Sexual health
Using drugs can make you stay awake and horny for longer. Having more sex for a longer time or with more partners increases the chance of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So it's important to know how to look after your sexual health.
Condoms
Condoms are an effective method of preventing HIV and other STIs if used consistently. Using condoms during chemsex can be difficult when levels of horniness are increased, getting hard can be more difficult, inhibitions are reduced, sex lasts for longer and multiple partners are involved.
You may find many people won’t be using condoms. This may be because they are on PrEP, are undetectable, just don’t like using them, or none are available. It is for you to decide what is right for you, and what level of risks you are happy with. If you do wish to use condoms make sure you have them with you.
Using gloves for fisting can protect against Hepatitis C.
PrEP
Taking PrEP provides protection against HIV. Taking PrEP before sex blocks HIV from taking hold if it gets into your body. It only protects you from HIV, not other STIs. PrEP is available free of charge on the NHS.
How to take PrEP
There are two ways to take PrEP:
1. Daily method - this requires you to take one pill every day.
2. Event based or on demand dosing - this means taking 2 pills 24 hours before sex, 1 pill 24 hours after the first dose, and 1 pill 24 hours after the second dose.
Daily use of PrEP is recommended for all trans people using hormone treatment as there isn’t sufficient evidence to support other options.
Read more about using PrEP as a trans masculine person and using PrEP as a trans feminine person.
Where to get PrEP
PrEP is now available free of charge on the NHS in England from sexual health clinics.
In Scotland, PrEP is available through sexual health clinics. Visit the PrEPScot website to find out more information.
In Wales, PrEP is available through sexual health clinics. For more information, see the Public Health Wales website.
All GUM clinics in Northern Ireland offer initial consultation and assessment appointments for centrally dispensed PrEP.
STI vaccinations
Ask your sexual health clinic about vaccinations to protect you against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, mpox and HPV.
STI testing
Testing every three to six months will ensure you know your status, receive early treatment for any STIs and reduce transmission.
Where can I get an STI test?
You can test in person at:
- A sexual health clinic.
- An HIV testing centre.
You can also order tests online including:
- A self test, which you take yourself and see the result within a few minutes.
- A postal test, where you take a sample yourself and send it off to a lab, who will then contact you with your result.
PEP
If you had sex without a condom, are not on PrEP and think you might have been exposed to HIV, you may want to use PEP. PEP is a treatment that can stop an HIV infection after the virus has entered a person’s body. It must be taken as soon as possible after exposure and within 72 hours. Find more information about PEP here.
Doxy PEP
If you have been exposed to chlamydia or syphilis, consider taking Doxy PEP.