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 | It really hurts after I get fingered

    ADVICE | It really hurts after I get fingered

    Dear TGUK

    Well, every time I have anal sex or am fingered it’s really fun at the time but really hurts after. Is there something I’m doing wrong or what can I do to make it pleasurable?

    Simon

    why does it hurt after I get fingered?

    Hello Simon,

    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.

    1. It can’t be stressed enough lube is your friend. Use a good amount – 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 loads of lubes to choose from on the market. You might find that you get on with some better than others. Try the trial sizes until you find the perfect lube.
    2. Take your time. 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.
    3. Warm yourself up. 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.
    4. Anal Training. Why not try a set of dilating anal training toys. The toys vary in size and girth. You start small and gradually get bigger as you become accustomed to the size.
    5. Finger maintenance. 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.
    6. Keep the action smooth. 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.
    7. You could always try a desensitising spray or lube.

    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.

    Have you got a sexual health or dilemma you want answered by our team of experts? Click here to let us know.

    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.

    Picture by SeanCody.com get your subscription here

  • Absence of gay sex ed by Government continues to cement “stigma, self-doubt, confusion and bullying”

    The government has announced plans to make sex education compulsory in all schools in England, however, they’ve failed to mention LGBT+ issues which critics say is letting LGBT+ children down across the country.

    CREDIT: © tomwang Depositphotos

    The UK’s Government has announced plans to ensure that sex and relationship education is made compulsory in all schools across England, however it neglected to say whether LGBT+ relationships would be covered by any classes.

    Education Secretary Justine Greening said that children from the age of four would be taught about safe and healthy relationships.

    David Geary, Head of Political Engagement Pride in London said that the absence of LGBT+ specifics was cementing stigma and bullying into school culture by not tackling those issues.

    He said,

    “Today’s announcement that age-appropriate sex and relationships education (SRE) will become compulsory in every school, is a welcome step in the right direction. The first major shakeup in more than 15 years will empower teachers to promote positive discussions on such a critical area and ensure teenagers don’t learn poor habits or behaviours from online sources.

    “Healthy sex and relationship education cannot be wholly effective until it helps every pupil in the classroom. In continuing to separate, single out and ignore the needs of LGBT+ pupils, the government is helping to cement stigma, self-doubt, confusion and bullying.

    “Such an omission lets down pupils right across the country, who need effective and positive support to develop into the healthy, confident and safe LGBT+ adults they deserve to be. Parents too benefit from having such a support as they learn to be the best guardian they can be for their LGBT+ child”.

    ALSO READ:

     

    The Government has not mandated how these lessons will be delivered and parents will still have the right to remove their children from the classes.

    The number of sexually transmitted infections amongst the UK’s gay and bisexual teenagers and young adults has soared in recent years and Public Health England warned in 2016 that 36% of new infections in 2015 were found in those aged just 15 to 24, the highest increase in a single age group.

    Politicians across the political spectrum have signed up to a pledge which calls for the inclusion of same-sex relationship education in all London schools to ensure the representation of different families and communities within SRE.

  • 7 reasons your penis does not smell so good

    Is your manhood smelling less than rosy? There might be a number of reasons for that hideous cheesy aroma that’s making all the lads faint…

    why does my penis smell so bad
    CREDIT: Depositphotos

    No one wants a smelly penis. So if you’re wondering why yours is smelling so bad, here are some reasons, as always if you’re really concerned about your health then book yourself an appointment with your doctor.

    Just general sweat and dirt…

    Are you cleaning down there enough? Guys who tend to do a lot of sport might be getting smelly in their private parts. Make sure after each workout or run that you wash your genitals using fresh, clean warm water. Your groin could be causing the smell rather than your penis. It’s a brilliant place for bacteria to multiply by their millions. It’s dark, damp and warm – the perfect environment.

    Crotch rot

    Yep, as nasty as that sounds – some sports fanatics will know about crotch rot, it’s caused by wearing dirty underwear or jocks for a prolonged period. Make sure after exercising that you wash your undies, in a hot wash to get rid of any bacteria. BTW it does have a proper name, it’s called Tinea cruris. It causes itching or burning in the groin area and near the anus. It can be caused by athlete’s foot and can be transferred through your clothing. So be careful when putting your trousers on!

    Smegma

    Smegma is a cheesy, white looking substance that you’re more likely to have if you’re uncut (have a foreskin), although cut guys produce it too. It’s a natural lubricant for the penis, but it does start to smell if you don’t wash it. It’s basically made up of dead skin cells, fatty oils and other debris from penis secretions. That cheesy smell? Well, that’s bacterial breakdown my friends. So give it a wash.

    Balanitis

    Poor hygiene will cause Balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the dick. The foreskin can also be infected. It can also be created by a thrush infection or other skin condition. See your doctor if this happens.

    STIs

    Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can both cause your cock to smell. You might not even know you have either of these infections, but it’s wise to look out for these symptoms:

    • White discharge from your penis – when you’re not peeing or cumming
    • A painful, burning when you pee
    • Penis irritation and needing to pee frequently.

    Go see your docs and do not delay.

    You’re not washing it properly

    If you give your penis the showerhead but not giving it a good old rub, you might not be getting all the smeg off. So as well as the shower head get your fingers over that helmet and give it a good rub!

    No roll back…

    If you can’t roll back your foreskin or your foreskin is really tight around the head of your penis there might be a build up of dirt and bacteria which you’re not able to wash away. You should probably try and get an appointment with your GP to discuss what you can do about it…

     

  • ADVICE | I have genital herpes and it’s cleared up… Can I have unprotected sex?

    This week Dr Nitin Shori answers a question from a reader who is concerned that they might pass on herpes, even though the outbreak has cleared up.

    I have genital herpes and it's cleared up... Can I have unprotected sex?

    Dear Doctor
    I was diagnosed with genital herpes 1, 6 months ago and have recently started to use Valtrex treatment. Is it possible to have unprotected sex with someone not infected? Or is there still a chance they can contract it even if there are no outbreaks?

    Thank you

     

    Once you have been infected with the herpes simplex virus, it will remain in your body and can lead to occasional outbreaks.

    Unfortunately, it is possible for you to pass the virus that causes genital herpes to a sexual partner at any time – even if you are not experiencing an outbreak and have no symptoms.

    Transmission is even more likely during an outbreak. Condoms are proven to reduce transmission.

    Even if you do not have symptoms, people at risk of passing on herpes should always use an effective barrier method of practising safe sex, such as a condom or dental dam. The same virus causes cold sores and genital herpes and can be passed from one area of the body to the other during oral sex if protection is not used.

    ALSO READ: Ask the doctor…. Did I catch herpes?

    Valtrex helps the body to fight the herpes simplex virus but is not effective in preventing it from being passed from one person to another.

     The symptoms of a genital herpes episode can include small blisters in the anal or genital area, which burst to leave small red sores which can be painful; pain when urinating; stinging, tingling, or itching in the genital area; and a general feeling of malaise, or a flu-like symptom. Prescription treatments are available that shorten the duration and severity of an outbreak.

    Dr Nitin Shori is the Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service,

     

    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.

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

  • Government votes against introducing compulsory sex and relationship education

    Government votes against introducing compulsory sex and relationship education

    Conservative MPs have voted against compulsory sex and relationship, including gay and LGBT sex and relationship education in schools.

    Parliament
    CREDIT: TheGayUK / Jake Hook

    • 15 MPs voted on the tabled amendment 10 Conservative 5 Labour

    • The amendment would have made provision to add same-sex sex and relationship advice

    • The amendment would have made sex education mandatory to all UK schools, including faith schools.

    As the law currently stands state schools must provide sex education from a biological point of view, which leaves the UK’s gay and bisexual pupils at risk of not learning about gay sex and LGBT relationships. Free schools and academies, including faith schools, are allowed to opt out of giving these classes.

    No schools are required to teach their pupils about the emotional aspects of sex or relationships.

    A new amendment to the Children and Social Work Bill was tabled this week by an all-female group of MPs. The amendment would have provisioned that all UK schools must make lessons on “sex and relationships education, same-sex relationships, sexual consent, sexual violence and domestic violence” mandatory.

    The amendment was voted on by 15 MPs. Ten Conservative and 5 Labour. All the Conservative MPs voted against the amendment, all the Labour MPs voted for it.

    No other political party was represented on the bill committee.

    Conservative MP for North Dorset, Simon Hoare said that the amendment did not offer religious schools who oppose homosexuality enough protections.

    He said,

    “Some form of protection is needed for those who run faith schools, all faiths, to make the position absolutely clear.

    “I have little or no doubt that I will receive emails from constituents who happen to read my remarks. They will say that this is all about promotion, and this or that religion thinks that homosexuality—or another element—is not right.

    “To provide a legislative comfort blanket, for want of a better phrase, the new clause needs to include a clear statement that we are talking not about promotion, but about education, and where sex education is delivered in a faith school environment, those providing the education should not feel inhibited about answering questions such as “What is the thinking of our faith on this particular aspect of sexuality?”

    The number of sexually transmitted infections amongst the UK’s gay and bisexual teenagers and young adults has soared in recent years and Public Health England warned in 2016 that 36% of new infections in 2015 were found in those aged just 15 to 24, the highest increase in a single age group.

     

  • ADVICE | He sexually assaulted me, now what?

    This week, a reader asks whether he’s at risk of sexual infection after a non-consensual oral sex act. He’s concerned that he might have a sexually transmitted infection.

    Dear TGUK

    A man recently put their mouth on my penis for a few seconds before I told them to get off. It was not exactly consensual. I have a boyfriend and I am very worried the guy could have passed on an STI to me.

    Are the chances of doing so very low seeing as it was only a second or two and it was receptive? Thanks

    Thanks

    Steve

     

    Dear Steve,

    Firstly, let me say how sorry I am to hear that this has happened to you. What the guy did was sexual assault and that shouldn’t be brushed aside. If you didn’t want it to happen, it shouldn’t have. All too often we shrug off behaviour like this and it really isn’t acceptable. There are great tips on the gov.uk website to help with dealing with sexual assault.

    However, you might be relieved to hear that catching an STI from this brief encounter is low-risk, especially for HIV. However, there are other infections you might want to look out for such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, which can both be passed on by the giver and receiver of oral sex regardless of how long it went on for. Both of those infections can be symptomless, to begin with, so it’s important to get yourself checked out as soon as possible.

    If you are worried you should make an appointment to go to a clinic, or just pop along to a walk-in clinic. There are some amazing services – and now, there are even sexual health tests that you can buy online.

    According to the specialists at 56 Dean Street, one of the UK’s busiest sexual health clinics, Visiting a sex health clinic is an important part of life. you should try and make regular visits every six months to once a year if you’re sexually active.

    So don’t delay in getting a test booked in. The sooner you do, the quicker you can put your mind at rest.

     

  • ADVICE | Why does it sting whenever I pee?

    So a reader asked our sexual health experts about a stinging pain whenever he pees. What could it be?

    ADVICE | Why does it sting whenever I pee?

    If you’ve ever experienced a stinging sensation down below whenever you’ve peed, you’ll know it really isn’t a great feeling and it can be a worry too. So what could it be?

    It could be a sexually transmitted infection, after all, there was so many of them floating about. Medical Director at Pharmacy 2U Dr Nitin Shori told us, “statistics from NHS England show that there were more than 435,000 STI diagnoses in 2015, we may have forgotten the safe sex message”.

    However, it isn’t all bad news, Nitin continues, “There are different types of STIs and some, if caught early, are easy to treat with antibiotics. Chlamydia is the most common STI in England and can be treated with antibiotics.

    What are the infections that cause stinging whilst peeing?

    So according to webmd.com stinging whilst you urinate could be caused by: genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. But stinging could also be a symptom of other problems such as kidney stones, diabetes, having an enlarged prostate, or a Urinary Tract Infection UTI – which is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract.

    Cystitis can also cause pain during urination although women are more likely to be affected by this than men. It’s caused by inflammation of the bladder caused by a bladder infection. Those infections are caused by certain bacteria – like those found in your poo.

    What should I do if it burns when I pee?

    The best thing to do is make an appointment where you can be tested for STIs. This can be done at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP surgery. Some people prefer the privacy of buying a

    Some people prefer the privacy of buying a reliable testing kit online from a reputable supplier, such as Pharmacy2U.co.uk.

     

  • Shaving your pubes could give you an STI

    Shaving your pubes could give you an STI

    If you’re a pube shaver you could be putting yourself at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

    CREDIT: bigstock-sorali
    CREDIT: bigstock-sorali

    Some medical professionals in California, US, have discovered that people who shave their pubes regularly stand a higher chance of catching an STD because of small cuts or tears in the skin, that are caused by the grooming process. They also found that people who regularly trim their bushes are more sexually active too.

    The research is from the rather catchily titled, Sexually Transmitted Infections – a specialist BMJ journal and it makes for some sobering reading, the BBC reports.

    Doctors suggest that the link between grooming your pubes and getting an infection was closely linked to cuts and abrasions caused by the grooming process rather than by sharing grooming equipment, like shavers or scissors. Waxing, shaving and even plucking hair can cause small cuts and tears in the skin.

    Those who groom are more likely to engage in riskier sexual activities and findings have shown that they have more sexual partners.

    CREDIT: Pixabay / Public Domain / sumoncps
    CREDIT: Pixabay / Public Domain / sumoncps

    So what do men use to shave their man bushes?

    The electric razor is the most common tool for men to groom but one in five men uses scissors to give that man jungle a cutback.

    The findings found that ‘extreme groomers’ (17%), those who shave it all off at least once a month, are three or four times more likely to catch an STI. Doctors point out that a skin to skin STI was more common for these people, leaving them susceptible to getting an STI like herpes.

    So what advice can be given to those who shave regularly?

    Doctors suggest holding off until your skin has completely healed before having sex or skin to skin contact and of course, always use condoms if you’re thinking about doing penetration.

    Any good news?

    It’s not all bad news, though. Groomers who shave off their pubes are less likely to get pubic lice. So that’s always a boon!

     

    Are you concerned about your sexual health? Use the form below to speak to one of our expert doctors for free and anonymously.

  • ADVICE | My penis is stinging what should I do?

    This week a reader is concerned that his penis has started to sting and the end has gone all read. Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori looks into for him.

    My penis is stinging what should I do?

    Dear TGUK team

    My foreskin has gone all tight and is stinging whenever I pee and my urethra is all red. I had unprotected sex around a month ago.

    Martin, Salford

     

    Dear Martin,

    The first thing you must do is get a test that will rule out a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

    The latest statistics from NHS England show that there were more than 435,000 STI diagnoses in 2015 alone and many people now fear that we may have forgotten the safe sex message, with disease rates on the increase.

    In Wales, reports of new diagnoses of chlamydia, herpes, LGV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C have been increasing for the last two years.

    Alarmingly, in some patient groups, the number of cases of syphilis have increased by 76 percent in three years, while gonorrhoea cases have risen by 53 per cent. Even more worryingly, there appears to be evidence of some drug resistance that can make some STIs more difficult to treat.

    STIs are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact, which is why it is so important that we spread the message of using condoms and other barrier methods when we’re going to be intimate.

    You can be tested for STIs at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP surgery. Some people prefer the privacy of buying a reliable testing kit online from a reputable supplier, such as Pharmacy2U.co.uk.

    There are different types of STIs and some, if caught early, are easy to treat with antibiotics. Chlamydia is the most common STI in England and can be treated with antibiotics.

    But many have no cures, including genital herpes and HIV. There can be far reaching health implications with some STIs, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated.

    In many instances, STIs don’t give their sufferers symptoms, but obviously, you sound to have symptoms that something is not right.

    Get tested and I hope everything works out for you but remember prevention is better than cure. Speak to a GP for treatment if you do test positive.

     

    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.

     

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

  • ADVICE | Is My Penis Too Small?

    Dear TGUK,
    My flaccid penis is quite small, probably about 2-3inches but it becomes 5.5-6 inches when erect. Is this normal? How do I get over my fears about being naked in front of another person, as I am 20 and still a virgin?
    Jeff, Edinburgh

    Dear John,

    This is a very common worry. The truth is that there really is no such thing as ‘normal’ when it comes to penises. For example, there is a lot of variation in the angle of an erect penis. Some erect penises point straight up, others straight down or a slight bend to the left or right. There are many different sizes too.

    It is normal for men to be worried about size because of all the cultural pressure society places on it. Try not to get anxious about it. So long as you are otherwise healthy and happy, the most important thing is taking precautions to ensure that you do not run the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including using condoms, when you do have sex.

    While there are many products and procedures available suggesting that they can help men to increase the size of their penis, there is little conclusive evidence to prove that they are safe and that they work. There really isn’t much that men can do to change what they are born with, so my advice would be to come to terms with what you have.

    There are however some steps that you can take to improve your own and others’ perception of the size of your penis, including trimming your pubic hair and losing weight. Staying fit and healthy can also improve your sex life.

    In some cases, people inaccurately conclude that they are not as big as they should be. Counselling has been shown to be beneficial for men with penis anxiety as therapy helps patients identify and correct any distorted views, building self-confidence and overcoming fears about sexual relations.

    Have you got a question to ask our experts? Use the form below to submit your question.

    THIS PAGE SHOULD NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF A VISIT TO YOUR GP, A&E OR A SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC. INFORMATION PRINTED HERE IS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY. IF CONCERNED FOR YOUR HEALTH MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

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

  • ADVICE| Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

    This week’s sexual health column focuses on the possibility that depression medications cause erectile dysfunction.  Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori takes a closer look.

    Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

    Dear TGUK,

    I’m in my 30s and I’ve been having trouble getting it up. I’m currently on medication for depression so I’m wondering if that’s what’s causing it. I don’t want to come off the depression meds, but my failure at not being able to keep an erection is causing a few issues in the bedroom.

    Paul

     

     

    Dear Paul,

    A low sex drive and inability to maintain an erection can be a side effect of many antidepressants. However, depression itself can also cause these same problems.
     
    It’s important that you treat your depression and tackle the underlying factors that might be causing it. If you speak to your GP they may be able to change your medication to one that has less of an affect on your libido or consider whether your depression itself is the cause.
     
    There are also other factors that can affect your sex drive and it may be worth considering them.
     
    Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a very common condition, particularly among older men.
     
    Stress, anxiety, fatigue and certain health conditions are also common factors in causing impotence, while excessive drug or alcohol miss-use can also affect sexual performance.
     
    Another factor could be age. Testosterone levels naturally start to fall for most men from the age of about 30 or 40.
     
    While many automatically associate testosterone with sexual performance, this powerful hormone has a much wider influence and can often impact on energy levels and motivation, as well as loss of strength and muscle mass.
     
    If the above is ringing bells you can test for testosterone and consider gels or supplements which will boost your levels. You can get testosterone testing kits and prescriptions online if you’re pressed for time to see your doctor and want to rule this out.
     
    There’s also a range of products that can help with erectile dysfunction available online if you want to be discreet, including Viagra.
     
    Given your circumstances, you should discuss your antidepressant medication with your GP before you start exploring other potential causes of impotence.

     

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