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Safer Sex Information & Services

Learn more about the Mpox virus from our page here.

We Are Committed To Helping Patients Improve and Maintain Their Sexual Health Through Safer Sex Practices & STI Screenings

This section contains information about a number of different sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. If you are a gay or bisexual man who is sexually active with multiple partners, consider getting HIV and STD testing on a regular basis.

Talk with your doctor or call one of our friendly neighborhood counselors at 617.267.0159. STDs can cause infections in the penis, anus, vagina and throat/mouth.

Some STDs are Caused by Bacteria:

  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • MRSA (drug-resistant staph)
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
  • Chlamydia

Bacterial infections can usually be cured with antibiotic pills or shots.

Some STDs are Caused by Viruses:

Viruses usually can’t be cured. Your doctor might give you some medicine or other treatment that keeps you from getting sick or helps control your symptoms.

Other STDs:

Public lice (“crabs”) are parasitic insects found in the genital area of humans. Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite. Several lotions are available to treat either pubic lice or scabies.

How Do I Know If I Have an STD?

Many STDs don’t have symptoms you can see or feel. Learn what is normal for your body. Some things that may not be normal are:

  • Pain when you have sex or urinate
  • Bumps or sores around your penis, anus, or mouth
  • Discharge from your penis or anus
  • Rash on your body
  • Mucous in your feces


The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to have regular testing for STDs

What Are The Tests Like?

A doctor or nurse may take a sample of your blood and may swab your anus, throat/mouth, a rash/sore and they may ask you for a sample of urine.

Resources

Talk with your doctor or call the HIV and STD counseling line at 617.267.0159.

Ask the Docs is an online service of Fenway Health that allows gay and bisexual men and transgender people to get answers to questions about their medical, sexual and mental health. Ask the Docs a question now.

Fenway Health's HIV Counseling, Testing & Referrals Program

HIV counseling and testing isn’t just about getting tested. In fact, Fenway’s HIV Counseling, Testing & Referrals program is here for you if you just want to talk about sexual safety and support.  Sometimes just talking to someone about these things can lend a lot of perspective. To make an appointment, call 617.267.0159.

If you have immediate concerns about your health, please make an appointment to see your doctor or call Fenway’s Medical Appointment Line at 617.927.6000. If you have a mental health concern, you can contact Fenway’s Behavioral Health Department at 617.927.6202.

 

Talk to a Counselor:

617.267.0159

Ansin Building

1340 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215

Appointments

617.927.6000

Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Program

1340 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215

Appointments

617.457.8140

MyChart

Patients can use MyChart to request prescription refills and referrals online, schedule appointments, and communicate with some providers. 

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