Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

STI’s and men who have sex with men

Having unprotected penetrative sex is the easiest way to pass on a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Using a condom not only helps protect against HIV, but it also cuts the risk of getting many other STIs.

There are more gay men living with HIV than ever, so having sex without using a condom is extremely risky.

Many STIs are more difficult to treat if you’ve got HIV. Some, like syphilis, may even accelerate HIV’s progression.

Screening for hepatitis C isn’t routinely carried out, but if you think you’re at risk or have been exposed, speak to your GP.

Gay men should have a check-up at least every six months at a sexual health clinic, because for some infections you may not see any symptoms.

Discharge from the penis can be caused by:

1. Gonorrhoea (‘the clap’)

This bacterial infection can cause stinging when urinating or the feeling that you want to urinate but can’t. It’s treated with antibiotics.

2. Non-specific urethritis (NSU)

This is an inflammation of the urethra that’s caused by bacteria. It’s caught in the same way as gonorrhoea, and often gives similar symptoms. NSU can also be caused by having lots of sex or masturbating a lot, which causes the urethra to become inflamed. It can be treated using antibiotics.

3. Chlamydia

This is a bacterial infection of the urethra, rectum or throat. There may be a discharge and pain when passing urine or pain in the testicles (although chlamydia can be symptom-free).

It can be caught during sex with an infected person in the same way as gonorrhoea and NSU. It’s treated with antibiotics.
For more information on local Chlamydia screening check out: www.checkyourbits.org 

Rashes or blisters on the penis can be caused by:

1. Genital herpes

This is a viral infection that causes redness and itching, and then blisters on the penis (or lips and anus).

Genital herpes can be caught after oral sex with someone with a cold sore around or in their mouth, or by having anal sex.

Sometimes, there will be no symptoms. There’s no cure once you’re infected as the virus stays in your body for life, but you can remain symptom-free.

A GP can prescribe tablets or cream.

2. Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes a painless ulcer, usually in the genital area. It will disappear on its own but other symptoms may appear, such as a rash on the body and swollen glands.

In its early stages, syphilis is very infectious and can be passed on by close skin contact during sex. Treatment is with antibiotic injections or tablets.

Growths on the penis can be caused by:

1. Genital warts

This is a common infection that appears a few weeks or months after sex with an infected person. It can cause pinhead-sized growths, mostly on or around the head of the penis but also in and around the anus.

The sooner warts are treated, the easier they are to deal with. You can’t treat genital warts with the same cream you use for warts on the hands. A doctor will freeze them or use a cream to remove them.

Itching around the penis can be caused by:

1. Pubic lice (‘crabs’)

Crabs are the most common STI and live in body hair. They only grow to pinhead size so can be difficult to spot, although their tiny dark eggs can be seen stuck to hair.

Crabs prefer pubic hair (hair around your testicles and anus) but can also be found in body hair (but not head hair). The lice can be picked up from clothes, towels and bedding, and symptoms include itching or a rash.

Treatment can be done at home with lotions bought at a chemist (no prescription is needed).

2. Scabies

This is an infection caused by invisible mites that burrow under the skin. It causes intense itching for most people (though some hardly notice it).

Itching usually starts two or more weeks after sex with an infected person. You can get scabies from sharing beds and towels, but this is less common.

Treatment is similar to treating crabs, although you may continue to itch for a few weeks after the mites have died.

Get tested

If you have any of the symptoms above or are worried you may have an STI, speak to your GP or visit a GUM clinic. Getting tested regularly is a good idea to ensure you have a healthy sex life. NHS services are free.

Please click on the STI PDF’s for more information.

download: Chlamydia (24.5KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 187 description: Chlamydia Information

download: Genital Herpes (25KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 178 description: Genital Herpes Information

download: Genital Warts (26KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 178 description: Genital Warts Information

download: Gonorrhoea (24.5KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 158 description: Gonorrhoea Information

download: HIV (25KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 167 description: HIV Information

download: NSU (24.5KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 165 description: Non Specific Urethritis (NSU) Information

download: Syphilis (25.5KB) added: 17/08/2010 clicks: 151 description: Syphilis Information

STI’s and Condoms

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, Natural Skins and 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, Middlesbrough and Sunderland and loose condoms from local gay 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.