Chemsex leads to more STIs and more HIV infections

Chemsex is a growing trend among gay and bisexual men in the Netherlands. Chemsex is the use of substances by men who have sex with men (MSM) with the specific intention of having sex, excluding alcohol, poppers, nitrous oxide and cannabis. Often multiple men are invited (e.g. through dating apps) - for longer sex sessions/parties. Many times different substances are used interchangeably. And also erectile stimulants. The chance of contracting an STI or HIV infection is a lot higher when you have chemsex, according to onderzoek van de GGD Amsterdam.

More often an STI and more often HIV-positive by chemsex

Gay men who engage in chemsex are more likely to contract venereal disease than other gay men, according to the GGD Amsterdam after research. You can imagine that when having sex under the influence, your boundaries become blurred. You can completely surrender to the moment and so at such times you see fewer risks in having rough (anal) sex, sex without a condom and having sex with changing partners.

Uit ditzelfde onderzoek blijkt dat deze mannen vaker worden gewaarschuwd voor een soa en helaas ook grotere kans hebben om hiv-positief te testen als zij geen PrEP slikken of PrEP niet op de juiste manier slikken.

Different types of hard drugs at chemsex

The most well-known "chems" used are XTC/MDMA, GHB, ketamine, 3-mmc and tina (crystal meth). The function of drug use, in combination with sex, is mostly to increase the intensity with which sex can be experienced, but prolonging and increasing your self-confidence also play a big role.

Ongeveer 6 procent van de gebruikers gaf aan de harddrugs te injecteren. Wanneer je dit doet, is het goed om je bewust te zijn dat sommige soa’s ook via bloed kunnen worden overgedragen: hepatitis B, syfilis en HIV. Om die reden is het advies om je eigen naalden te gebruiken en telkens nieuwe naalden te gebruiken.

Other risks?

Users often report that their sex lives are expanded and taken to a new level with drugs, without experiencing any symptoms. But there are certainly risks involved. Indeed, a growing group seems to be experiencing health problems. There are risks of overdose, negative sexual experiences and addiction to chemsex. This can manifest itself in depression, loneliness, anxiety and panic attacks, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!

Prevention is better than cure. Keep an eye on drinking and drug use at all times. If you have doubts about your health because you had unsafe sex or don't remember the night (completely), don't take any chances and get tested. At OneDayClinic, you can quickly get an anonymous, fast and affordable STI test. Call 085 070 3483 for more information or make an appointment online for one of our locations.

Are you concerned about your lifestyle regarding sex and drugs? You may raise this with us at any time, we can talk with you about it and think with you if you want to take steps in this. We are on your side!

If you regularly go to sex parties, where drugs are also used: chemsex parties, the advice is to also use PrEP when doing so. This is also possible at OneDayClinic. Call 085 070 3483 for more information or make directly online an appointment for one of our locations.

source: nu.nl / GGD Amsterdam