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Safer Sex and STD Information and Resources
Sex and relationships can be confusing. Add to that the stress of protecting ourselves from things like HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and it can seem like a jungle out there. But knowledge is power and can help give you control over your sexual health.
STDs range from life changing things like HIV/AIDS to annoyances like body lice. It’s helpful when making choices about what you want to do with a partner to know how different things are passed from person to person. It’s probably not realistic to be perfectly “safe” when you’re naked with someone. But, how we manage risk can keep us from getting into trouble.
For men who have sex with men:
Unless you and your partner have been tested together and are monogamous, unprotected anal sex is high risk behavior. Most HIV positive guys who have male sex partners got HIV by allowing someone to “top” them. The most common way for HIV to be transmitted sexually is from the insertive partner to the receptive partner. Being the insertive partner in unprotected anal intercourse also has some risk. The idea that total tops don’t get HIV is not true. So, right there you have a basic tool to keep yourself safe from the most serious STD. Condoms are also effective in preventing a number of other STDs.
Talking to your partners about HIV status, STDs and what your limits are is an important part of safer-sex.
What else can I do to protect myself?
- You can choose not to have sex.
- You can reduce your number of partners if you choose to have sex.
- You can use condoms when you have sex.
- You can reduce or stop using drugs and alcohol when you have sex.
- You can talk with your partner(s) about STDs.
- You can talk with a doctor about your risks and about getting vaccines for hepatitis A & B.
If you find that negotiating safer-sex is a challenge, your HIV counselor, outreach worker, health navigator, doctor or behavioral health provider can help you come up with strategies to protect yourself and get the support you need.
When choosing a provider, always try to find someone you trust so you can tell her or him everything that might matter in regards to your health.
You are not alone!
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Do you think you've had a risky exposure to HIV within the last 3 days?
If you’re in or around Boston, call 617.927.6440 right away to learn if PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is for you. PEP is a combination of anti HIV medications that may prevent HIV from taking hold in your body. Call now to learn more.
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Information about HIV and other STDs
Below you will find links to information about a number of different sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. If you are a gay or bisexual man who is sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship, you should get tested for HIV and STDs on a regular basis. Talk with your doctor or visit Get Tested Boston & Beyond for STD testing sites in your area.
STDs can cause infections in the penis, anus, vagina and throat/mouth.
Some STDs are caused by bacteria:
Bacteria can usually be cured with antibiotic pills or shots.
Some STDs are caused by viruses:
- Herpes
- HPV (human papillomavirus which can
cause genital or anal warts)
- Hepatitis A, B, C
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus—the
virus that causes AIDS)
Viruses usually can’t be cured. Your doctor might give you some medicine or other treatment that keeps you from getting sick or helps control your symptoms.
Public lice ("crabs") are parasitic insects found in the genital area of humans. Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite. Several lotions are available to treat either pubic lice or scabies.
Can STDs cause problems if I’m HIV positive?
Yes. STDs can increase the amount of HIV in your body as well as affect how well your treatment works to fight HIV. Having an STD also makes it easier to transmit HIV. If your partner is HIV negative, he’s more likely to acquire HIV infection if he has an STD.
How do I know if I have an STD?
Many STDs don’t have symptoms you can see or feel. Learn what is normal for your body. Some things that may not be normal are:
- Pain when you have sex or urinate
- Bumps or sores around your penis, anus, or mouth
- Discharge from your penis or anus
- Rash on your body
- Mucous in your feces
The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to have regular testing for STDs.
What are the tests like?
A doctor or nurse may take a sample of your blood and may swab your anus, throat/mouth, a rash/sore and they may ask you for a sample of urine.
Resources
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Ask Doctor Cox is an online service of Fenway Health that allows gay and bisexual men to get answers to questions about their medical, sexual and mental health. Dr. Cox is actually a group of Fenway medical and mental health providers who work as a team to answer your questions.
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Fenway Health's HIV Counseling, Testing & Referrals Program
HIV counseling and testing isn’t just about getting tested. In fact, Fenway’s HIV Counseling, Testing & Referrals program is here for you if you just want to talk about sexual safety and support. Appointments are free and you don’t have to go through with the test if you’re not ready. Sometimes just talking to someone about these things can lend a lot of perspective. To make an appointment, call 617.267.0159.
Download brochures on safer sex:
If you have immediate concerns about your health, please make an appointment to see your doctor or call Fenway's Medical Appointment Line at 617.927.6000. If you have a mental health concern, you can contact Fenway's Behavioral Health Department at 617.927.6202.
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