ASHM Report Back
Clinical posts from members and guests of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) from various international medical and scientific conferences on HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and sexual health.
ChemSex
A topical presentation by Adam Bourne from London UK on the last day of EACS conference.
Different countries tend to have their own favourite chems .The main drugs being used are GHB/GBL, crystal, ketamine, and mephedrone. Drug taking with sex isn’t a new practice but the facilitation through social apps such as Grindr is, as well as increased use in group sex settings .
A recent UK study showed 6.6% of MSM had used one of the above drugs in the previous 4 weeks during or before sex. So although topical in the media, Chemsex use is a minority behaviour at a population level at the moment. Chemsex was commoner in HIV positive individuals with almost 21.9% having used in the last 4 weeks. The reasons for using chems during sex were varied and included sexual disinhibition, enhanced sexual pleasure, overcoming negativity/low esteem associated with HIV diagnosis and dealing with impaired libido.
Chemsex is associated with a higher risk of HIV/STI transmission behaviors. The strongest association was between crystal meth and unprotected anal intercourse and binge alcohol use.
The presenter didn’t have time to discuss other physical/mental or social problems of Chemsex, only mentioning risks of dependence for sexual performance and also OD risks especially with GHB.
Social apps such as Grindr have been targeted as an important means for sexual health harm minimization in Chemsex users.
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