It's important to check your dick and balls on a regular basis (at least once a month) to see if there is any unusual discharge, lumps, warts, rashes, pain or discomfort.
If you find any of these then it's best to get whatever it is checked out at your local GU clinic (sexual health clinic). Check out our GU Clinic page for appointment and contact details.
Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of becoming infected with both the Hepatitis B and the Hepatitis A viruses. Although these viruses can be transmitted in different ways, both can be passed on through unprotected sex. Hepatitis is a serious disease but fortunately vaccines, which you can get for free at your GU clinic, can prevent both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A.
The best way to reduce the risk of contracting HIV, Hepatitis and some STIs is by using condoms when you're having sex. Sign up to our 24s scheme to find out where to get your free condoms and lube.
Below are some helpful tips for using condoms:
Choose the right size. Condoms come in a variety of sizes including tighter, regular and larger fitting.
All shapes and sizes!
- Check the 'use by' date hasn't expired and it has the British Safety Standard kite mark. Take care not to tear the condom when opening the packet.
Always read the label
- Hold the condom by the teat and roll the condom down to the base of the dick when the dick is erect.
Unroll all the way down
- Always use lots of water-based lube on the OUTSIDE of the condom and his arse when you're having sex. Oil or silicone lubricants (such as baby oil) weaken condoms causing them to break.
Lube up generously
...at both ends
- Use condoms only once and if you're having sex with multiple partners or more than once with the same person, use a new condom each time.
- Condoms are more likely to split the longer you use them so it's a good idea to keeping adding more lube and replace the condom with a new one after around half an hour.
Remember to take a breather
- After cumming hold the base of the condom to stop any cum from leaking, then pull your dick out of his arse.
Controlled withdrawal
If you are unsure about anything and want to discuss things further then call our helpline for a confidential chat.
Images on this page Copyright Ajamu Fotographie Ltd. 2006