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Post by jimb0x0 on May 29, 2022 22:13:16 GMT
First of all apologies about this thread, I don’t feel like it necessarily warrants a posting but at the same time I really am freaking out. On Friday I got very drunk and went to sauna And spent like six hours there, had sex with a lot of people sometimes bareback and sometimes in a group setting. In The cold light of day I am feeling huge amount of shame, panic, and anxiety about doing that. I am on prep, but no amount of reading is helping and I’m just worried that I’ve contracted something. I’m worrying about literally everything that I could have caught, and whether it could be treated or if I’ve somehow permanently damaged my health in some way. I’m not sure why I’m posting this, but feel like I’m having a breakdown or something
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Post by simonsays on May 30, 2022 3:42:10 GMT
Hi Jim.
I know people say they understand, but man I understand. I've been where you have been. That panic when you wake up in the morning and go... FUCK. First thing i'd say is you're on PrEP... so as along as you're taking it correctly it's 99.99999% effective in stopping transmission. The other thing I'd say is something like 97% of men who are living with HIV are undetectable - which means they can't pass on the virus through sex. That means there's only like 3% of men who have the virus, who do not know they have it who are passing it on. That means the chances of you coming into contact with them is really small. Also, in my experience the men who go to saunas/sex venues are very clued up on sexual health so you're probably around people like you.
I'm sure the admins will correct me but I think if you have picked up an sti it will take about 10 days before a test will confirm it. But you may see symptoms 3-7 days after. But man, if you do, please don't freak out. STIs are bacteria infections. That's all. The names have more stigma than what they are. People pass on bacteria infections to each other all the time.
In short, I think you don't need to worry about HIV. But maybe test for STIs every 2-3 months if you are having unprotected sex. Last thing I will say... don't ever feel guilty about the sex you are having. Lots of straight men fuck about and they don't have the pressures we have. Have sex, have fun and enjoy it. You're on PrEP... relax a bit.
Simon
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Post by jimb0x0 on May 30, 2022 14:50:41 GMT
Thank you ever so much Simon, I really need to read that. I understand that I have done something high-risk however I think I am catastrophising, As you say I think everything is treatable to a certain extent. I probably should look into counselling or something as my reaction has probably been disproportionate to the actual events themselves. Thanks again for taking time to reply it has really helped, cheers, James.
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Post by Piltover on May 31, 2022 15:58:46 GMT
Hi jimb0x0,
I can't really add that much to what simonsays said, as they nailed it on the head! PrEP is extremely effective at preventing HIV transmission. There have been loads of studies into its efficacy now, so please don't worry. You took a really great protective measure for your sexual health, which is the responsible thing to do.
As for the shame and guilt after visiting a sauna, I can empathise as I've had that feeling after visiting saunas in London. What I'd say to you is that there is no shame in enjoying sex with multiple people, or going to saunas, or having bareback sex. A lot of the shame and panic I experienced is because part of my brain was saying that I'd done something "wrong" because of values re sexual propriety, like I'd broken some kind of rule book, and that would mean I deserved whatever I got. But that's just me, whatever you're feeling, try to give yourself a break. Lots of people have sex without condoms and enjoy multiple partners!
As with what simonsays said, make sure you're testing regularly (once every three to six months if you're sexually active with multiple partners), that's what clinics are for. Most STDs are easily treatable.
I hope this makes you feel better. If you're having some health anxiety about this then I'd recommend calling THT Direct: 0808 802 1221 and they can give you some reassurance.
Take care of yourself
Piltover x
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