Does chemsex put you at risk of getting an STI?

For several years, chemsex has been on the radar of public health agencies in the UK and around the world.

While chemsex itself is nothing new, more modern iterations of the practice have given rise to certain behaviours that can put participants at risk.

But what are these behaviours, 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: having sex while taking drugs. However, the term today is usually used to describe sexual activity between men who have sex with men, often with very particular drugs being taken, and often in a group sex setting. “Chemsex” can sometimes go by the term “party and play” (PnP).

The drugs used during chemsex, like crystalised methamphetamine and mephedrone, are meant to facilitate and enhance sexual activities lasting several hours or sometimes days, often involving multiple sexual partners. The drugs used are often physiological stimulants, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, as well as triggering euphoria and sexual arousal, and often lowering inhibitions. These drugs are most often snorted or smoked, but they 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 stamina and pleasure, and sustained arousal.

The aftereffects of chemsex can also be quite harsh. Unwanted side effects can include agitation, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and even bouts of psychosis. Chemsex users often describe losing entire days or not sleeping or eating for long periods, which can all negatively affect overall health.

What are STIs?

STIs 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 STIs are contracted through unprotected sex. Without barrier contraception being used, pathogens can transmit easily from one person to another during the sexual act.

You can also get STIs in other ways, like foreplay and sharing needles when injecting drugs.

How are they connected?

Chemsex has been implicated as an important potential risk factor for STIs.

The drugs often used during chemsex are linked to a higher number of sexual partners and higher levels of high-risk sexual behaviour. Chemsex practices have also been linked to physical trauma during sexual activity, which provides further opportunities for STI transmission. These risks can be elevated when the needles to inject these drugs are shared, increasing the risk of transmission of certain infections, like HIV and Hepatitis C.

Moreover, coexisting STIs may facilitate the acquisition of other STIs, including HIV. Having STIs like Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may increase a person’s susceptibility to HIV infection.

How can I avoid getting STIs?

While the use of drugs during sex will not directly cause someone to get an STI, chemsex tends to take place in a context and amid social and sexual dynamics that make the transmission of STIs more likely.

It’s important to remember that all sexual activity carries a certain amount of risk. The best way to protect yourself and your sexual health is to consistently use barrier methods of contraception like condoms, female condoms, and dental dams.

The next best way is to get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active, especially after you begin a new sexual relationship with a new partner or multiple partners.

Final thoughts

If you have any concerns about your sexual health, it’s always Better2Know by getting tested.

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