THEGAYUK WINTER 13 /14 Issue 1
QUESTIONS
SEXUAL HEALTH
READERS’ QUESTIONS
By Jenna Thomas and Jake Jenkins @ 56 Dean Street
FLESHY LUMPS
KISSING WITH COLD SORES
This sounds so unsexy but, I have a few fleshy
bumps around my asshole.
I've been to the GU Clinic and they confirmed
that it wasn't anal warts, it was just skin tags
(acrochordon).
Apparently they are quite common and
completely harmless (thankfully). But they can
get a bit tickly. I don't know what to do about it.
I've recently started seeing this guy, who I
really like, but I noticed yesterday that he's got
what looks like a cold sore on his lip. I've heard
that cold sores are like herpes, is this true?
Should I not kiss him or do oral sex with him?
We've already had oral sex, but he didn't have
the sore then - can I catch it if it isn't already
visible?
READERS’ QUESTIONS
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Hi There,
The GU clinic that saw you are correct an d skin tags
are perfectly normal and harmless. If they are not
causing you any pain then it is best to leave them alone
in my opinion as having them removed can leave scar
tissue which is less elastic than normal skin and can
cause some issues in itself.
If you are having tickling/itching round your bottom it
may be worth seeing your GP or visiting the GU clinic
in a routine appointment just to check nothing has
changed.
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Also make sure you are not using any soaps and
shower gels in the area to wash as this can cause
dryness and irritation. You can use just water to wash
with or alternatively aqueous cream, you would apply
this to the skin before you bathe and wash it off last
before you leave the shower/bath.
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If you really want them removed your GP could refer
you on for this. ∎
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READERS’ QUESTIONS
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Can I get a cold sore on my dick?
Hi There,
If it is a cold sore that this guy has then it is caused by
the Herpes virus. However this is a very common virus
with as many as 6 in 10 people carrying it, but due to
the way the virus works many of these people do not
get symptoms.
If you have never had a cold sore yourself then while
this guy has one it would be advisable to avoid kissing
and oral sex (although you may already carry the
virus). It is possible for the virus to be spread from a
person’s mouth to your genitals, this is most likely
when they have symptoms, but there is also a small
chance of it being passed at other times.
My advice would be to avoid sexual contact while this
guy has symptoms, but following this you could
continue. Obviously we would recommend using
condoms once you do, as this will keep your chances of
getting the virus as low as possible although even with
condoms there is a small chance.
At the end of the day a cold sore is a cold sore, whether
it is on your face or your genitals. If at any point you
get symptoms you believe may be herpes on your
genitals it would be advisable to call the clinic or
attend to be assessed and if we feel there is the
possibility it is herpes we would endeavour to see you
that day. ∎
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For further information a good website is herpes.org.uk.
Got a question you want to ask our experts log on to
noexcuse.thegayuk.com
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