For several years, chemsex has been on the radar of public health bodies in the UK and around the world.
While chemsex itself is nothing new, more modern iterations of the practice have led to certain behaviors that can put participants at risk.
But what are these behaviors and why should you know about chemsex?
Keep reading to find out.
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What is chemsex?
Chemsex is a somewhat new term used to describe a fairly old and common practice: sex while on drugs. However, the term today is commonly used to describe sexual activity between men who have sex with men, often with very specific drugs and often in group sex. “Chemsex” can sometimes be used interchangeably with “party and play” (PnP).
Drugs used during chemsex, such as crystal methamphetamine and mephedrone, are intended to facilitate and enhance sexual activities that last several hours or sometimes days, often involving multiple sexual partners. The drugs used are often physiological stimulants, which increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as causing euphoria and sexual arousal and often lowering inhibitions. These drugs are most often snorted or smoked, but can also be injected.
People who engage in chemsex report a more intense sexual experience because the drugs allow them to overcome inhibitions such as lack of confidence and self-esteem, homophobia, stigma about their HIV status, increased endurance and pleasure, and sustained arousal.
The consequences of chemsex can also be quite harsh. Unwanted side effects it can include agitation, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and even psychotic episodes. Chemsex users often describe missing entire days or not sleeping or eating for long periods of time, which can negatively affect overall health.
What are STDs?
STDs are infections that most people get through sexual activity, which can include vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and sharing sex toys.
The vast majority of sexually transmitted diseases are spread through unprotected sex. Without using barrier contraception, pathogens can be easily transmitted from one person to another during sexual intercourse.
You can also get STDs in other ways, such as foreplay and sharing needles when injecting drugs.
How are they connected?
Chemsex has been implicated as a major potential risk factor for STDs.
Drugs often used during chemsex are connected to a greater number of sexual partners and higher levels of high-risk sexual behavior. Chemosex practices have also been linked to physical trauma during sexual activity, which provides further opportunities for STI transmission. These risks can be increased when needles to inject these drugs are shared, increasing the risk of transmission of certain infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C.
In addition, coexisting STDs may facilitate the acquisition of other STDs, including HIV. Having STDs like Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may increase a person’s susceptibility to HIV infection.
How can I avoid getting an STD?
While drug use during sex will not directly cause an STD, chemsex tends to take place in a context and amid social and sexual dynamics that make the transmission of STDs more likely.
It is important to remember that any sexual activity carries a certain risk. The best way to protect yourself and your sexual health is to consistently use barrier methods of contraception such as condoms, female condoms and dental barriers.
The next best thing is to get tested for STDs regularly if you are sexually active, especially after starting a new sexual relationship with a new partner or multiple partners.
Final thoughts
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