Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). To prevent HIV transmission, you should always use condoms and water-based lubricant for anal sex.
We recommend Durex Extra or the Boys Own brand. If you want to buy condoms, we recommend you try your nearest branch of Boots or Superdrug. You can also get free condoms & lube packs (MEnvelopes) from gay bars in Newcastle and Middlesbrough/Stockton, and loose condoms from local saunas and direct from MESMAC.We can even send you condoms by post if you live in a rural area.
The lubricant you use should always be water-based, because lube with oil seriously weakens the rubber in the condom. Some popular brands include KY jelly, Boots' own brand lubricant, TLC and ID Glide. Once again, you can get free lube (along with condoms in the MEnvelope packs) from gay bars or MESMAC. You may have heard of a new polyurethane condom called Avanti, which is thinner than rubber condoms, supposed to be stronger, and which can also be used with oil-based lube. Some research has been done which suggests that these condoms are actually not as reliable as latex (rubber) condoms. At the moment we don't recommend them for anal sex.
Click here to go to a list of local GUM clinics
