Sex

Your Health is important. This page has information to help you stay healthy and safe

This page is a developing one and there is more information available on the NHS Direct website - See our links page

! Caution: Down to Earth Language Ahead !

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are transferred during close contact and sexual intercourse. Most STIs can be passed on during anal intercourse (and vaginal), oral sex and other sexual foreplay

Sex Facts Feature - Syphilis

WHAT? Syphilis is a bacterial infection. You can still catch it again even if you’ve had syphilis in the past and been treated.

WHERE? Syphilis initially infects the penis (cock), anus (arse) or mouth. In time it can spread to affect most parts of the body.

HOW? Syphilis is usually passed amongst gay men by unprotected anal sex, oral sex, or genital contact.

SYMPTOMS. If there are symptoms (and there might not be any obvious ones), these might include sores in the genital area, cock, throat or arse. The sores are very infectious, though they will usually disappear within 2 to 6 weeks. However you will still be infectious! You could have flu-like symptoms and may also go on to develop a rash on your body.

PROTECT YOURSELF If you suck or fuck, use a condom. This will reduce your risk, not only for Syphilis but for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

CURE If treated early, syphilis can be completely cured with a course of antibiotics. The longer it is left, the harder it is to treat. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to mental illness, blindness, heart disease, or even death.

The best way to combat STIs Is to use a condom.

But do you know how to put one on properly?

Heres a guide, and you can also request Safer Sex Info using the form on this page.

Step 1: Put the condom on when the penis is erect, before there is any contact between the penis and your partner's body

Step 2 Tear along one side of the foil, being sure not to rip the condom inside. Carefully remove the condom.

Step 3 Air trapped inside a condom could cause it to break. To avoid this, squeeze the closed end of the condom between your forefinger and thumb and place the condom over the erect penis. Be sure that the roll is on the outside.

Step 4 While still squeezing the closed end, use your other hand to unroll the condom gently down the full length of the penis. Make sure the condom stays in place during sex; if it rolls up, roll it back into place immediately. If the condom comes off, withdraw the penis and put on a new condom before intercourse continues.

Step 5 Soon after ejaculation, withdraw the penis while it is still erect by holding the condom firmly in place.

Step 6 Dispose of the used condom hygienically. Wrap the condom in a tissue and place it in a bin (do not flush it down the toilet).

NEVER USE A CONDOM MORE THAN ONCE

Symtoms

You should visit the GUM clinic if you experience swelling itching, or redness around the penis or vagina, unusual discharge, or pains in the lower abdomen.

Some of the most common STIs are shown below:

Chlamydia. White or cloudy looking discharge from the penis or vagina, pain when peeing, and bleeding after sex / between periods(women only).

Gonorrhoea. This can affect the genitals, anus, rectum and throat, and can affect both men and women. Symptoms, include a thin, watery discharge from the vagina or tip of the penis that can appear yellow or green, and pain when urinating.

Non-specific urethritis. Discharge and discomfort from the male urethra.

Genital herpes. Often presents no symptoms and can remain undiagnosed for long periods of time. Symptoms may show in the form of flu-like symptoms, itchiness, burning or tingling around the genitals, small, fluid-filled blisters that burst to leave sores, and pain passing urine.

Pubic lice Symptoms include really itchy skin, black powder (which are lice droppings) in underwear and white eggs.

Scabies can occur anywhere on the body, but can be hard to see. Symptoms can appear weeks after first contact and include itching, a rash and tiny spots.

HIV There are no symptoms after infection. The only way to know if you are HIV-positive is to have a test.

Syphilis. On the increase, symptoms can begin with a small sore on the penis or vagina. Up to 6 months after the first symptoms occur, you might experience flu-like symptoms.

Live In Somerset?

Then use this form to request Condoms/Lube and Safer Sex Info

I need a sexual health clinic.

There are clinics located in Taunton (with an outpost at Yeovil), Weston Super Mare, and Bath.

Contact details can be obtained using the link below.

Creetown House, Albemarle Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1BG

01823 327076 / 01823 327078

Please Note: We are only able to send condom packs to somerset residents