STDs you should aware of

· Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS)HIV is not very infectious (it is highly unlikely to be caught by simple touching or even kissing with tongues), it can be fatal though so extreme care should be taken to avoid infection. the best protection from HIV is to always make sure a condom is worn during penetrative sex.
·a HIV infection cannot be cured, although certain drugs exist which can help control the virus. the side affects of these drugs can be extremely unpleasant though, not everyone is able to take them. The virus can also build up resistance to these drugs (quite quickly if the drug regime is not adhered to very strictly) and for some guys it is just not possible to identify a treatment that helps, so do not reduce your vigilance against HIV infection just because you believe it to be "treatable".
· someone with HIV can look and feel completely healthy, and so for many people the first time they become aware that they have the HIV virus is when the disease advances to AIDS (the point where the HIV infected person falls ill). this can occur many years after initial infection though, so do not assume that just because someone looks fit and healthy that they do not have HIV.
· the only way to be sure that you are not infected with the HIV virus is to be tested - if you are worried, visit your doctor or local health
center to arrange this. further info on HIV/AIDS...

Hepatitis
·there are various different types of hepatitis, all of them affect your liver and can have serious health consequences or even be fatal. hepatitis is much more infectious than HIV, the normal route of infection is similar (having penetrative sex without a condom or via infected blood), although it is also possible to contract hepatitis through rimming (licking a guys anus). hepatitis B can be caught through oral sex, and hepatitis A can be even be caught from kissing.
· fortunately, a vaccine exists for hepatitis types A and B and all gay men are advised to have it if possible - visit your doctor or local health center to arrange this. no vaccine yet exits for hepatitis C however, so a condom remains the only protection from this when having sex. further info on hepatitis...

Syphilis
·syphilis is a bacterial infection, the first signs of infection is usually sores on your cock or anus, sometimes combined with swollen glands - these usually heal within 4-6 weeks, although 1-6 months later a reddish-pink non-itchy rash will appear on the trunk and extremities accompanied with general feeling of illness.
· syphilis can cause serious health problems if left untreated but may be easily cured with antibiotics, so if you think there is a chance you have it visit your doctor or local health center to arrange a test. further info on syphilis...

Gonorrhea
· gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, the first signs of which are usually pain when urinating (pissing) and a white milky discharge coming from your penis (cock).
· gonorrhea can cause serious health problems if left untreated but may be easily cured with antibiotics, so if you think there is a chance you have it visit your doctor or local health center to arrange a test. further info on gonorrhea...

Herpes
·herpes is an viral infection marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. in an infected person, these blisters will not always be present but will continue to re-appear, often during times of stress or tiredness. it is possible to catch herpes from someone even if the blisters are not present, although if the blisters are present infection is far more likely.
· herpes cannot be cured, although a condom can protect you from infection from genital herpes. once infected, anti-viral treatments exist which can help you manage the symptoms.

Genital warts
· genital warts are a highly infectious viral infection, and are spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner, and appear as fleshy, small raised growth that looks like cauliflower.
· sometimes, genital warts will disappear of their own accord, although because they are highly infectious and equally might not go without treatment, you are advised to visit your doctor or local health center to arrange treatment if you contract genital warts. further info on genital warts...

Pubic lice (crabs)
· crab lice are small insects that are between 1-3mm long. generally the first signs that you have been infected with crabs will be itching around your groin and possibly noticing small specks of blood in your underwear.
· you can confirm the diagnosis yourself by close examination, as the lice should be visible (often attached to a strand of pubic hair).
· treatment of crab lice is simple - visit your doctor, local pharmacy or drug store and explain the problem, you will be provided with a cream which to apply on the affected area.

3) I'm worried i may have an STD
·where do i get professional advice? your best route to getting professional advice will depend on your location, as the health care in different countries is provided in different ways.
· your normal doctor should be able to help, if you do not wish to approach him/her about the problem, you may find that there is a STD clinic in your area (possibly attached to your local hospital). the advantage of going this route is that it may be possible to receive anonymous testing, meaning the fact that you requested the test (and the results) will not be added to your medical history file.
· because of it's serious implications, if you wish to be tested for HIV (the virus which causes AIDS) please think about how you would react to the news should it be bad news. do you have family or friends who you could talk to about it who would be supportive?

4) Meeting up with strangers safely
· Here to help you have fun meeting and getting together with other guys! but whilst 99.9% of the guys on here are honest and decent people, please remember there is always a risk when meeting someone you have never met before that their intentions are not what they seem. to keep your fun safe, please bear in mind the following points when meeting up with a guy for the first time:
never give him your home address before you have met him
think twice about giving someone your phone number - especially in countries where gay sex is illegal (the police can use it to get your address)
before going on an internet date, tell a friend where you are going and what site you met the guy on
always arrange to meet in a neutral, public space where there are plenty of other people. a cafe or bar is ideal!
only invite him back to your home (or go somewhere private with him) when you have spent enough time with him to be sure of his intentions
always break off the date if you have a "sixth sense" telling you that something is not quite right. even if this makes him angry, remember that it is always your right to do this!

5) Alcohol, Drugs and Sex
· some people enjoy mixing alcohol or recreational drugs with sex, since doing so can result in lowered inhibitions.
· please consider the following before you choose to have sex under the effects of alcohol or recreational drugs:
are you familiar with the effects of the substances that you are intending to take before sex? some drugs (such as crystal meth) have a reputation for making a normally conservative individual completely discard condoms and safer-sex practices
do you know the guy you're having sex with well enough to know that he will not take advantage of your state of lower personal control? do you trust yourself well enough that you will not do something that you will regret later on? it can be incredibly stressful and worrying to wake up in the morning, knowing you allowed unsafe sex to happen the night before whilst drunk
many people believe that working to create a sexual situation where you feel confident and safe enough to express yourself fully whilst sober can result in sexual pleasure which far exceeds that possible when your senses have been dulled with intoxicants...