Sex & Drugs
If you’ve been on app like Grindr or Squirt, you’ve probably noticed there are lots of guys looking for sex and drugs.
It’s no secret that sex and drugs often go together. Many men use drugs to enhance the sex they have, helping them feel more connected and horny.
If you’re into sex and drugs, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Know what you're taking: Always remember that the drugs you think you’re taking may differ from the drugs you actually have, especially if you get them from someone you don’t really know.
Safe sex: If you’re taking drugs to relax or make you hornier, it’s easy to get carried away and forget this bit – take along lots of condoms and lube! You can also take PrEP to prevent HIV if you find condoms difficult to use when high.
Know your limits: If you’re new to using drugs, it's worth finding out how the drugs will make you feel and how you can use them safely. Check out our chemsex page for more information on commonly used drugs.
Don’t do anything you don’t want to: Even if your sexual partner is taking drugs, it doesn’t mean that you have to. As with everything in your sex life, the choice is always up to you. If you do decide to take drugs before sex, be aware that this may lower your inhibitions and lead to you doing things you wouldn’t normally do (such as barebacking or fisting). When high, boundaries can shift or blur, so think about this before you get into it. You always have the right to say no.
Staying with friends: Hanging out with people you know can be a good idea. It can help you feel more comfortable, relaxed and able to enjoy the sex without feeling too anxious the next day. Having someone you know to keep an eye on you can be useful, especially if you are new to a drug.
Stay Hydrated: It's important to remain hydrated when taking drugs however, with some drugs such as MDMA/Ecstasy, caution is required as drinking too much water can be fatal. It might seem like common sense, but when you are taking drugs and having sex it’s very easy to forget to drink regularly.
If you’re using drugs on medication: Keep in mind that one drug can alter the effects of the other. Be aware if you are on prescription drugs (i.e. for HIV) that some drugs may interact with them and alter their effectiveness.
If you feel uncomfortable: Telling someone that you feel unwell can be a simple way of taking a break from a situation you are not comfortable with. You can take some time out, drink some water and think about what you’d like to do (or not do) next. Remember you have the right to withdraw your consent to the sex you're having at any point.
‘Booty Bumps’: Drugs can be absorbed through the lining of the ass, whether as a powder (rubbed around and in the anus), liquid (injected into the ass) or in pill form (inserted into the ass). Drugs taken this way are absorbed much faster than if swallowed and can have a stronger effect. Drugs taken this way can damage your ass, leading to pain, bleeding or haemorrhoids.
PEP: If you wake up in the morning and feel you may have had unprotected sex you should try to access PEP as quickly as possible.
PrEP: Some men use PrEP to prevent the transmission of HIV. It's important to make sure you take this in accordance with the guidance given to you upon receiving PrEP. You can find more information about PrEP here.
If you are looking for advice or are concerned about drug use and sex, you can get in touch with the SX team to talk it through.
Trans men and Drug Use
Research suggests that drug use is considerably higher among trans individuals than their cis counterparts – with trans women at greater risk than trans men.
Alongside the problems associated with drug use more generally, trans men can run in to problems when hormone therapy interacts with substance use or ‘party drugs’.
This is particularly true of testosterone which, when mixed with certain drugs, can increase your risk of heart disease.
If you want to know more about certain drugs and their effects, you can find out more here.
