Gay & Bisexual Men
Gay and bisexual men have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and Hepatitis A & B, especially if they are taking part in unprotected anal intercourse. The best way to protect yourself against these infections is to wear extra strong condoms and use plenty of lube every time you have sex.
Due to the increased risk of gay and bisexual men contracting Hepatitis A & B, it is recommended you visit your GP or nearest clinic (see the directory for your nearest service), for information on receiving a vaccination to protect you against Hepatitis A & B.
Lesbians & Bisexual Women
The risk of transmission of STIs and HIV between women is low especially if both partners have only ever engaged in sex with other women. However lesbians and bisexual women are not immune from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
General Information
There is an infection risk in any type of intimate contact or intercourse whether it's female-female, female-male or male-male. A number of infections may be transmitted by genital-genital, oral-anal or oral-genital contact. Sharing sex toys can also transmit infections. Using condoms, dental dams or vaginal barriers when having sex greatly reduces the risk of infection. See the infections section of the website for more information.
Links
You will find more detailed information at the links below.
- PHACE Scotland: www.phacescotland.org
- Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard: www.sgls.co.uk
- Beyond Barriers: www.beyondbarriers.org.uk
- AVERT: www.avert.org
- Steve Retson Project: www.steveretsonproject.org.uk
- Healthy Gay Scotland: www.healthygayscotland.com
- LGBT Youth Scotland: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
Remember if you are sexually active you may require a sexual health check up.
