I recently got back from two amazing holidays, Bear Carnival in Gran Caneria and Sitges Bear Week, both of which are fantastic events. They’re sex-positive, fun, and a offer a great time to connect with people. But with great fun comes great responsility. Regular STI testing.
Bear Carnival & Sitges Bear Week
These events were a blast. A week full of parties, making new friends, and enjoying the sun and sea. The vibe was open and welcoming, and casual sex was part of the fun. It’s an awesome way to celebrate our community and our sexuality.
After a few weeks of care-free fun, it’s time take some Grown-up-StepsTM. After all, enjoying ourselves and staying healthy go hand in hand.
Why PreP and U=U Matter
The big bad of the STI world is HIV, yes there are other infections that have serious health consequences - but little drives fear into the hearts of this 80s-born Gay than HIV/Aids. So, before we get into the nitty-gritty of STI testing, let’s talk about two key things: PreP and U=U.
PreP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can drastically reduce your risk of getting HIV (it's over 99% effective). A game-changer. If you’re sexually active, especially in casual settings, PreP can give you peace of mind and let you enjoy yourself without as much worry.
U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. This means that if someone with HIV is on treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load, they can’t pass it on. This is huge because it helps reduce stigma and allows people to live their lives fully.
Busting the Stigma Around STIs
Let’s face it, STIs can be a bit of a buzzkill topic, but they’re nothing to be ashamed of. They’re really common, and most can be treated easily. The biggest hurdle is the stigma, which stops people from getting tested. We need to change that.
Getting tested should be as normal as getting a regular health check-up. It’s just a part of taking care of yourself. The more we talk about it and normalise it, the less stigma there will be.
My Testing Experience
After my holiday, I made sure to get tested. I chose to test at home using the kit from SH.UK
Using the kit you take a quick throat & rectal swap, collect a urine sample. There's a kit to take a small blood sample. Whack it back in the postbox and you get your results in a few days.
The lancet for the blood sample is the bit I really struggle with though (I'm needle phobic!). My healthcare provider gave me an option of an Oral HIV test kit this time.
It doesn't remove the need for bloodwork as part of my PreP care but it's a great for 'in between tests' peice of mind. If being scared of needles is stopping you testing, check out the OraQuick HIV test it's readily available from pharmacies, online and even amazon!
I’m happy to report that all my results came back negative, which is always a relief. This experience reminded me how important it is to stay on top of testing, especially after events where casual sex is common.
Here’s how you can make STI testing a regular thing:
Routine It: Set a schedule for yourself. Maybe every three months or after big events, whatever works for you.
Get Educated: Know the facts about STIs and the importance of testing. The more you know, the less scary it seems.
Use Tech: Many clinics offer online bookings and even home testing kits. Make use of these services.
Support Each Other: Encourage your friends and partners to get tested. It’s easier when you’re in it together.
How to Get Tested in the UK
If you're in the UK, getting tested is straightforward and accessible. Here are a few ways to do it:
NHS Sexual Health Clinics: These clinics offer free and confidential testing. You can find your nearest clinic on the NHS website.
Online Services: There are services like SH:24 and SH.UK that send free STI testing kits to your home.
Local Health Services: Your GP can also provide testing or direct you to the right place.
LGBTQ+ Community Centers: Many centers offer testing services or can guide you to the right resources.
Taking care of your sexual health isn’t just about you—it’s about respecting and caring for our entire community. So, get tested, stay safe, and keep having fun.
Stay healthy, stay happy, and see you next time!