Dear Dog-ter,
Since it’s going to be cold out this season, I’ve decided
to keep myself warm in the sex club. My friends said not to go because
I’ll catch STDs there. Is that true?
Klub Kidd
Dear KK,
Well, it depends… are you there to have sex (oral or anal) or to
exchange Christmas gifts? The bottom line is NOT WHERE
you are, but WHAT you DO. It’s the behavior. NOT
the location.
For obvious reasons, sex clubs or bath houses are traditionally where
men find other men for sex, be it oral, anal or mutual jack-off. Whether
you’re at home, in the bushes or in the office, WEAR A CONDOM!
Especially, if it’s someone you don’t know or have only met
for the first time. Talking about sexual history and safety before sex
is good. BUT, how do you really know?
I know it does sound preachy. But, the truth of the matter is that the
only sure way to protect yourself from STDs, especially HIV is to NOT
have sex or wear a CONDOM consistently and correctly if you do have sex.
So, wear a condom if you have sex & have fun.
Here are some quickie factoids about the more common STDs
[Sexually Transmitted
Diseases] whether at a bath house, the bushes, or by the fireplace:
CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. These bugs can infect the penis or rectum.
It is one of the most common of all STDs. If symptoms occur, and often
there are no symptoms they usually appear 1-3 weeks after infection.
The most common symptoms are:
• Discharge from the penis; the discharge may be clear, cloudy,
or yellowish
• An itchy feeling inside the penis
• Pain or burning feeling while urinating
• A swollen or tender testicle
GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria. This infection is sometimes called “GC”
or “the clap”. Infections mostly involve the penis, the rectum
or sometimes the throat, but occasionaly GC can dissiminate through the
blood and involve other organs. It is easily treated with a single dose
of antibiotic. If symptoms occur, and they generally do, they usually
develop 2 to 10 days after catching the infection.
These are the main symptoms:
• Discharge from the penis, usually yellowish
• Pain or burning feeling while urinating
• Discharge from the anus
• Anal itching
• Painful bowel movements
• Blood or mucus on the feces
SYPHYLIS
Syphilis is caused by bacteria. The initial infection usually causes an
open, painless sore (“chancre”) at the infection site, but
up in the anus or in the back of the throat, this sore may not be noticed.
Syphilis has several
stages. Symptoms vary with each stage, but often there are no symptoms,
even though serious damage may be happening.
Symptoms may include:
• painless open sore on the penis, rectum, or anus, even the mouth
or lips - the so-called primary stage of infection
• spotty skin rash on the palms or soles, often with a low-grade
fever, swollen lymph glands, and feeling punk - the “secondary”
stage of syphilis.
There are definitely many more STD’s… but let’s focus
on these for now. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are all curable. Don’t
wait for a symptom to pop! Get tested regularly every 3 to 6 months, more
often if you are highly sexually active and having unprotected sex. Find
a doctor, tester or counselor that you are comfortable with being honest
about your sexual history. You can start at Rest Stop…
Jason is our resident tester/counselor who has the street smarts &
compassion with guys who use. He can even talk to you about vein care
and proper needle use, if you’ve gone that far Rest Stop is every
Wednesday from 6 to 8pm at Denver Counseling Service at 1216 Pine, 3rd
Floor. Or call the HIV/STD Hotline at 205.STDS for the nearest location.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS,
the Dog-ter
Before anyone slides down your chimney make sure they have
the right gear!
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