Three letters that can turn your whole life upside down. STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection (sexually transmitted disease), meaning all those infections you can catch during unprotected sexual intercourse. You will also find the abbreviation STD (here the D at the end stands for Diseases)
While the HIV is very well known, there is still far too little talk about other diseases. The fact is, however, that there is much more than HIV waiting in the wings if you don’t use a condom! Safer sex is therefore not only HIV protection, but also protection against numerous other diseases!
How are STIs transmitted?
There are US studies that show that bisexual and gay men suffer more frequently from STIs than straight men. There are many reasons for this, but of course the focus is on the avoidance of rubber. Some (inexperienced) gays still assume that anal sex or blowjobs are not a risk for STI. The opposite is true! The opposite is the case!
Sexual contact of any kind (including oral sex and anal sex) poses a risk of transmitting an STI. Even sharing sex toys poses a risk. If you use a fisting dildo and use it on your partner without cleaning it, you may become infected!
Additional use of a fisting dildo can lead to infection.
An additional factor of infection is bodily fluids. Diseases such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or HIV are passed on through blood and semen. HIV is not passed on by kissing, so the fear of it is unjustified. HP viruses and genital herpes, on the other hand, are transmitted directly through skin contact. If your glans touches your partner’s glans, the viruses can be passed on.
How do I prevent STI’s?
It itches, it hurts, you feel sick. Sexually transmitted diseases are no walk in the park and can be passed on even without symptoms. Safer sex is therefore a must if you want to be responsible with yourself and your health.
Generally, every sexual activity carries a risk, but you can prevent it! Of course, this is not only true for gays, but because of the greater risk, even more so! Here are a few important tips that you should always bear in mind when having sex:
- Vaccination: Statistically speaking, gays have a higher risk of contracting hepatitis A and B and the HP virus. The good news is: you can get vaccinated! Attention: You can still become a carrier, but you will no longer fall ill yourself.
- Condoms: Rubbers protect, and there is no substitute for this. Condoms are advisable for anal sex even if you are in a committed relationship. The anal mucosa is very sensitive, which means that bacteria and viruses are transmitted more quickly.
- Gloves when fisting: Fisting is an intense experience for many gays, but also a risk factor in terms of STI/S&C. Therefore, use gloves as a matter of principle, if only to avoid infectious diseases from dirty hands.
- Changing partners: Here is a one-night stand, they’re a friendship plus. The more often you change sex partners, the greater the risk. Always make sure to use a condom with each partner. Furthermore, it is only fair to inform your changing partners about your sex life. That way, everyone can decide for themselves whether it is worth the risk.
Testing for STI – does it make sense to check before having sex?
Today, you can get tested for any sexual condition. This makes sense, especially if you have symptoms or if you have to do without condoms in a committed relationship. However, many STIs do not have any symptoms, so a test in the dark can make sense.
For gays and bisexuals, it is recommended to have their status checked regularly. It is therefore advisable to be tested for HIV once a year, and if you have regularly changing sexual partners and take PrEP, it is important to be tested every few months. In the event of a case, the result enables immediate treatment and protects you, your partner and others!
Don’t forget that undiagnosed STIs can increase your risk of contracting HIV. There is still a lot of stigma and prejudice when it comes to the lives of gay men. Being gay does not mean being irresponsible with your health.
Testing possibilities – what you can learn about yourself
You want to know how your health is doing? Then you should definitely have the following tests carried out if the conditions apply to you:
- HIV test: Get tested for HIV once a year if you have had sex at least once in the past year. No sex, no test, unless you have had a blood transfusion or high-risk contacts with blood.
- Hepatitis: If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis and have had possible risk contacts, you should get tested for it, and if necessary vaccinated.
- Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea: Have you had anal or oral sex in the last year? Then get tested, because this is the way the diseases are most frequently transmitted. Even if you had a blowjob as a passive part without a condom, a test is recommended!
- Herpes: If you have noticeable symptoms (warts, pimples, inflamed areas on the penis), you should get tested for herpes viruses.
What are the symptoms of STI?
Many sexually transmitted diseases are asymptomatic, but can still be transmitted. However, there are also some cases with symptoms, and then it is a matter of testing and treating! The most common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases include:
- Scrotal pain, swelling, redness
- Blisters and redness of the anus, testicles or penis
- Itching in the genital area
- Burning when peeing or ejaculating
- Urinary discharge in different colours
If you notice such changes in yourself or your partner, a test for STI is mandatory. This will give you the chance to treat any disease in time. If you receive a diagnosis, think about who you had sex with. It is a matter of honour that you inform them so that they can also be tested if necessary.
Don’t keep quiet about STI, talk about it!
Nobody likes to be sick, and you have other things on your mind during sex than a potential virus. However, it is important that you and your sex partner talk openly about possible infections. Don’t hide symptoms just to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of your partner.
Most diseases can be treated or at least controlled today (HIV). It is crucial that you are tested and diagnosed in time. An STI is not a disgrace, it only becomes unfair if you willingly put others at risk.
Therefore: play and stay safe!
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