GGC - Sexual Health - Supporting Adult Service Users with Relationships, Sexual Health and Sexual Wellbeing - IN DEVELOPMENT
Institute for addressing strangulation: IFAS 
NHS Inform: The effects of Alcohol and Drugs on your Sexual Wellbeing
Kinder Stronger Better: Alcohol, Drugs and the LGBTQ+ Community
SDF: Scottish Drugs Forum
Waverley Care: Chemsex
Warning
Engaging in risky sexual behaviours can increase an individuals chances of contracting and passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), blood borne viruses (BBVs), unintended pregnancy and other harmful outcomes.
Risky sexual behaviours:
Unprotected sex: Engaging in penetrative sexual activity without a condom is a major risk factor for STIs. Condoms help prevent the exposure to bodily fluids that can carry STIs. Condoms also reduce risk of unintended pregnancy.
Multiple sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the chances of encountering someone with an STI.
Strangulation: Also known as 'choking', when pressure is applied to the neck or throat during sexual activity.
Substance use and sex: Chemsex is defined as the use of drugs in a sexual context, often involving 3 specific drugs (methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB) and involves using one or more of these drugs to enhance sex with or without other drugs.
People who may be more at risk:
Some groups may face greater challenges in managing STI/BBV risks:
- People who sell or exchange sex: People who sell or exchange sex are likely to have a higher number of sexual partners and may feel pressure to have unprotected sex, types of sex that may be riskier and may not have the agency to negotiate safer sex practices.
- Young people: STIs are most common in the 16-24 age group. This is the most sexually active age group with the most number of sexual partners. Some young people have limited knowledge about STIs, access to sexual health services and peer pressure can contribute to risky sexual behaviour among young people.
- People who use and/or inject drugs: People who use drugs may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours under the influence or to share injecting equipment.
- GBMSM: Some STIs and BBVs are more commonly found within the sexual networks of gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. Chemsex is generally engaged in by some GBMSM.
- People from countries with higher prevalence: Some people may be more at risk of BBVs based on prevalence within their country of origin, including people from Sub Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Managing risks:
Practicing safe sex: Using condoms and contraception or accessing PrEP consistently and correctly,
Getting tested regularly: Regular STI testing, even if someone doesn’t have symptoms, is important for early detection and accessing treatment. The Sandyford website provides details of clinics in GGC.
Communication: Individuals having open conversation with partners about sexual history and STI testing is important
Seeking support: Speaking to a GP, Sexual Health Services or pharmacy can assist individuals in accessing the correct support.