You may have LGV causing proctitis. This infection is spreading quickly across Europe in gay men. You need to see us or your local GUM clinic as soon as possible to have a test from inside the arsehole to look for LGV. LGV carries a higher risk of catching HIV and Hepatitis C so the staff may ask you to think about testing for these.

My boyfriend came in my mouth last night, I swallowed his spunk. Should I have spat it out and am I at risk of HIV from this?

There is no clear evidence to say that you are at greater risk from HIV if you swallow spunk rather than spit it out. Sucking carries a very low risk of HIV transmission. There are very few documented cases of HIV being acquired through oral sex alone. The risk is higher if he had cuts on the penis, or you have poor teeth and gums. There are however other infections that can be passed on through sucking cock, e.g: Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Chlamydia. These can be screened for at the Steve Retson Project nor your local G.U.Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic.

Are all the staff in the project gay?

The sexuality of the staff within the SRP or any department of G.U.Medicine and Sexual Health is not important. What is important is that all staff employed by the SRP are gay friendly and understand the needs of gay men.

I suffer from cold sores on my mouth from time to time, I have heard that this is a form of Herpes. Is this true? And if so is it OK for me to give my partner a blowjob when I have them?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex or HSV for short. There are two types of this virus both of which can cause cold sores and both of which can be passed to the genital area through oral sex. So no, it is not advisable to give your partner a blowjob when you have signs of a cold sore, as this is the time when the Herpes simplex virus is most effective. When the cold sore has healed and gone it is less infective and there is less of a possibility of passing the virus on. If you require more information on cold sores or genital herpes contact the Steve Retson Project or your local G.U.Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic where a Health Adviser will talk things through with you and answer any questions you may have.

I have noticed red spots around the head of my dick. Could this be a sexually transmitted disease?

It is difficult to diagnose whether the spots are one of the natural rashes that may occur from time to time, which usually settles down or whether it is related to a sexually transmitted infection. This has to be done by a doctor. It would be advisable to attend the SRP or your local G.U. Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic for a consultation. If these spots appear as small fleshy lumps, which are painless and often multiple, there is then a possibility that it may be Genital Warts. This can be easily diagnosed and treated by the SRP doctor. If you have any concerns regards spots on your dick you should have them checked out.

I think I might be gay, should I tell my parents?

Are you attracted to other men? Do these feelings come in the shape of friendship, love or sex? Do you have feelings for men and women? You might want to call yourself gay, bisexual or wait to see how you develop. All that matters is that you understand that being attracted to other men is OK. You are the only one who will know if it's the right time to tell your parents. You can chat to counsellors at the SRP about your concerns and pick up a variety of information leaflets. You could also telephone and chat to someone at your local Gay & Lesbian Switchboard. Just remember you do not have to deal with this on your own.

I have a discharge from my dick when I wake up in the morning. What could be wrong with me?

There are a few infections that can be passed through sex that may cause a discharge and pain when you piss. The discharge could be caused by one of the following bacterial infections which are very easily treated with antibiotics, e.g: Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia or Non-Specific Urethritis. There are specific tests which have to be carried out to identify which of these infections are causing the discharge, this helps us to prescribe for you the proper treatment. This can be carried out at the SRP by one of our doctors or at your local G.U. Medicine Department.

My left-hand ball is swollen and has been for the past month. Do you think I have testicular cancer?

You must see your G.P or a Doctor at the SRP at your earliest opportunity. You should never put off seeing a doctor regarding lumps and swelling in your balls (testicle) as testicular cancer can be completely cured if the disease is detected and treated early. Please remember that this swelling may also be caused by a more common and less serious condition, such as an infection. But this should be diagnosed by a doctor. Please remember that regular Testicular Self Examination (TSE) is very important whether this is done by you or your boyfriend is your choice. It helps you to familiarise yourself with your balls so that you can detect any unusual lumps or bumps early. The staff at the SRP will be happy to talk you through how to do this or you can pick up an information leaflet.

Is it safe to share my dildo with other partners?

It is never a good idea to share any sex toys that go up the arse or down your dick. If you want to share a dildo it is best to use a condom with it and change it between each person who uses it. Ideally keep your own toys for yourself. The reason behind this is that the lining within the arse is easily damaged and toys that have been used are likely to have traces of blood on them, as well as being a possible way to pass on bacterial infections. For more information contact the SRP Health Adviser or pick up an information leaflet.

I have noticed recently that my arse has been very itchy around my hole and on occasions there has been slight blood stains on the toilet roll when I wipe myself. What could this be?

There is a possibility you may have a gut infection, one of these being thread worms, which is a parasite. You may have noticed small thread like worms in your shit. These worms are caused when the worm eggs that may be in small pieces of shit are passed into your mouth. This can happen through rimming, fingering, fucking or from used condoms. Thread worms are treated by tablets which can be prescribed by the doctor at the SRP or your local G.U.Medicine department. It is advisable to have a doctor examine your hole, especially if you pass blood when shitting. It may only be caused by piles but this should be diagnosed by a doctor to be sure.

My partner and I are both HIV positive, we have a very open relationship. With our casual partners we always use condoms for fucking. When we fuck together we do not. Is this OK?

This is a decision which you and your partner must make together. There is evidence to suggest that it probably is best to use protection with your regular partner even though both of you have HIV. The problem is that there are different types of HIV infection and it is best to try and prevent multiple exposure. If both of you are on different therapy you pass to each other drug resistant types of HIV. There is also the possibility of transmitting sexually transmitted infections between both of you which may come from a casual partner. These infections which are easy to treat for men who are HIV negative can be more serious for positive men. Why not come along to the SRP or your local G.U. Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic, and have a chat with the doctor or the Health Adviser about this.

Will I always know when I have a sexually transmitted infection?

No. Sometimes the symptoms are not obvious and can take several months to show. Some symptoms may never show. If you do have an infection that does not have symptoms and has not been treated it could have an affect on your general health and sexual health. A good way to keep your sex life healthy is to have a regular check-up around every six to twelve months. Why not give the SRP or your local G.U.Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic a call and discuss this with the Health Adviser.

How will I know if I am infected with the HIV virus?

The only way to find out your HIV status it to have an HIV test, as HIV affects everyone differently. If you wish to test for HIV this can be done at the SRP or your local G.U.Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic by seeing a Health Adviser. The SRP has same day testing on Tuesdays: just ask for this when you phone. The Health Adviser will talk to you regarding your reason for testing and to make sure you are prepared for the implications of a test result. If you require further information or want to test contact the Health Adviser at the SRP or your local G.U.Medicine and Sexual Health Clinic. This test is completely confidential. If you have a gay friendly G.P who you want to test you for HIV please remember that any tests carried out by your G.P are documented in your medical notes held by their practice.

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