Being healthy is about feeling good physically, mentally and emotionally. Being sexually healthy means that we avoid infections, illnesses and take responsibility to ensure that we protect ourselves and others, emotionally and physically.
In this way, sexual health is an important and integral part of overall health. When we are sexually healthy we make the best decisions for us that we can with regard to our sexual partners and sexual practice.
For people who choose to be sexually active, sex can be enjoyable, safe and should be based on mutual respect and agreement.
If you’re exchanging sexual acts for some kind of payment it can be difficult to feel good about the sex you’re having and about yourself. You might be asked to perform sexual acts that you don’t want to, and with people that you don’t want to have sex with. This is why exchanging sexual acts for payments can be as harmful to your mental health as your sexual health.
One of the best ways to keep yourself as sexually healthy as possible is to use condoms whenever you’re having oral, anal or vaginal sex with someone. If you’re exchanging sexual acts for payment you might be asked not to use condoms at all, or you might be offered more money not to use condoms. Remember, you can’t tell by looking at someone if they have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) so using a condom every time is the best way to protect yourself and others.
GUM is short for genitourinary medicine. GUM services in Greater Glasgow & Clyde are called Sandyford services. Many people go to a Sandyford service just for information, advice or help. Anyone can go along. You don’t have to go to your family doctor first. Everything is absolutely free.
At NHS Open Road, we can offer you a fast-track service into a Sandyford service so that you’re seen as quickly as possible. You can also access a GUM service called The Steve Retson Project, which is specifically for men who have sex with other men.
For more information about where to obtain condoms, click harm reduction.