In most cases, their symptoms are mild or nonexistent. Other, less severe STIs, like oral and genital herpes and HPV, are so common that most sexually active people are at high risk of catching them. Put these two together - PrEP and condoms - and you’re as safe as you can be from the most troublesome STIs. You don’t have to identify as “gay,” “bi,” or anything to receive treatment.Īlong with PrEP, condoms are also incredibly effective at preventing STIs like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Whatever you do, it’s worth the extra work to locate a doctor or a clinic that specializes in working with men who have sex with men, HIV testing and treatment, and LGBT health. Before seeing a doctor, always check and sign your patient confidentiality form. If you’re seeking treatment but don’t know what options are available to you, many clinics - especially clinics accustomed to treating and working with men who have sex with men - have social workers who can help you navigate your options and decide what course of action is best. PrEP can keep you HIV-negative.Įven after you go to college or move away from your parents, you may still be on their insurance, which means that they still see bills from the insurance company. For various reasons, PrEP is difficult for many to get access to, but if you have a doctor you trust and reliable insurance, it’s a good idea to ask them about it. PrEP requires good health insurance and an understanding doctor who is aware of your health needs. The only drug approved for PrEP is Truvada, but more are on the way. PrEP is the once-a-day dosage of a pill you can take to prevent HIV infection. Thankfully there are many ways you can protect yourself. Having any sex puts you at risk for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Whether or not it ruins the sex mood is up to you.Īll sexually active people do. If you’re having anal sex, you’re going to encounter poop at some point. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you can’t completely avoid messes all the time. Others just don’t worry about it - they have fun and clean up after. A healthy, fiber-rich diet (lots of veggies, less meat) eliminates the need to douche for some. And I can’t stress this enough: Be gentle, and go slow!Īgain, not every guy douches before sex. Repeat as necessary until the water is clear. When your butt is filled with water, wait a few seconds, then release it into the toilet. Also, make sure you try to release all the water into the toilet - leftover water stuck in your butt can cause discomfort later on. Going too fast or too rough can be painful (I recommend a thick, silicone-based lube for the insertion tip).
You don’t have to use all the water, and you need to go slow. Remember: If you buy a drugstore enema, many of them are filled with laxatives, which you should empty out and replace with water before you use them. You can use water to clean your butt (specifically, the lower part of your rectum, the space just inside your hole) with a drugstore enema or handheld bulb. Many guys douche before sex, but douching is not a requirement to have a good experience. If you want to research different methods of cleaning men who have sex with men do, go for it. Don’t freak out or call yourself a “failure.” You’re not a failure. If you’re having anal sex, you might get messy. Here is a resource to help you find STI testing centers. This can create some tough scenarios for young queer people who may not feel safe coming out to their parents. You may even need your parents to drive you to the doctor. It can be very difficult for teenagers to gain access to STI testing and treatment. It just means you need to be in a place in life where you can get routine STI testing - men who have sex with men should be tested for HIV and other STIs every 3-6 months, minimum.
That fact doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have sex (more on that later). Men who have sex with men and transgender women are most at risk for HIV, and have high rates for other sexually transmitted infections too. So if you’re in the closet and don’t feel safe coming out to your parents and talking to them about your sex life, wait. In the United States, patient privacy laws like HIPPA only apply at legal age. This is a fact queer youth have to face: teenagers under the age of 18 do not have any legal ability to hide their medical history from their parents.