Sexual Health Info

Below you’ll find information about drugs and alcohol, and suggestions for how to reduce your risk of any harm. Additionally, you’ll find resources for where to go for help if you think you, or someone close to you, may need it.

Adapted from CDC

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Poppers

Traditional poppers have been popular among queer people since the seventies. Popular brands such as “Rush” and “Jungle Juice” are sold online, and in sex shops as “video head cleaners” or “room odorizers.” These poppers contain amyl nitrite, a chemical that relaxes smooth muscle tissue and dilates blood vessels.

“Poppers” is slang for a variety of different alkyl nitrites solutions, particularly amyl nitrite. They are available over the counter and come in small, typically brown, bottles. The nitrates are a yellowish, strong smelling, and quite flammable liquid that are inhaled. They vary by strength and are used as a tool for sexual arousal.

Poppers relax muscles in the anus, which can make anal sex less painful. They also cause reactions in the body that increase sexual arousal.

If you are healthy, there appear to be no long-term consequences of using poppers. However, some people may develop persistent headaches. Tolerance to poppers does develop within two to three weeks of continuous use, encouraging greater use to get the same effect. But if you stop using poppers for a short period, this tolerance will be lost.

Poppers are dangerous for anyone with a heart condition, high blood pressure and for anyone who is asthmatic. Many people report allergic reactions such as rashes or eczema after frequent use. These symptoms often disappear when the use of poppers ceases.

The use of poppers with Viagra and other drugs taken for erectile dysfunction is particularly dangerous as it can lead to a dramatic fall in blood pressure and may prove fatal.

There’s a significantly increased risk of HIV transmission – nearly double – when using poppers and being the bottom and not using condoms. This appears to be due to increased blood flow to rectal tissues, which means that any tear in the rectum from anal sex can make it easier for HIV to be transmitted. There’s no evidence of any increased risk to the top.

Adapted from Gay Life, NAM: aidsmap, Men’s Sexual Health

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Alcohol

Multiple studies have found a correlation between problematic alcohol consumption and STDs, although their causal relationship cannot be determined with certainty. A history of alcohol use has been correlated with having multiple sex partners, and unprotected sex. Alcohol may reduce inhibitions and diminish risk perception.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk?

Maybe you’ve woken up too many times regretting the things you did when you were drunk the previous night. Or, maybe you’re just tired of waking up late with a hangover. Whatever the reason, if you’re interested in making changes to how you drink, here are some pro tips.

Evaluate

• Think about reasons you might want to make a change and reasons why you might not want to change.
• Think about what alcohol is doing for you. How is it helping you?
• Take a look at how drinking affects your mood, relationships, health, work, school, finances, and sex life.

Plan Ahead

• Plan your party—decide when, where, how much, and with whom.
• Bring a set amount of money.
• Seek out a location and the company of lighter drinkers when you want to moderate your drinking.
• Add abstinence days—i.e. “I take a break Tuesdays and Sundays.”
• Don’t keep booze in the house.

Be Mindful

• Keep track of how often and how much you’re drinking.
• Delay the first drink. Start later in the day.
• Include food. Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat some food so the alcohol will be absorbed into your system more slowly.
• If you can afford it, drink only in bars or restaurants—not at home.
• Pace and space. Pace yourself. Sip slowly. Add ice to your drink. Alternate booze with water, juice or soda. Brush your teeth between drinks. It makes them taste gross and may slow you down.
• Ask your bartender to give you a measured pour (not a heavy pour).
• Stop sooner and go home at a set time.

Get Support

• If drinking has occupied a lot of your time, develop new interests. Participate in new activities, hobbies, and relationships—or, renew and reinvest in those that you’ve missed. If you’ve relied on alcohol to be more comfortable in social situations, to manage your moods, or cope with problems, seek support and strategies to deal with those areas of your life.

Safety Tips When Drinking

Headed out for a night on the town? Reduce the chances that something will ruin your party by following these 7 quick safety tips.

1. Don’t walk alone
   Have a friend by your side when you are out partying. It’s great to have friends watch out for each other at a bar or club, walking between destinations, or on public transportation.
2. Check with a friend
   Hooking up? Have your friend check their gut feelings about someone you might be thinking about hooking up with. Let your friend know where you are going if you leave with someone.
3. Control your glass
   Don’t let strangers pour or deliver your drinks. Don’t leave your drink unattended. Sadly, there are a lot of perpetrators out there.
4. Plan your transportation
   Avoid driving. It’s a good idea to have a travel buddy for walking or taking the bus. Use your ride sharing app or get a cab. Sleep on your friend’s couch or floor.
5. Carry condoms
   Be prepared and have them with you. (Don’t put them in your wallet, though!)
6. Avoid mixing alcohol and other drugs
   If you are drinking, avoid downers, benzos and opiates. These with booze can cause respiratory suppression, overdose or accidental death. GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate ) and alcohol do not mix! GHB is a powerful, rapidly-acting central nervous system depressant. When taken as a recreational intoxicant, it can be dangerous when the dose is too high or it is combined with alcohol or some other drugs. When mixed with alcohol, the depressant effects of GHB are enhanced. This can lead to respiratory problems, unconsciousness, coma, and overdose.
7. Avoid over-the-counter medicines
   Aspirin, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and over-the-counter cold/flu medicines can cause liver and kidney damage when combined with alcohol.

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Meth

Methamphetamine, also known as speed, is used by many in our community. Crystal meth heightens arousal, increases sexual stamina, and delays orgasm.

Meth could increase the risk of HIV infection because of a decrease in inhibition and a higher pain tolerance. This can result in longer and more aggressive sex, but without feeling what’s going on, injury is more likely to occur and the risk of HIV infection increases.

For HIV-positive people who use meth, it can be hard to remember to take HIV meds regularly, which can lead to an increased viral load. Once you’ve made the decision to take HIV meds, taking them as they’re prescribed is basic to taking care of yourself.

Using meth, even occasionally, helps people stay awake, which can often mean you’re not sleeping enough. Sleep is essential to good health, and supporting your immune system.

Adapted from Tweaker