Sexual Health | Sexual Health |
SEXUAL HEALTH AND GAY AND BISEXUAL MENHere in the UK, gay and bisexual men continue to be the group most at risk of HIV infection and rates of transmission of other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are also continuing to rise. A dramatic increase in cases of Syphilis amongst gay and bisexual men is also being seen at sexual health clinics; many men becoming infected through oral sex. On this page we hope to give you lots of information and advice about HIV, other STIs to help you make your sex life safer, healthier and happier. The information given on this site is written for men who have sex with men. If you are a bisexual man who also has sex with women, you may also find the following general leaflets on HIV and Sexual Health useful. Click on the image to download the pdf of these leaflets.
HIV and AIDS
There is still no cure or vaccine for HIV, but there are treatments that are available which are proving extremely effective in controlling the level of virus in an infected person’s body, helping people stay well for longer and preventing them developing fatal illnesses that are associated with an AIDS diagnosis. In fact, in the UK, HIV is now regarded as a lifelong chronic illness rather than the ‘death sentence’ it was seen as when HIV was first discovered. The life expectancy for someone newly diagnosed with HIV is now probably the same as for everyone else. The important things here are an early diagnosis of HIV infection with the correct treatments given at the appropriate time. Click here to read more about HIV Download our leaflet: HIV, Gay men, Sheffield by clicking here Sexually Transmitted Infections
But there is good news. Most STIs can easily be treated and cured if diagnosed early enough. For men who are sexually active, having a regular sexual health check-up at a GUM or other sexual health clinic can help make sure that any infection you may pick up is detected and treated. Click here to read more about STIs Viral Hepatitis
There are a number of forms of Viral Hepatitis that can cause short or long-term damage to the liver – some of these can be sexually transmitted. However, two of the main forms of Hepatitis that can be passed on through sex (Hepatitis A and B) can be prevented with a vaccine. Gay and bisexual men can get free vaccinations at the GUM clinic at the Hallamshire Hospital for both these types of Hepatitis – offering life long protection for most men The sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is rare, but not impossible – it seems to be mostly affecting people who share IV equipment (needles/ syringes etc.) for recreational drug use. Click here to read more about Viral Hepatitis Other Sexual Health Issues for MenWhen we talk about sexual health, we often focus on HIV and other STIs, but there are a number of other illness and issues that can affect men’s sexual health. These can include erectile dysfunction (finding it difficult to get or keep an erection), testicular problems, anal pain and discomfort and other infections affecting the genital or anal area. Many men find it difficult to talk about anything that affects their ‘private bits and bobs’ – especially with their GP or other health worker. Yet early diagnosis and treatment is vital for health problems like testicular and prostate cancer. Just worrying about a sexual health problem or hoping that things will get better by themselves won’t help. If you have any concerns or worries about your sexual health go see a doctor, talk to them, show them the problem and get it sorted. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get back to having a better and worry free sex life! Click here to read more about other sexual issues for men Making Sex Safer
Using a condom and water based lubricant for anal sex, flavoured condoms for oral sex and dental dams for rimming (oral/anal sex) is the best way to prevent STIs including HIV. If used correctly and consistently, condoms and dental dams are an effective barrier to most STIs. Condoms and lube are free for gay and bisexual men in Sheffield from the following places:
Click here to read more about safer sex and condom use Oral Sex – safe sex?Lots of gay and bisexual men are into oral sex (blow jobs) and research tells us that many men choose not to use condoms when having oral sex. There may be lots of different reasons for this – one being that men don’t see oral sex as being risky in terms of infection. But is it safe sex? The answer is no. Whilst oral sex is considered low risk in terms of HIV infection, it can and does happen to some people. Also, oral sex is an extremely high-risk activity for transmitting other bacterial and viral Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes and syphilis. Click here to read more about how risky oral sex really is Sheffield GUM Clinic
Click here for a map of the hospital Clinic Times:
Ring: 0114 276 6928 to make an appointment or to speak with a health adviser. Services currently offered by Sheffield GUM Clinic include:
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HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency virus) is still here and still a serious threat to the health of gay and bisexual men. New diagnoses of HIV infection that happen in the UK continue to disproportionately affect the gay community. And it’s not just men in London, Brighton and Manchester that this affects. Men in Sheffield are also becoming infected every year 
Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Warts and Crabs – these and many other infections can all be passed on sexually. At best, they can cause discomfort, embarrassment and irritation. If left undetected or untreated, however, they can have long-term damaging effects on our health - bad news!
Hepatitis is an illness that affects the liver and stops it working effectively. The liver is an important organ which helps us to digest and process food, clears toxins for the body (including alcohol and other recreational drugs!) and stores energy for times we need it – like running for the bus….
Basically, sex should be pleasurable and fun! Knowing that you are looking after your body by protecting you and your partner (or partners) from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can take away some of the worries about sex so that you can relax and enjoy it more!
If you are concerned about HIV, Hepatitis or other Sexually Transmitted Infection, you can get free information, advice, testing and treatment at the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. This clinic is based in the Hallamshire Hospital – you will find the clinic opposite the Minor Injuries Unit on the corner of Claremont Place and the hospital’s ‘B’ Road.| Next > |
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