When a finger is recommended
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, with men over 45 being at highest risk. As in most cancers, early detection can clearly enhance health outcomes. All men over 45, especially if there’s a history of cancer in their family, should be screened for prostate cancer every year. The screening involves a blood test, called a PSA, and an anal exam (a doctor or nurse inserting a gloved, lubed finger into your rectum) to feel the shape, size, texture and consistency of your prostate gland.
COMBINATION PREVENTION: There’s more on the menu than you thought
Ongoing prevention messages regarding consistent use of condoms and water-based lube are essential but you might forget that you have other options available, depending on your unique needs.
How to use the female condom for anal sex
A lot of men don’t know this fact, but the female condom can be used for anal sex. Maybe a little trickier to use than the conventional condom and it does take getting used to, but a lot of men do like to use it.
One of the benefits of female-condom use—besides its protection against STDs, including HIV, during anal and vaginal sex—is that it empowers receptive sexual partners to protect themselves whether or not their partner wants to use a traditional condom.
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Lubricants a potential risk factor
While consistent use of condoms remain your best defence against HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (STIs), evidence has emerged that some water-based lubricants may be harmful to your rectum. This applies equally to top-of-the-range, expensive imported brands and locally manufactured lubricants.
These findings emerged when researchers trying to develop rectal microbicides started poking around and asking questions about the effects of sexual lubricants on the mucosal lining of the rectum.
Screening for HIV
Every one of us is concerned about HIV and yet most of us are unsure of our HIV status. Get all the info you need from this fact sheet.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer is a tumour that arises in the testicle (balls) and may spread to other organs in the body.
Syphillis
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria (germ) Treponema pallidum.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”, and viral hepatitis is caused by a group of viruses (germs) that mostly affect the human liver.