Positive Nation is back

Welcome back to Positive Nation, the voice of the HIV community. After a three month hiatus it's back, bigger and better than ever! For your free copy of Positive Nation, please email info@wsmsh.org.uk or call 01722 421951. (Wiltshire residents only.)

Published: 29th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

20 per cent of men with eating disorders are gay

"Gay men are particularly vulnerable to bulimia, 20 per cent of men with eating problems are gay..."

It seems that body issues such as anorexia, body dysmorphic disorder and bulimia are becoming more common among men. The debate continues to rage on about whether the 'Muscle Mary is Dead' or 'Long Live Size Zero'. Surely we should be focusing on health rather than how we, or other people expect us, to look.

Studies have found that gay men are more likely to develop bulimia as a result of low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their bodies and are also more likely to worry about their bodies in the first place.

One of the problems men face unfortunately is that GPs are less likely to diagnose men with an eating disorder than women, even when presented with the same symptoms. This lack of recognition means it is more difficult for men to get specialist help.

It's possible that the true figure (due to the above) of men affected by bulimia is far higher, as men are less likely to admit to the condition. This must change.

We are highlighting this problem on our website which hopefully will encourage gay men affected by these conditions to openly talk to their friends, families and GPs without being afraid of stigma.

So if you are, or know of, someone who needs help then email or telephone us.

Published: 28th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Site update: HIV in the workplace

If you are living with HIV, your legal rights as an employee are extensive and ensure you are protected in multiple ways. This article outlines how the law can protect your rights and the options you can take if you feel those rights are threatened. Read more

Published: 28th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Site update: Grooming gorgeous

Sales of male grooming products are booming and the right skincare can help to make you look younger and feel better. This page gives plenty of hints to help make you look handsome. 
Read more

Published: 23rd October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Site update: Erectile dysfunction

Much more common than many people realise, erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence - the inability to get or maintain an erection) affects almost one in ten men in the UK. This page looks at the underlying reasons which can cause this problem and what can be done about it. Read more

Published: 23rd October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Site update: Chlamydia - The silent epidemic

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection which often goes unrecognised and therefore untreated. It's so widespread that it's often described as 'the silent epidemic'.

A new page on the Men's Sexual Health site describes the infection and its symptoms; why people should be tested for it; and how it is treated. Read more

Published: 22nd October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Carry a condom ...

Sexuallly transmitted infections in Britain are the highest levels ever amongst 16 to 24 year olds. The rate of teenage pregnancy is also greater than anywhere else in Western Europe.

When used properly condoms and dams are the only forms of contraception that can protect you against STIs as well as unintended pregnancy.

The message is clear: CARRY THEM, WEAR THEM!.

Condoms are available free of charge from Wiltshire & Swindon Men's Sexual Health, socall, email or order via this website your condoms today.

Published: 18th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Homophobic bullying out of control in our schools

Two thirds of gay secondary school pupils have been victims of homophobic bullying at school, according to major new research. That's almost 150,000 children often too frightened even to attend their schools. Sixty thousand gay pupils have been physically attacked and many hospitalised. And almost a third of gay pupils have witnesssed not just other pupils, but teachers doing the homophobic bullying in their schools.

If you are a victim of homophobic bullying and need help and advice then call us on 01722 421951 or alternatively email us on info@wsmsh.org.uk.

Published: 18th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Gay Men's Health has changed!

As you will have noticed if you have visited us before, Gay Men's Health Wiltshire and Swindon has a brand new name, and a new look and website to go with it.

You will still find all the same information on the site, and we will soon be adding more, but the site will be moving soon over to our new address: www.wsmsh.org.uk.

If you have any comments or questions about the site, or about Men's Sexual Health in general, click here to contact us.

Published: 8th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Helpers needed ...

... and we don't mean the short green, pointed ear variety... Christmas elves.

Wiltshire & Swindon Men's Sexual Health needs your help. Weurgently need 20 volunteers to help collect donations throughout the county of Wiltshire. The purpose is to raise and promote awareness of HIV/AIDS on 1st December 2007 (World AIDS Day).

Locations: Chippenham, Devizes, Marlborough, Swindon, Trowbridge and Warminster.
Times: 10am to 2pm

All collectors will be provided with a collection can, T-shirt, Red Ribbons, info leaflets, info cards and a range of merchandise. All travelling and parking expenses will be paid.

For more information either email info@wsmsh.org.uk or telephone Olivia Adams on 01722 421951 Monday to Thursday between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Thank you!

Published: 8th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Site update: Through the years

There have been many changes in the law which affect gay and bisexual men over the past few years. We have put together a list of these changes to make it easier to see exactly where the law stands now on issues such as civil partnerships, homophobia and sexual offences.

Read more

Published: 8th October 2007 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)