Gono with the wind

Gono with the wind

Reading that some STIs are on the rise has sent an extremely unwelcome shiver down my spine.

With all the effort being made by various health organisations around this country you’d think by now everyone understood that using condoms is the best method sexually active people have to limit the spread of STIs.

Sure, condoms can be uncomfortable, I’ll give you that, and I have heard and empathise with those who say they are messy, inconvenient, reduce pleasure … the list goes on. And I am sure there are people out there who just trot out those excuses as a reason to not use them.

But let me ask you this — would you prefer to wear a condom or feel like you are pissing razor blades every time you go to the bathroom?

Doesn’t sound so good, does it? But shit like that can happen when you don’t wear a condom while having penetrative sex.

I wouldn’t mind seeing statistics that show in what age demographic STIs are on the rise, particularly data around people my age. Sure, naivety can play a big part in unsafe sex — the belief that this guy you just met on Grindr is totally a good guy and wouldn’t have chlamydia because he is so sweet and gentle.

But then the next thing you know your dick smells like rotten cheese and you feel like you are pissing a sword sideways, or you’ve got blisters and sores all over your cock, or you test positive for HIV and your whole life changes.

I’ve been pressured quite a lot in the past by guys who don’t want to wear a condom. My attitude is it is just not worth it. Guys, you are pretty much playing Russian roulette with a penis.

If you do happen to find yourself having had sex without a condom, get to your local clinic quickly, talk to someone and get checked — I cannot stress this enough.

Heck, if you’re having lots of sex with multiple partners you should be getting regular tests anyway.

Seriously, the number of guys who ask me why I’m going to the clinic for a check-up is ridiculous. It shouldn’t even be a question.

Not only are you taking responsibility for your own sexual health, but you’re also keeping an eye out for your partners. That’s just good manners, isn’t it?

To be blunt — if you don’t use condoms, you are an idiot. Case closed.

By JESSE MATHESON

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4 responses to “Gono with the wind”

  1. Just a point of clarification… Condoms definitely reduce the risk of passing on or getting many STIs, but it doesn’t remove the risk completely. And you can also pass on or get some STIs like (gono, chlamydia and syphlis) without having penetrative sex. These can easily be passed on through oral sex, fingering, rimming etc etc.
    So, I’m def with you on the importance of condoms, but it’s still important to get a full sexual health check regularly even if you are using condoms, or if you’re not having penetrative sex.
    Cheers

  2. Good article and raising important questions that guys need to consider.

    To find a clinic you can go to the ACON website at http://www.acon.org.au/hiv/where-to-get-tested

    If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, PEP may prevent you becoming infected – if you act quickly.If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, call the 24-hour PEP Hotline as soon as possible. You can find out if you’re eligible for PEP and where you can get it.

    Tel: 1800 PEP NOW or 1800 737 669 (inside NSW).

    Generally, you can get PEP at a sexual health clinic or in the accident and emergency sections of most hospitals.

    More info at http://www.acon.org.au/hiv/pep

  3. Case re-opened,You sleep around around,you abuse your body and your mind,aventually your going to be part of a statastic.
    Usually around 30 it happens,its all part n parcel of the scene.Best thing is stay clear of it and find true love with only one true lover.
    thanxs