Sexual Health

I think I might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) – what should I
do?

Even with the best will in the world, most of us will pick up an STI at one
time or another. That’s why regular checkups at a Sexual Health Clinic are a
good idea. Nowadays there are drugs, lotions and creams to clear up or treat
almost every STI.

In the Stoke on Trent area there are numerous avenues that you can go down
for help and advice. The local GUM clinic is based at Hartshill, at the
Central Outpatients Department (Tel. 01782 554205 for an appointment). There
does tend to be a waiting list but it is confidential.

There is also The Rainbow Practice based at The Piccadilly Project in Hanley Tel 01782 425969. The practice GP is gay. This means that he can offer information and advice on things related to gay sex or being gay that might be difficult to talk to your normal doctor about. If you phone for an appointment you will be asked for a name to reserve your appointment. If you prefer not to use your real name, be sure to remember the name you use.

Walk in appointments are also available on a first come first served basis (for gay men only). The clinic runs twice a month on Wednesdays between 7.00pm and 9.30pm at the Piccadilly Project.

I don’t feel comfortable going to a doctor – is there anyone I can phone for
advice?

Gay Life North Staffs can give confidential advice on sexual health matters
- you can phone them on 01782 425969 between 10.00am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday. However, if you are really concerned that you may have exposed yourself to an infection, there is little that can be done over the phone. Bite the bullet, get yourself to a GUM clinic and get it sorted!

How do I stop prevent myself catching an STI?

Many of the STIs can be prevented by using Condoms either for anal, vaginal
or oral sex. You can’t expect everyone to tell you if they have an STI or HIV – they may not even know themselves, so using a condom and water based lube is the best defence against these things. It’s now recognised that normal condoms are just as effective as extra-strong ones.

If you do use a condom, make sure you do it right. Not using condoms in the
right way means they are more likely to break when you have sex – so check
the instructions if you aren’t sure. Always check the expiry date and CE or
British Standard Kite mark. Free condoms and lube are available in the Gay
venues in Stoke on Trent and at the Piccadilly Project in Hanley.

Do I really need to use a condom for oral sex?

Although oral sex is less risky that anal or vaginal sex, there is still a risk, particularly if there are any cuts or sores in the person’s mouth.

I’m a woman who only has sex with other women – do I need to worry about STIs?

Lesbian women are at risk for many of the same STI as heterosexual women.
Transmission can occur through any kind of contact with bodily fluids, such as oral sex and sharing of toys. Not all STIs have symptoms so feeling fine is no guarantee that you don’t have an infection. Common STIs passed between women are bacterial vaginosis, human papillomavirus, trichomoniasis and
herpes.

In order to stay safe, women should minimise sharing bodily fluids. For example, if sharing sex toys use a condom (and use a new condom if you want
to use it on yourself or someone else) and consider using a dental dam (or
clingfilm) during oral sex. Bear in mind that the risk will be increased if you or your partner is having a period.

Above all – if you’re not sure, get yourself checked out – contact your local GUM clinic on 01782 554205 for an appointment.

For more information on any of this, pick up the ‘Sex Pests’ Booklet – a guide to sexually transmitted infections for the lesbian, gay and bisexual people in North Staffordshire.

This publication along with others is available from the Piccadilly Project in Hanley.