Gay cumming in throat

Sexual well-being for gay and bisexual males

Having unprotected penetrative intercourse is the most probable method for transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Utilizing a condom aids in guarding against HIV, concurrently decreasing the possibility of contracting several other STIs.

If you're a man engaging in sexual activity with other men (MSM), absent condoms and with a new partner, you should undergo an STI and HIV evaluation every three months; otherwise, it should occur at least annually. This can be conducted at a sexual health clinic (SHC) or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. This is important, seeing as some STIs do not exhibit any symptoms.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A constitutes a liver infection that is disseminated via a virus present in feces.

Hepatitis A is not frequently encountered in the UK, nevertheless, transmission is possible through sexual activity, encompassing oral-anal sex ("rimming") and performing oral sex following anal sex. MSMs with numerous partners are specifically at heightened vulnerability. Moreover, it can also be contracted through tainted food and beverages.

Symptoms of hepatitis A might manifest up to eight weeks following sexual activity, including exhaustion coupled with a feeling of sickness (nausea).

Hepatitis A is typically not life-threatening, and the majority of individuals achieve full recuperation within a couple of months.

MSMs can prevent acquiring hepatitis A by:

sanitizing hands after sex (including bottom, groin, and penis, also preferably via a shower)
replacing condoms between anal and oral sexual activities
deploying a barrier (such as a condom cut into a square) for rimming
utilizing latex or non-latex gloves for fingering or fisting
abstaining from sharing sex toys
inquire about the hepatitis A vaccine at a sexual health clinic or GUM clinic

If you suspect you might have hepatitis A, or have any questions, consult a sexual health clinic or GUM clinic. The hepatitis A vaccine is accessible for individuals at higher risk, incorporating MSMs with multiple partners.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B represents a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It normally does not present noticeable symptoms and could resolve within a few months without intervention. However, in some instances, the infection may linger and induce serious liver ailments, comprising cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is disseminated via contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected individual. MSMs are at risk of hepatitis B; nevertheless, they can be shielded by the hepatitis B vaccination.

Vaccination for MSMs is accessible from sexual health clinics, GUM clinics, or GPs.

Discover more regarding hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection responsible for liver inflammation. Often, it initially lacks any obvious symptoms; nevertheless, it can result in severe liver disease if left unaddressed.

It is disseminated via interaction with the blood of an infected individual. Men who are concerned about potential risk should consult their physician, sexual health clinic, or GUM clinic.

Hepatitis C is treatable and curable in many situations.

Explore more concerning hepatitis C.

Gonorrhea

This bacterial infection produces stinging when you urinate, or the sensation that you need to urinate but are incapable of doing so. It's communicated through anal, oral, or vaginal sexual activity with an infected individual.

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics.

Non-specific urethritis (NSU)

This denotes inflammation of the urethra (the channel that transports urine from the bladder out of the body) resulting from bacteria. It is also termed non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) when the condition is not caused by gonorrhoea.

NSU is transferred in the same manner as gonorrhoea and often exhibits comparable symptoms. It may also be attributed to excessive sexual activity or masturbation, potentially inflaming the urethra.

It can be treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia

This pertains to a bacterial infection impacting the urethra, testicles, or bottom (rectum). It may also affect the throat and eyes, although this is less prevalent. Chlamydia may induce discharge, discomfort during urination, or pain in the testicles. Nevertheless, not everyone experiences symptoms.

It can be disseminated during sex with an infected individual, mirroring the method of gonorrhoea. It is addressed through antibiotics.

Learn more about chlamydia.

Shigella

This constitutes a bacterial infection affecting the intestine, giving rise to intense diarrhea and stomach cramps. It is frequently misidentified as food poisoning.

It can be spread during sexual activity, encompassing anal-oral sex ("rimming") and oral sex after anal sex. It is readily disseminated - all it takes is a minute quantity of infected fecal matter entering your mouth.

A person afflicted with shigella can remain infectious for up to a month. It can be treated with antibiotics. Men who suspect they have shigella should visit a sexual health clinic or their GP to get tested.

Men can avoid contracting shigella by washing their hands post-sex (bottom, groin, and penis too, if possible via a shower), and replacing condoms between anal and oral sex.

Employing latex or non-latex gloves for fingering or fisting offers protection. In addition, refrain from sharing sex toys or douching apparatus.

You'll discover supplementary data regarding shigella on the Gov.UK website.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a viral infection. Symptoms may encompass painful blisters and ulcers on or around the penis or bottom (anus), although some men show no symptoms.

The virus remains within the body and can stimulate outbreaks of blisters.

Genital herpes can be transmitted via oral sex with someone who has a cold sore in or around their mouth, or through skin-to-skin genital contact with a person afflicted with genital herpes.

Antiviral pills and creams, accessible from a GP or sexual health clinic, can mitigate the symptoms.

Get further details about genital herpes.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that gives rise to a painless ulcer, typically located in the genital area. The ulcer will naturally vanish; nevertheless, additional symptoms might emerge, such as a rash on the body and swollen glands.

In its early stages, syphilis is intensely contagious and can be transferred through close skin contact during sexual activity. In the absence of treatment, the infection can ultimately disseminate to the brain or other parts of the body, instigating serious, long-term complications.

Remedy involves antibiotic injections or tablets.

Genital warts

This stands as a frequent viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It materializes a few weeks or months after sex with an infected person. It can give rise to pinhead-sized growths, primarily on or around the head of the penis but also in and around the bottom (anus).

The sooner warts are addressed, the simpler they are to manage. You are unable to treat genital warts using the same type of cream utilized for warts located on other areas of your body. A doctor will freeze them or prescribe a cream to eradicate them.

You can diminish your risk of contracting genital warts by obtaining the HPV vaccine.

MSM up to and including the age of forty-five become eligible for free HPV vaccination on the NHS when they visit a specialized sexual health clinic or HIV clinic in England.

Inquire with the physician or nurse at the clinic for comprehensive details.

Pubic lice

Pubic lice (alternatively referred to as "crabs") are minute, parasitic insects that occupy body hair.

They are exceptionally diminutive (merely 2mm), making them challenging to observe, although their minuscule, dark eggs can be observed adhering to hair.

Pubic lice favor the pubic hair surrounding your testicles and bottom but may also be found in body hair. They are not discovered on your scalp.

The lice are communicated through intimate bodily contact with an infected individual. They may also be spread by exchanging garments, towels, or bedding, though this is uncommon. Symptoms include itching or a rash.

Treatment can be administered at home with lotions or creams purchased from a pharmacy (no prescription is required).

Learn more about pubic lice.

Scabies

This refers to an infection instigated by minuscule mites that tunnel beneath the skin. It produces intense itching for the majority of individuals (despite some barely noticing it).

Itching usually commences two or more weeks post-sexual activity with an infected person. You might also contract scabies from sharing beds and towels; however, this is less frequent.

Treatment mirrors the management of pubic lice, although you might persistently experience itching for a few weeks after the mites have been eliminated.

Get tested

In the event that you manifest any of the aforementioned symptoms or are concerned you might have an STI, communicate with your GP, or visit a sexual health clinic or GUM clinic.

Regular testing constitutes an advantageous approach to guaranteeing a healthy sexual life. NHS services are free of charge.

Protection against HIV

If you are regularly engaging in sex without condoms, discuss PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) with a health professional at a sexual health clinic or GUM clinic. PrEP is a medication you can ingest daily or on demand (before and after sex) that can safeguard you from HIV.

Find out more about PrEP