LGBT

Although the symptoms are the same for STI regardless of your sexuality, the circumstances, situations and type of contact in which are transmitted can be very different. STI's are easily transmitted, as it's relatively easy to pick up and quite easy to have anonymous liaisons.

Some gay guys enjoy clubbing and drinking and it's usually quite easy to pick up - perhaps more than you bargained for. Saunas and sex venues usually provide condoms and lube etc for your activities but then again - some guys choose not to use these and the risks are pretty big. When under the influence of drugs or alcohol it's very easy to lose your inhibitions and forget to rubber up. The thrill might be there but then so are the big risks.

Activities like rimming (oral-anal intercourse) and fisting (pushing a hand and sometimes more, of the arm into the arse) come with their own dangers too. With rimming be aware that many viruses and STI's like Hep A/B, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea can be passed from anus to mouth and when fisting damage can occur if you have long or jagged nails or small cuts or lesions on the fingers. On the anus there might be a haemorrhoid (or piles) to watch out for. Make sure hands and bums are clean or you could use a thin surgical glove.

Although the above is not a comprehensive list of do's and don'ts practicing safe is always the better option. If you are concerned about you sexual practices drop us a line through your secure patient log in. It's recommended that gay guys who are sexually active should have a STI MOT every 6 months.