019