Are STDs a thing to worry about with gay and bi men?

jeanjolie

As a young guy (18), I've been thinking about getting with a gay or bi guy but I am worried about contracting HIV.

Aside from stds, I wouldn't use the Grindr app for fear of safety. I have found cute guys in my school but.....they are definitely straight.

L1011

STDs are something to consider with anyone of any gender and any sexuality. Use protection and get tested. Read up on the risks - it is extremely unlikely that you will catch HIV from protected sex. man2man.ie is a good source of info.

jeanjolie

L1011 wrote: »

STDs are something to consider with anyone of any gender and any sexuality. Use protection and get tested. Read up on the risks - it is extremely unlikely that you will catch HIV from protected sex. man2man.ie is a good source of info.

Hmmmm...Monogamy is much less common in non-hetero men from what I've heard. I don't believe that women are immune from STD's but why again are gay men banned from donating blood in some countries?

L1011

jeanjolie wrote: »

but why again are gay men banned from donating blood in some countries?

Because the laws were written in the 1980s.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are rampant amongst heterosexual women at the moment. (and men, clearly)

baby and crumble

Everyone who has ever had sex- regardless of who with, or whatever gender each respective partner is or isn't- might have an STI. That's just life.

I would suggest you read up on STI's, on how to practice safe sex and navigate sexual encounters safely. Spunout.ie and BelongTo are great resources for younger people like yourself coming out and experimenting. Best rule of thumb is don't meet randomers anywhere that's not private for the first while, try and let someone know where you're going if you are meeting up with someone off the net, and always, always always use a condom, for oral and anal and whatever in between. Don't trust ANYONE who just "tells" you they're clean and don't need to use protection. They might be telling the truth but it's not worth the risk.

28064212

jeanjolie wrote: »

Hmmmm...Monogamy is much less common in non-hetero men from what I've heard. I don't believe that women are immune from STD's but why again are gay men banned from donating blood in some countries?

Because most STDs are either easily screenable or not transmissible via blood donations. The 'big' one is HIV, which can be transmitted without being detected, and the rate of HIV among MSM is significantly higher than among heterosexuals.

newacc2015

OP I notice you are in Dublin. Go to the GMHS or James Guide clinic and ask for the Hep A & B vaccine. The Government is supposed to be giving the HPV vaccine to gay men to stop them getting genital warts pretty soon

If you use a condom every time, you should worry too much about HIV. But use a condom always and get tested every 3 months if you are sexually active (clinics will tell you official every 6 months, but the staff will tell you every 3 months).

If you have unprotected sex or a condom bursts, go to A&E immediately and ask for PEP. It stops HIV taking hold in the body. It is a horrific cocktail of drugs, but it is really effective.

wakka12

jeanjolie wrote: »

Hmmmm...Monogamy is much less common in non-hetero men from what I've heard. I don't believe that women are immune from STD's but why again are gay men banned from donating blood in some countries?

Less common maybe.. but only by a bit. there are large proportions of gay men who are willing and searching for a man to love and be loyal with.

BlinkingLights

The main things apply to *ALL* sexual encounters with men or women:

1) Wear a condom.
2) Get proper information about how to use a condom - correct type, size and lubricants etc etc need to be used. Do proper research on this! Lots of information available.
3) Do not get laid while drunk as you risk end up losing inhibitions and doing something you regret either taking risks you normally wouldn't or getting into bed with someone you normally wouldn't consider.

It's about minimising and managing risks and unfortunately, it involves practical measures and common sense mostly.

Also : what was said above about testing is important if you're sexually active as the sooner you know you have something, the sooner you can do something about it.

Breezer

newacc2015 wrote: »

If you have unprotected sex or a condom bursts, go to A&E immediately and ask for PEP. It stops HIV taking hold in the body. It is a horrific cocktail of drugs, but it is really effective.

Your post gives great advice, but as a medic I'm going to disagree with this bit. PEP (and anti-HIV drugs in general) has come a long way. Standard PEP is now 3 pills daily for a month, and side effects for most people are pretty minimal. A little bit of tiredness and a slight stomach upset. Nothing more than an antibiotic would cause, and not everyone gets them.

L.Jenkins

In my own opinion, always be cautious and stay safe.