PrEP approved in SA: What does it mean for you?
South Africa’s Medicines Control Council (MCC) has finally approved the use of HIV prevention medication. But what does that mean for you as a gay or bi man? Best known under the brand name of Truvada (there are generics also), the medicine is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs, usually used in combination with other […]
Hated HIV drug increase boss challenged by new rival drug
While the “world’s most hated man” defiantly continues to sell a lifesaving drug at an outrageous price, despite promising to make it affordable, a rival company has stepped in with a far cheaper medicine. in September, Turing Pharmaceuticals head Martin Shkreli, shocked the world when he increased the price of the drug Daraprim overnight by […]
It’s time to refocus the HIV stigma
HIV-related stigma within the gay community has been around since the emergence of the pandemic. Early media reports referred to HIV as being a gay disease and fear of the virus was rampant, especially when a lack of treatment options caused many gay men to present with the devastating physical features of AIDS. Indeed, HIV […]
My boyfriend is a cock doctor
Upon meeting acquaintances for the first time with my boyfriend, the conversation often goes something like this: Acquaintance: “So what is it you do for a living?” Boyfriend: “I’m a urologist, actually.” Acquaintance: “Neurologist? Oh how lovely.” Boyfriend: “No, a UR-ologist – I work with the other head”. Invariably, this leads to an awkward giggle and […]
Modern Family star comes out as gay, has body dysmorphia
Modern Family actor Reid Ewing has revealed that he is gay, after writing an article about his struggle with body dysmorphic disorder. Ewing, 27, is best known for playing the recurring guest role of Haley’s dopey boyfriend Dylan in the popular American comedy series. In a piece for Huffington Post, Ewing said he first became […]
UK gay and bi boys and men to get HPV vaccine
The UK government has announced that it will offer the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) aged up to 45 via at its GUM (sexual health) clinics. This group is the most likely to acquire HPV among men, which can lead to penile, anal and throat cancers, as well as […]
Turning down the heat: 10 sex tips to help you through the heat wave
The current excessive temperatures across much of South Africa are impacting on some gay guys’ sex. Here are ten tips from Health4Men’s Glenn de Swardt to keep you cool while still having hot fun. 1. Wear cotton boxers instead of tight fitting briefs while you go about your everyday business. Better yet, try going commando (no […]
Report warns of dangers of “chemsex”
A new UK report has highlighted the impact of “chemsex”, in which gay men in particular have sex under the influence of sex-enhancing drugs. The phenomenon has been growing in the gay community in recent years and often sees men have unprotected and risky sex with multiple partners while using drugs such as mephedrone or […]
12 tips for safer online hook-ups
Cruising and hooking up online, especially with someone you’ve never met before, could place you in a very vulnerable space. This is a time to be alert and vigilant; taking care of a few basics before you agree to meet a potential partner will ensure a more relaxed and pleasurable session, and help to reduce […]
Global doctors group says trans rights trump religion, cultural beliefs
The World Medical Association (WMA) has adopted new guidelines for doctors to improve their approach towards transgender people and their unique health needs. Delegates from almost 60 national medical associations agreed at the organisation’s General Assembly in Moscow that every effort should be made to make individualised, multi-professional, interdisciplinary and affordable transgender healthcare available to all […]