Gay, Bisexual & Men Who Have Sex With Men (GBMSM)
Sexual health service for gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
Our clinics offer a range of different services to support your sexual health and wellbeing including vaccination, PrEP and STI testing
We are confidential, inclusive and non-judgemental, and would welcome the chance to speak to you.
STI Testing
Even if you don’t have any symptoms, it’s recommended that you test
- if you have a new partner
- or 3-6 monthly if you have multiple partners
The most common STIs are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. You can get tested at a sexual health clinic.
If you test positive for an STI, we will arrange treatment and support.
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Mpox
How can I get a vaccination?
In sexual health we do not offer vaccinations to everyone. The decision to offer you a vaccination depends on who you have sex with, your gender and age. We follow directions from the Scottish Government’s Chief Medical Officer.
Often you will be offered vaccinations as part of your appointment with us. We only offer vaccination in the sexual health department if you are at sexual risk of an STI.
You don’t have to accept any vaccination if you don’t think it’s right for you.
Hepatitis A and B vaccination
Hepatitis A infection is uncommon in the UK. The virus is spread in the faeces (poo) of an infected person.
The Hepatitis B virus is carried in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. One way it can be transferred is through sexual intercourse with an infected person without a condom.
Hepatitis vaccination is now offered to those who are eligible when attending sexual health for other appointments, for example PrEP.
Hepatitis B vaccine is now part of the childhood vaccination schedule. If you were born before 2017 you would not have a hepatitis vaccination.
We usually give Hepatitis B vaccine in combination with Hepatitis A vaccine to reduce the number of injections you need to have.
If you are looking for a vaccination due to other reasons such as work or travel please visit the following website: Vaccines – NHS Ayrshire & Arran (nhsaaa.net)
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination
Carrying HPV makes you more likely to develop certain types of cancers and warts. HPV is spread through skin to skin contact; usually intimate sexual contact. One of the best ways to protect yourself from HPV infection is to get the vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is now available for men through sexual health clinics. If you are eligible when attending for an appointment we will offer you the vaccine. You have to be aged 45 years or under and sexually active with other men.
Monkeypox = now mpox
Mpox is a rare viral infection. The risk of mpox in Scotland currently remains low. Anyone can get mpox. However, most recent cases across Europe and the UK have been among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Tips on how to reduce your risk of infection can be found here. The sexual health team will assess your risk when attending appointments such as Prep and will offer you vaccination if you are eligible.
Gonorrhoea 4CMenB vaccine
The 4CMenB vaccine (usually used to prevent meningococcal infection) has been shown to protect against gonorrhoea in around 32-42% of cases. The most effective protection is still consistent condom use.
At the moment no decision has been made whom to vaccinate but we will let you know as soon as this changes.
What is HIV ?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus which attacks the body’s immune system which, if left untreated, can leave the body vulnerable to infections with which it would normally cope.
Condoms and Lube
Condoms are a useful method to prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs.
Lube is advised for anal sex to make sex more pleasurable and to prevent condoms breaking.
You can get condoms and lube for free at all sexual health services and a range of other places. Please visit our Ccard and Free Condoms page to find a distribution point, or order condoms by post.
You can also get free condoms by post from Terrence Higgin’s Trust’s Get Rubbered scheme.
Sex and Relationships
For advice and support please visit the following websites
Sexual health for gay and bisexual men – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
For further information and advice on sex and relationship please read here.
Local Blood Borne Virus Service
The Ayrshire and Arran Blood Borne Virus Service is based at University Hospital Crosshouse. The BBV unit within the hospital was purpose-built in 2011 and offers a confidential, holistic service for all those affected by a BBV.
The unit was designed to provide the best level of care while allowing the service user to feel comfortable, relaxed and safe in the knowledge that they are being treated by a specialist team who has the patient’s welfare at the heart of everything they do.
The unit provides specialist assessment, treatment and care for patients who have been diagnosed with HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B.
The BBV specialist Team:-
BBV Specialist Nurses
The specialist nurse team have clinics within Crosshouse Hospital and community settings in North, East and South Ayrshire .The nurse team undertake blood tests, Fibroscans, sexual health screens and offer condoms. They offer support and advice to patients undergoing treatment for HIV, HBV and HCV.
BBV Consultant
The BBV Consultant will be able to discuss the results of any tests / investigations that have been carried out and explain any changes to your planned care. Consultant clinics are held at Crosshouse Hospital but can also be done via telephone.
BBV Specialist Pharmacist
Specialist Pharmacist input to discuss medication regimens is available and can provide advice and information on the safe use of medications the team prescribe for you. Consultations can be held via telephone.
BBV Admin Team
The BBV Team have dedicated administration staff to help with any questions or problems that may arise from appointment dates and times.
Referral to BBV service
Initial referral to the Ayrshire and Arran BBV Service is generally through GP/Addiction Services/In and Out-patient services. Referrals are accepted from all avenues. Referrals are accepted by the Consultant and also by the Clinical Nurse Specialists. Once patients are referred to the service, they are assessed for the most suitable treatment options or monitored closely on a regular basis. Should patients develop any new symptoms or are concerned about any changes in their condition then we ask that they contact us directly.
Patients who have been diagnosed with a BBV but who are not currently receiving treatment can also self-refer to the clinic.
If you have any queries or concerns then please call the team on: – 01563545508
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