Gay and Lesbian Sexual Health

Gay, lesbian or bisexual people are affected by the same sexual health issues as hetrosexual (straight) men or women.

Regardless of your sexual preference all sexual health services and professionals will provide you with the same level of help and support and coming out to staff may help them to understand your specific circustances. All sexual health services throughout Torbay are confidential.

The sexual medicine service are able to provide a full range of sexual health services, as well as a range of information and advice.

Below you will also find some useful information on looking after your sexual health if you are gay, lesbian or bisexual.
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Gay
Men who have sex with men

Have a regular sexual health check up.
Using condoms every time you have sex significantly reduces the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections such as, Hep B + C, HIV, herpes, genital warts and gonorrhoea.
If you decide to have anal sex it’s important to use lots of water-based lubricant and not oil-based as this causes the condom to break.
If you are under 25 you can get access to free condoms by becoming part of the c-card scheme. Condoms are also available at a small cost from most pharmacies, and supermarkets.
Both Hep A and Hep B are preventable by vaccination. Gay and bisexual men can get the Hep B vaccine free of charge at sexual health clinics. Talk to a member fo staff from your local sexual health service for more information.
If you have had unprotected sex or had a condom break on you after having sex with someone who is HIV positive you need to act quickly and get PEP.

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PEP

PEP is a course of HIV medication which you can take if you have been at risk of HIV infection. The course of HIV medication lasts 28 days and, if taken within 72 hours of putting yourself at risk, may be able to prevent you from becoming infected with HIV.

PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis – in other words it is a form of protection (against HIV) that you can take after you have taken a risk or had a condom break on you.

You can get PEP at the Sexual Medicine Service. You can also PEP from A&E departments when other services are closed.
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Lesbian Health
Women who have sex with Women

Many women think there is no risk of getting sexually transmitted infections when having sex with another woman. In fact the risk of infections such as herpes, Chlamydia, and genital warts is high if your partner has an infection and bodily fluids are exchanged. HIV rates are lower in women but women shouldn’t get complacent about safer sex.

There a few simple ways you can reduce the risk;

Use condoms with sex toys and change the condom in between partners
Don’t have sex if you have cuts or abrasions on your lips or genitals;
Touching yourself and then your partner with the same hand should be avoided, and always wash your hands afterwards.
If you are under 25 you can get access to free condoms by becoming part of the c-card scheme. Condoms are also available at a small cost from most Pharmacies, and supermarkets.
The sexual medicine service provide a full range of sexual health services, including Chlamydia screening.

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Further Information and Advice

Kerrie Jarvis, Youth Support Worker for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning) may be able to offer, support and signposting contact Kerrie on 07825298319.

If you would like more information about gay, bisexual and lesbian health, sexuality, and advice coming out visit NHS Choices.

The Eddystone Trust support people who have HIV and Aids in the South West for more information visit www.eddystone.org.uk

For information on what’s going on in Torbay and surrounding areas visit www.lgbtcollective.org.uk

For information and support on your rights and advocacy contact the Intercom Trust www.intercom.org.uk

Terrance Higgins Trust www.tht.org.uk

Lesbian health advice www.pacehealth.org