Poppers, Sex and HIV

One drug that studies show is linked to getting HIV is poppers. It’s believed this is due to how they open blood vessels inside the arse. This makes it easier for HIV to get in to them, for example if they bleed during anal sex. Also, men who use poppers might be more likely to be into rougher, longer sex sessions, again causing bleeding that would make it easier for HIV to be passed on. Some researchers believe poppers can weaken the immune system for a few days and so make people more vulnerable to picking up HIV during unprotected anal sex. Check our poppers section for more details.

Chemmed up group sex

Minute amounts of blood can pass from one person to another when, during group sex scenes, injecting equipment (including swabs, needles, filters, water, drug supply) are shared. A container of drugs can get contaminated with someone’s infected blood too. All these can lead to the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.  Always put out condoms, lube and latex gloves close to where the action will be. In group scenes tiny amounts of HIV or Hep C-infected blood can be passed from arse to arse on toys, dicks and hands (even if covered with a condom or glove). These cut that risk;

• if a man is fucking or fisting two arses one after each other he needs to change gloves or condoms between each arse
• if sex toys are shared use a fresh condom for each person it’s used on
• use pump action lube dispensers instead of one shared lube container (to avoid  blood getting in a pot used by others)
• provide soap (anti-bacterial soap is good), warm water and enough clean towels for proper hand washing
• supply enough swabs, needles, etc so that people don’t have to share equipment
• avoid drawing up drugs from a shared pot – it’s best if each man has his own container.

Erections

Sex on drugs, especially amphetamines and alcohol, often makes it harder (or impossible) to come - or get (or stay) hard. Erection difficulties are less of a problem since drugs like Viagra arrived. But taking Viagra (or other erection drugs) with some street drugs is risky as they all put added pressure on the heart. This can be especially true of taking erection drugs with poppers or ‘uppers’ like crystal meth, speed, or E that contains speed. This effect can be made even stronger if you’re taking some HIV medications. And heavy use of some recreational drugs can lead to long term loss of sex drive and the ability to get it up.

Out of it

Taking too much of anything can take away your ability to consent to sex. Being out of it can end in injuries from sex that goes too far, sexual assault, robbery or getting HIV. This is especially true with drugs such as GHB and tranquilisers, both of which can knock you out. If you’re HIV negative and are sexually assaulted (or think you might have been), consider PEP – it could stop you becoming HIV positive. More details at www.chapsonline.org.uk/pep

Spiked drinks

It’s not unheard of for people to have their drinks spiked and sexually assaulted. In bars and clubs don’t leave drinks (including non-alcoholic drinks) unattended and be wary of accepting drinks from strangers unless you see the barman pour it. Bottled or canned drinks are harder to tamper with. If you think your drink has been moved, topped up or it tastes odd, don’t risk drinking it. It’s not just in bars and clubs drinks can be spiked – it can happen in homes and at parties. If you start to feel odd you have less than 20 minutes to get help (from a friend, bar staff, the police or medics) or get yourself to a safe place.