The following article is reprinted from the February issue of the American gay publication “The Advocate”.  The notion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one that is getting more attention here in Australia and is included here so that some thought and discussion can commence around this issue.

Ever worried about other people being able to find out what internet sites you’ve visited? If you have a shared computer, live at home with parents and siblings, aren’t ‘out’ to your housemates, or have a female or male partner who wouldn’t understand your desire to look at male porn or cruise on gaydar then you are not alone. Many people worry about their privacy on the net, and plenty of guys have been caught out looking at sites that they would prefer nobody else knew they looked at.

Workshops for gay men and men who have same sex attractions are run at the WA AIDS Council throughout the year. Each workshop has a different focus and they have been running for over 20 years.  Some workshops focus on a range of sexual health and sexual technique issues  (Nitty Gritties), others on  effective communication and assertiveness (Talk to Me), and others on coming out, being attracted to other guys, and safe sex (Men on Men).   The main purpose of these workshops is to provide a safe, comfortable space for guys to share their experiences with each other and learn form others. They are also about making contacts and networking, having a laugh and realising that you are not alone!

The WA AIDS Council (WAAC) runs a confidential, free, medicare-based HIV/STI testing clinic for men from Monday to Friday. The clinic was established to give guys an easy, fast and sexuality sensitive option for testing. The clinic runs out of WAAC’s office which is at 664 Murray Street, West Perth.

The last gay men’s periodical survey, (which is conducted every 2 years at Fairday), revealed some interesting information about how gay and bi men in Perth are deciding to have anal sex without condoms. There has been a considerable increase in men discussing HIV status with casual partners before deciding not to use condoms. There has also been an increase in the number of men having anal sex without condoms with multiple casual partners since their last HIV test.

The syphilis outbreak began in Western Australia just over two years ago. Before this time syphilis had virtually disappeared and was thought of as a thing of the past, but a world-wide outbreak amongst men who have sex with men finally crept its way over the West Australian borders around Christmas time in 2006.

How to keep it clean “down there” before having anal sex is one of those questions some guys ask in embarrassed, hushed tones. No need to feel that way, fellas. It is a perfectly reasonable process to ask about, especially for guys new to receptive anal sex. No one is born with an innate understanding of anal cleanliness. This article is designed to point guys in the right direction to clean out, or douche, safely.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to maintain a firm hardon long enough to have sex. Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if the problem is ongoing, it can cause stress and relationship problems and affect self-esteem.

You may have noticed quite a lot of advertisements from the WA AIDS Council about syphilis over the past 18 months. There is a reason for that- syphilis rates in Perth among guys who have sex with guys have been going up, and up, and up… you get the picture!

Discussing unsafe sexual practices and beliefs instead of safe sexual practices may be seen to be controversial. We are also being very explicit with our terminology. We make no excuse for either of these things. We need to be explicit about the sexual practices that spread HIV, unprotected anal intercourse in particular. We are trying to redress the myths, beliefs and emerging cultural norms that have grown over time as a result of the extended impact of HIV/AIDS. HIV is still a real and present danger within our community.