Sex
with other men while generally safe if practiced with care, can raise several
health issues and protecting yourself and your partner must be a priority.
On
the gay scene there is plenty of free advice available but many Asian men
do not go on the scene and are not open to this advice.
We
present below some basic information. This is not intended to be a encyclopaedia
of sexual health problems just some guidelines to safer, healthy, and enjoyable
sex.
*****
The Naz Project supports
South Asian gays, bisexuals and men who have sex with men. Info: 0208-741
1879.
*****
Kairos
in Soho is a small London based charity promoting well being for
lesbians, gay men and their friends. We offer holistic health,self-development
and broad-based spiritual resources in the form ofactivities, events, courses,
workshops, discussions and groups. We're basedin the heart of London's
Gay Village and we aim to compliment the bars,cafes and pink businesses
of Soho.
webmaster@kairos-soho.demon.co.uk
http://www.kairosinsoho.org.uk
Kairos
in Soho
56
Old Compton Street
London
W1D 4UE
Tel:
020 7437 6063 Fax: 020 7734 1527
HealthExpress.co.uk
The UK's first
online clinic for impotence, hair loss and obesity. UK doctor and pharmacy
service with next-day delivery.
HIMAT
Social support group
People can contact me at
the phone number/email address below
Fazal Mahmood
Positive East
159 Mile End Road
Stepney, London E1 4AQ
Email:
fazal.mahmood@positiveeast.org.uk
Tel: 020 7791 2855
www.gaymenswellbeing.com
Signpost: Confidential telephone
helpline, Tuesdays & Thursdays
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - 020
7790 5795 –
Positive East has been formed
by the merger of London East AIDS Network (LEAN) and The Globe Centre.
Registered Charity No. 1001106
*****
"I think I might be gay."
A site which describes everything
young gay guys experience while growing up
www.youth.org/yao/docs/i-think-article-gay.html
*****
Two more sites giving advice
about sexually trasmitted diseases
www.sexplained.com
www.WillyWorries.com
*****
You
can also contact
THE
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST 0207 7242 1010 www.tht.org.uk
GAY
MEN FIGHTING AIDS 0207 7738 6872
LONDON
LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD 0207 837 7324
BODY
POSITIVE 0207 287 8010
Our
E:Mail address is
IMPORTANT
NOTICE.
Information
on this page is for advice only and you should always seek the advice of
quaified people if in doubt about any medical facts. If you do not wish
to speak to your doctor use a sexual health clinic. These may be listed
in your local phone Book under GU clinics. We have not attempted to tackle AIDS
on this page except in the safer sex context. The best advice on this is
on a specialist website such as that run by The Terence Higgins Trust (see
above)
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INDEX
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HEPATITIS
B
Hepatitis B is a serious
infection which is sexually transmitted and is becoming increasingly common
among gay men. A simple course of injections however can protect you and
these are obtainable free of charge to gay men who are considered a high
risk group.
If you ask you doctor for
the injection they will ask why you want it. If you are not comfortable
with telling your GP you are gay then the STD clinic can be totally anonymous.
If you do not mind your GP. knowing about your sexuality then he or she
will provide it.
A Hepatitis A injection is
also available and this is especially important when travelling abroad
in the sub continent even without having sex !
Hepatitis
A comprehensive site with
information on Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/
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|
CONDOMS
Condoms come in all shapes and
sizes. For anal sex you need the extra strong variety. The manufacturers
will not recommend any of their products for anal sex, not because they
are not aware they will be used for such practices but to stop anyone suing
them if they catch an infection.
Learn to put condoms on properly,
rolling them on not pulling. Open the condom packet carefully, many cases
of condom failure are due to damage when opening the packet. If you come
inside your partner, withdraw slowly holding condom onto the penis until
you are outside.
Many men go soft while putting
on a condom. It's quite normal !. Practice masturbation using a condom
until you get used to wearing one. getting your partner to actually roll
the condom onto you can also be more stimulating than putting it on by
yourself.
For oral sex ordinary condoms
are fine, and flavoured ones can add a bit of fun although some of the
flavours are quite revolting !
Suitable brands for anal
sex
MATES SUPERSTRONG, CONDOMI
STRONG,DUREX ULTRASTRONG, SAFEGUARD FORTE, HT SPECIALS
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POPPERS
"Poppers" is the name given
to a family of compounds named the alkyl nitrites. Included in this family
of compounds are Isobutyl Nitrite, amyl nitrite, and plain butyl nitrite.
Amyl nitrite was used for over a century to treat angina. (Isobutyl Nitrite
was originally considered for use as a medicine rather than amyl - as it
is the most potent of all the nitrites, but was discarded in favor of amyl
nitrite As a prescription drug amyl is rarely used anymore
However, other nitrites,
particularly Isobutyl, have been used for nearly 50years as the primary
ingredients in a class of consumer products called"room odorizers". Often
sold as Liquid Incense® or Liquid Aroma®, the most popular among
these are RUSH®, HARDWARE®, QUICKSILVER®, RAM®, HEAVY DUTY
BOLT® and LIQUID AROMA BRAND®.
For sale in small glass bottles,
these products are often misused asinhalants by the consumer, who removes
the cap and places the bottle to the nose to inhale the vapors. The effect
is immediate and pleasant for most people although some people report headaches
- these are most often the result of impure brands or products which
have 'gone off'. r.
Though there are no true
aphrodisiacs (defined as anything that will "create" a sex drive if it
doesn't already exist). But,some researchers claim that these products
are the nearest thing to a true aphrodisiac.
The pharmacology of these
compounds is very simple; when inhaled these products simply relax smooth
muscle. Smooth muscle tissue surrounds the body's blood vessels and, when
allowed to relax, the heart speeds up to pump more blood through the body
This immediate increase in blood flow is very pleasurable for most people,
who nearly all report heightened sensations such as a limited sense of
being dizzy, an enhanced sense of touch and taste, as well as a genuine
"rush" reportedly making orgasm intensely enhanced and longer in duration.
All the body's sphincter muscles
are smooth muscle, which
means the anus is relaxed and made to feel more pleasure, as well.
The effects last only about
90 seconds to a couple of minutes. It is reported that users continue to
achieve these effects throughout the sex act, or while dancing, by frequently
inhaling small amounts during the activity. These products were very popular
in discos and bars as well, where users inhaled from them to supposedly
better enjoy the sensations around them also in combination with other
drugs.
There is a large body of
data that appears to demonstrate that these products are perfectly safe.
Although there was some immediate concern about a possible correlation
at the onset of the AIDS crisis in the early 1980's, those old theories
have since been discredited. Data indicates that no evidence of long-term
psychological or physical harm is associated with the use of poppers.
Some people are prone to
short duration headache with these compounds, and
the problem is further increased
with the use of inferior brands or the "video head cleaner" products.
Poppers are best kept in the fridge between use and discarded if they start
to give headaches.
In rare instances, if the
liquid contacts the skin, it can cause minor rirritation, as well
as a rash - sometimes around the lips and nose. (This is usually caused
by inferior brands, which may contain impurities.)
These products are highly
flammable, and should never be used near an open
flame.Always read the instructions
on each bottle.These products should never be swallowed. If that
happens, drink one or two glasses of milk or water, and induce vomiting.
See a doctor immediately.
Some users soak a tissue
with the liquid and insert into their nostrils. This is not advisable because
of irritation to the nose tissues and liquuid on the fingers can be transfered
to the eyes which is incredibly painful as the writer can testify !
Since they both act similarly
on the body, Poppers and Viagra® should not be
mixed! (Both cause a drop
in blood pressure, which can be dangerous. Viagra®
comes with a package insert
that explains this. Please read it if you are a
Viagra® user!). People
with heart problems should avoid the use of poppers.
Although we cannot know the
laws of every country in the world,we believe that possession or use of
poppers is not illegal in theUnited States, United-Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands,
Japan, France, Switzerland or most other countries. It is a good idea to
check the status where you live or intend visiting. If in doubt, leave
them at home !
Used with care, poppers can
be pleasurable and safe.
The above information is
extracted from the website www.poppers.to
This Company offers branded products mostly of US origin and the site also
contains more detailed information.
ANOTHER VERY GOOD WEBSITE
FULL OF INFORMATION ABOUT POPPERS IS AT
http://www.allaboutpoppers.com
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SUCKING
(ORAL SEX)
Oral sex is consided by most
authorities to carry a low risk of transmitting the AIDS
virus
but NEVER let anyone come in your mouth and don't suck if you have sore
gums or any cuts in your mouth.
AIDS, however is not the
only risk to consider. Many' old fashioned' STD's such as Gonorrhea
and
Syphillis
can be transmitted this way and although they are not fatal and can be
cured, they can be unpleasant. Don't suck a dick which is not clean, has
cuts or lesions.
Herpes
is another risk. IT CANNOT BE CURED. Don't get sucked by anyone with cold
sores or other sores on the lips.
You can always insist on
using a condom and this time you don't need the extra strong variety
and even flavoured versions can be exciting. |
|
GONORRHEA
A nasty bacterial infection
which affects mainly rectum, ureatha, and throat. Can be spread by anal
and oral intercourse (and vaginal intercourse !) Usually symptoms appear
around two weeks after infection and include white or coloured discharge
from end of penis, pain when pissing and irritation or discharge from the
anus.
Can be treated effectively
with anti biotics and cured completely. At one time was known as the 'clap'
or 'gay flue'
Using condoms for anal and
oral sex can give protection. Avoid sex for a month after treatment and
if you did have sex in the weeks before discovery, inform your partners
so they can get a check up.
Cases dropped over last 20
years but are rising again in the UK. You do not have to go to your GP,
a STD clinic will treat you anonymously and with understanding and without
criticism. See GU CLINICS |
|
SYPHILLIS
Once considered as big a threat
to the nation's health as AIDS was in the eighties but now curable . Caused
by a bacterium and can be spread by anal, vaginal and oral intercourse.
Symptoms can be varied from rashes to sores around the genitals but even
on other parts of the body. These will disappear after some weeks but infection
remains and can be very serious.
If you visit a GU
clinic for a regular checkup, they will normally always test for the
infection and give treatment if needed. Condoms during oral
sex can prevent infection as can condons during anal sex.
The infection is not common
in the UK but common in many other parts of the world including the USA.
Even so care is needed and awareness and prompt attention if any symptoms
occur. |
|
FUCKING
(ANAL SEX)
Unprotected anal sex is a prime
cause in the transmission of all STD's including AIDS. Condoms may 'spoil'
the fun and the feeling a little and you might feel that the other guy
is OK but DON'T DO IT !
I am still amazed that I
meet guys who don't want to bother with a condom. More often than not it's
ignorance because many guys especially Asians, are not on the scene,
young and their sex education incomplete due to stupid government policies.
Anal sex is great fun, exciting
and low risk if you use strong condoms, plenty of lubricant and keep checking
that the damm thing hasn't slipped off or split. As a final precaution
pull the penis out as you come.
REMEMBER A CONDOM ALSO PROTECTS
AGAINST MANY SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS BESIDES HIV
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LUBRICANTS
When having anal sex with a
condom, you will need a lubricant. Before AIDS and the need for condoms,
men used spit, vaseline, baby oil in fact almost anything to hand ! I enjoyed
many sessions in the past using Stork margarine ! This is no longer
acceptable and the only lubricant you should use with a condom is a WATER
BASED product such as KY. There are also many other water based products
now on the market and the FREEDOM SAFE SEX packs available in gay
bars in London contain two sachets of a very good product.
You can buy lubricants
at Clone Zone shops across the country and by mail order. For web sites
stocking such products visit www.londongayman.co.uk
shopping page.
Use lots of lubricant to
reduce risk of condom tearing. Never use any other lubricant, they can
weaken the condom. Liquid Silk is very good.
Lubricant should be placed
inside the passive partner with a finger and rubbed all over the active
partner's penis after the condom is in place. |
|
GU CLINICS
Also know as 'clap' clinics,
sexual health centre,STD clinics and sometimes given obscure names to hide
their real purpose. They still, in some towns, have discreet side entrances.
Don't let this put you off
! These clinics exist in most towns in most large hospitals. They exist
to stop the spread of sexually transmitted disease. They won't judge you,
they are there to help you if you are worried that you may be at risk.
You don't have to give your real name and if you do they will keep information
you give them private and confidential.
The doctor will ask very
personal questions about your sex life and partners. Just be honest, he
or she will have heard it all before and can only help if you do not hold
anything back.
The tests may include urine,
saliva and blood samples and the physical checks may include an internal
examination using a rather sinister looking appliance. Don't worry, it
doesn't hurt !
You will be asked to phone
a few days later for the results of some tests except if you have an HIV
test where results are normally given in person.
You will not be given an
HIV test unless you ask for one. If you do ask for one you will be given
counselling before and after the test.
If you have sex with men
on a regular basis, a visit to the clinic is just a sensible part of life.
It will hopefully reassure you and stop any worries you may have |
|
PUBIC
LICE (CRABS)
No one likes talking about subjects
such as this but, pubic lice do exist, have existed as long as human beings
have existed and they can be got rid of easily ! they are small insects
which live in coarse hair on the human body.they are light in colour and
difficult to see. They glue their eggs to the hair close to the skin.
They survive by sucking blood
and the first signs may be itching, small white dots on the hairs of the
chest, underarm or pubic area and small dark spots on underwear of dried
blood.
Sexual contact is one way
they spread but any simple body contact can also cause infestation. They
can also be spread by clothing or bedding.
Creams, lotions and shampoos
exist which kill both the lice and their eggs. Don't be scared of asking
a pharmacist for advice. usually the liquid will have to be applied to
the whole body and left for twelve hours or so. A second treatment may
be needed.
Bedding and clothing should
be well washed.
If you have had sexual contact
with someone while infected, it may be as well, if difficult, to let them
know. Most gay men are quite unfazed by such information. Quellada lotion/shampoo
is a popular and widely sold treatment.
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