Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Looking after yourself | Chemsex Chemsex and your sexual health Chemsex can impact your sexual health in different ways. Chemsex can make you feel horny and it can feel fun, but it can also lower inhibitions, impact judgement and can make it more likely to have multiple hook-ups with multiple people, which can increase the risk of HIV and STIs. Looking after your sexual health does not mean avoiding sex. It means having the information and tools to reduce risks and make choices that feel right for you. What are the sexual health risks linked to chemsex? Chemsex can increase the risk of some sexual health issues, especially if people have lowered inhibitions, or are having sex for long periods of time with many different sexual partners. Possible risks can include: HIV if PrEP, condoms or any other prevention methods aren’t used STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis A, B or C Soreness, cuts or tears from longer or rougher sex Missed doses of PrEP or HIV medication if sessions go on for a long time Consent or boundaries ignored or forgotten about if you’re very high and horny Sharing injecting equipment (slamming) which can pass on HIV, hepatitis C and other infections Risk of urinary infections or irritation when having a lot of sex Delayed treatment if you don’t go for a check up after a session(s) Not everyone who has chemsex will experience these issues, but knowing the risks can help you stay safer. How can I reduce the risks? There are many ways to look after yourself before, during and after chemsex when it comes to your sexual health. Before: Make a plan for what you want and don’t want when it comes to sex Take PrEP, whether it’s event-based or you take it daily Bring condoms (if you use them), lube, gloves or any supplies you want depending on the type of sex you’re having If you’re HIV-positive, remember to bring and take your medication Set reminders for medication doses Think about limits around drugs, sex, time or partners During: Check in with yourself regularly. Are you still having fun? Do you need a break? Do you need to go home? Hydrate and eat if you can Take breaks and rest Use any prevention method you prefer. If it’s condoms, use them, if it’s daily PrEP and a long session, make sure you take it etc Use plenty of lube to reduce soreness or tearing Keep communication clear and ongoing with your partners Respect boundaries - your own and other people’s Don’t share needles, syringes or injecting equipment After: Rest, rehydrate and eat Ask yourself how you’re feeling. It’s ok to ask for help or talk Book a sexual health appointment if needed If you’re worried you’ve been exposed to HIV, got to A&E or a sexual health clinic to access PEP within 72 hours Seek help quickly if you notice symptoms, pain or injuries Reach out for support if the session did not feel OK afterwards When should I get tested? Regular testing is one of the best ways to look after your sexual health. You should: Test every 3-6 months if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners More often if you have frequent chemsex sessions or multiple partners After condomless sex if you are worried about HIV or STIs If you have symptoms such as pain, discharge, sores, rash or burning when peeing If a partner tells you they have an STI After sharing injecting equipment If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, ask about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) urgently. It works best when started as soon as possible. Where can I get tested? In the UK, sexual health testing is available in many places: Local sexual health or GUM clinics [LINK] Some GP surgeries Community LGBTQ+ health services HIV charities and outreach services Free home testing kits in many areas Online STI testing services run by the NHS or local councils Sexual health services are usually confidential and free. Find your local clinic here [LINK]. What tests will I need? A sexual health check-up can include: An HIV test Blood tests for syphilis or hepatitis Swabs for gonorrhoea and chlamydia (throat, bum, vagina or penis depending on sex you have) Urine sample Vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV or mpox where available and appropriate A clinician can help work out what is right for you and any follow up tests and check ups you might need. How can I prevent HIV and STIs? There are many ways to reduce the risk of HIV and STIs during chemsex. You can mix and match different options depending on what feels right for you. PrEP (HIV prevention pill): PrEP is a medication taken before and after sex that helps prevent HIV. It protects you from HIV when taken correctly It can be taken daily or event-based (Two PrEP pills before sex, one 24 hours later, and one 24 hours after that) It doesn’t protect against other STIs PEP (emergency HIV prevention): PEP is a short course of HIV medication taken after possible exposure. It must be started within 72 hours of being in contact with HIV (the sooner the better) You take it for 28 days It’s available through sexual health clinics and A&E Condoms and gloves: Condoms are still one of the best ways to reduce STI and HIV risk, but we understand it’s not everyone’s preferred prevention method. Gloves are great for harder sex like fisting. Condoms protect against HIV and many STIs Condoms can reduce irritation or tearing in the ass when used with the right lube Gloves can be useful for fisting or group sex to reduce infection risk Using plenty of lube helps reduce breakage and discomfort DoxyPEP (for STIs): DoxyPEP is an antibiotic taken after sex to reduce the risk of some bacterial STIs (like syphilis and chlamydia). Usually taken within 24–72 hours after sex You take 200mg of doxycycline It’s not suitable for everyone and is best discussed with a sexual health clinic Does not protect against HIV or all STIs Vaccinations: Vaccines can protect against some infections that are linked to sex. Hepatitis A and B HPV (human papillomavirus) Mpox (where available and recommended) [LINKS} Treatment as prevention (for people living with HIV): If you are HIV-positive and on treatment: Taking HIV medication and having an undetectable viral load means you cannot pass HIV on sexually (U=U) Staying on treatment and attending regular check-ups is key Finding support If chemsex is starting to affect your wellbeing, relationships, sex life, finances or mental health, support is available. The Chemsex Support Hub offers non-judgemental information and help for LGBTQ+ people around chemsex, sexual health and wellbeing. [LINK] Manage Cookie Preferences