FabSwingers.com forum: Clubs and their role in STI Testing / Sexual Health

By *hoenixandflames OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockport

Heya there folks,

Just a random musing...

In my experience of visiting various swinging clubs round Greater Manchester, I've never knowingly seen overt mention of sexual health anywhere in their changing rooms, beyond perhaps a sign saying "Condoms available at the bar".

If I go to a gay pub, I see *very* obvious signs for sexual health.

Should the swinging clubs take a more active role in the sexual health education of the visitors?

I.e. Where's the local clinics?

Or simple nudges to say "Have you been tested?"

Sure - Life is about risks and you make your own judgements, but it's a well proven fact that the smallest nudges can have a massive uptick in making people do things... (like simply putting rubbish in a bin, rather than littering).

Just wondering out loud - I know even Fab only puts up a red ribbon on their page on December the 1st, and again, no info for testing available either - again - unlike Gay / Bi men sites.

Regards

Flames

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good point. Lots of people seem to think onky gay men catch sti's. Information should be available.

Might put people off going to clubs though so maybe why they don't have information available.

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By *alcon43Woman
over a year ago

Paisley

Good point but we are adults and should be aware that testing is available and we should go regularly.

Don’t think everyone can access the local clinics unless they live in the area though. Some may only be there for a day or two.

Club I use has condoms in each of the play rooms as well as wipes.

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By *hoenixandflames OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockport

Why would open information put people going off clubs?

Are people really that ignorant, or afraid of the confrontation of reality?

But yeah - obviously non-locals visiting a club won't get any help, but there's always online kits for STI testing now (I know THT did them).

But end of the day - It's a simple nudge for someone to have a think "Maybe I should get tested just in case?" and off they go to their nearest search engine to find some where local.

Like I say, it's merely those nudges that are so effective.

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By *y Favorite PornstarCouple
over a year ago

Basingstoke

I thought chameleons did an onsite clinic every now and then?

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By *ea_CoffeeCouple
over a year ago

Near Kettering

"I thought chameleons did an onsite clinic every now and then?"

Have not seen it lately but yes they did used to have a regular testing service go in and perform test's.

I have seen this at other clubs too but strangely it's not something I have seen in recent months.

I wonder if NHS funding cuts is the reason for this or if clubs simply dont want to offer this anymore?

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By *iversong321Woman
over a year ago

Preston/Merseyside

I know Infusion used to do an on site clinic. Not sure if they still do. I saw sexual health leaflets in The Attic last night. As adults tho it is the individuals responsibility.

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By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

For newbies entering the swinging lifestyle , information and examples set by the more exoerienced are invaluable .

Clubs could very easily set this example with clear information , condoms etc....

We haven’t been to clubs fir a few years but when we did our local club had a full testing service on offer once a month , and so did Chams . Condoms were always easily available , and there seemed to be no issues with this . I can’t say what they’re like now though .

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

We don't go to clubs.

However I wish there was more information easily available for older people some of who feel their age provides immunity or just simply aren't aware of the risks.

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By *ocks99Man
over a year ago

Reading

[Removed by poster at 26/11/17 16:10:10]

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By *ocks99Man
over a year ago

Reading

"We don't go to clubs.

However I wish there was more information easily available for older people some of who feel their age provides immunity or just simply aren't aware of the risks.

NHS Direct is simple enough to use. Getting people to use it/realise they are in need of it however......

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"We don't go to clubs.

However I wish there was more information easily available for older people some of who feel their age provides immunity or just simply aren't aware of the risks.

NHS Direct is simple enough to use. Getting people to use it/realise they are in need of it however......"

You have to be aware of the risks in the first place.

People of my generation had no sexual health education.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It makes so much sense for clubs and local GU clinics to have links . I just don't understand why all clubs don't get free condoms from the NHS (I know the whole cost argument ) but prevention is far cheaper than cure.

You're right that gay/ male venues are heavily targeted for sexual health promotion. Predominantly hetero perceived environments still have that myth (or whiff !!) of STI's aren't our 'problem '

I'd be interested to know if sexual health clinics target swingers clubs and what the management response is . Or vice versa if a club approaches its local GU service .

Condoms and posters and possibly home testing kits in the toilets would be amazing !

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By *ocks99Man
over a year ago

Reading

"We don't go to clubs.

However I wish there was more information easily available for older people some of who feel their age provides immunity or just simply aren't aware of the risks.

NHS Direct is simple enough to use. Getting people to use it/realise they are in need of it however......"

Says me. It's NHS Choices now :o

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By *orksCouple25Couple
over a year ago

Leeds

"For newbies entering the swinging lifestyle , information and examples set by the more exoerienced are invaluable .

Clubs could very easily set this example with clear information , condoms etc....

Its unlikely to be the comprehensive service provided in proper STD clinics as that would need urethral and cervical swabs doing by a fully trained nurse along with blood tests for HIV and hepatitis B which have to be preceeded by full counselling about the pros and cons of such a test and that would be a very expensive thing to set up in the community . A swinging club Therefore doesn’t seem the obvious first place to site such a community service when compared to say using a room in a local surgery especially in a struggling and stretched NHS .

It was probably a support worker handing out leaflets and collecting urine samples from the men to take back and test for chlamydia.

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By *emini ManMan
over a year ago

There and to the left a bit

Agree clubs could do more to promote good sexual health, and some do, but guess it's about finding the balance between creating a sexy vibe and putting across a stark message - although perhaps a couple of posters in discreet places such as the bathrooms wouldn't go amiss.

I guess there is also the consideration that we're all adults and should be capable of knowing/making decisions about our own sexual health - although have seen numerous posts I've seen here that prove not everyone is as informed as we'd like to think.

VA regularly have THT attend on their Bi Night who offer testing (blood/urine/throat swabs) which I've always thought responsible, but would be good if they offered it other nights too, and other clubs did the same.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

One of the great things about going to Spicy's bi night is being tested by the Terrence Higgins people in a proffessional, friendly and non-judgemental manner. They are the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and see them as my friends. To the people of Terrence Higgins Trust I salute you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why would open information put people going off clubs?

Are people really that ignorant, or afraid of the confrontation of reality?

But yeah - obviously non-locals visiting a club won't get any help, but there's always online kits for STI testing now (I know THT did them).

But end of the day - It's a simple nudge for someone to have a think "Maybe I should get tested just in case?" and off they go to their nearest search engine to find some where local.

Like I say, it's merely those nudges that are so effective.

Because some people are naive/ stupid and would think the clubs are spreading diseases. I know people that think this way. People over a certain age, those couples that only meet other couples, people like that.

I agree nudges are effective.

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By *plpxp2Couple
over a year ago

Middlesbrough

"I know Infusion used to do an on site clinic. Not sure if they still do. I saw sexual health leaflets in The Attic last night. As adults tho it is the individuals responsibility."

Infusion still do, we were there on Saturday afternoon and details of the next visit / clinic were on the noticeboard alongside club events.

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By *ucketlist6969Couple
over a year ago

Leeds

NHS has made massive cut backs since I've been swinging. The clinics I go to do not offer the full screening anymore, unless you have symptoms or know you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed. I even have to ask for a throat swab as they don't routinely do those either. And that's with a full disclosure of my sexual antics. As much as I always wear protection for intercourse, I don't for oral. I would happily pay to be tested if the club's offered it. I'd much prefer a professional to swab me so I have peace of mind it was done correctly.

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By *hoenixandflames OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockport

Well, the fact people mentioning urethra swabs dates some knowledge...

I am saddened to see that the THT only attend the Bi nights - perpetuating the myths...

However, statistically that it’s the MSM who are the risks (rather than Gay and Bi men...)

But yeah - I guess it’s the councils as much as the NHS that have had budgets cut.

But. It’s not like clubs make a loss, so, wouldn’t they prefer healthy clientele?

Again, it’s all about risks, but I wonder how many people know which STIs aren’t stopped by condoms?

(Yes, I know the risks, I take the chances, but it would be rather hard trying to track someone down from a random encounter at a club if suddenly my next test came back positive with something like chlamydia which can come from oral...)

But yeah, it’s merely a thread to have that discussion I suppose. Nudge nudge

Flames

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By *ina VonteeseTV/TS
over a year ago

Leicester

That's why we love club29.

Confidential sti clinic visits on regular basis. Really great service and it is truly confidential.

Free condoms and lube .

Great to be able to just pop in on the designated times and even if it's a minor concern the outreach nurses are only too pleased to help you .

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By *sGivesWoodWoman
over a year ago

ST. AUSTELL, CORNWALL

It's up to the individual and not the club to look after sexual health

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By *heRealHousewivesofEurekaCouple
over a year ago

dartford

Eureka have THT in 4 times a year and at all different events not just Bi/Gay. The information given is second to none! There is always a queue of guests waiting for tests. Responsible Club and guests alike.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well, the fact people mentioning urethra swabs dates some knowledge...

I am saddened to see that the THT only attend the Bi nights - perpetuating the myths...

However, statistically that it’s the MSM who are the risks (rather than Gay and Bi men...)

But yeah - I guess it’s the councils as much as the NHS that have had budgets cut.

But. It’s not like clubs make a loss, so, wouldn’t they prefer healthy clientele?

Again, it’s all about risks, but I wonder how many people know which STIs aren’t stopped by condoms?

But yeah, it’s merely a thread to have that discussion I suppose. Nudge nudge

Flames "

Terrence Higgins were also at the Festival of Fun at VA so hopefully its changing perceptions.

I would like to know if a bi man who uses protection is still more likely to have an STI than a hetrosexual woman who doesn't? And if so.... why?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It would be great to see posters and leaflets at clubs. Far too many people assume that using condoms means you're immune to STI's and don't need testing.

I've found that most couples think they don't need testing because they only BB each other.

Condoms aren't 100% safe. Nor is unprotected oral.

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By *emini ManMan
over a year ago

There and to the left a bit

"It's up to the individual and not the club to look after sexual health "

Yes it is up to the individual of course it is - but as threads in the forums regularly show (one asking the other day if you could catch an STI just attending a club is a good example) there is also plenty of ignorance amongst individuals - so whilst clubs have no obligation to do so, them helping raise awareness amongst their clientele is surely a good thing?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just watch it's safer

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By *hoenixandflames OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockport

"It's up to the individual and not the club to look after sexual health "

Obviously.

But the lack of information on either a swingers club, or even on Fab, is something that needs talking about - IMHO.

Heck, it almost feels like talking about STI's is sticking ones head above the parapet. But it shouldn't be.

Flames

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By *reygorCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

"I thought chameleons did an onsite clinic every now and then?"
not been for a while but yes they did run clinics.we use a private clinic regular there is a cost but we think if you are players you should get a check up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It's up to the individual and not the club to look after sexual health

Obviously.

But the lack of information on either a swingers club, or even on Fab, is something that needs talking about - IMHO.

Heck, it almost feels like talking about STI's is sticking ones head above the parapet. But it shouldn't be.

Flames"

I totally agree, I don’t think people realise how easy it is to contract a sti orally and with super gonnoreah about it’s important that people get regular testing even if they do what’s perceived as “playing safe”

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think if places such as clubs got Checked out by infection control they would be closed down .

As a observation at a club I saw no cleaning product near wipe surfaces where people played .Baby wipes does not kill germs .

If for example we all use a sun bed .bacteria spray is always there and paper towel .you clean before and after use .This doesn't happen on beds or seats in sex clubs .didnt when I was there anyway

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By *atEvolutionCouple
over a year ago

atlantisEVOLUTION. Stoke

It's all over our website

and always has been.

We place anti-bacterial gel everywhere. Toilets, play areas, reception, bar area etc.

We have done a couple of projects with health services for sexual health too.

But to be sure people are responsible for their own sexual health.

We recommend that everybody practices safe sex. But let’s ask this question another way around - do you practice safe sex?

People shouldn't ask for or expect a 'nanny' approach to everything that is done in their lives though. Get up and do it for yourselves

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By *atEvolutionCouple
over a year ago

atlantisEVOLUTION. Stoke

I also might add - in the Google Age it really isn't that hard to catch up either. If you are on fab you also could be at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_sex

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It's up to the individual and not the club to look after sexual health

Obviously.

But the lack of information on either a swingers club, or even on Fab, is something that needs talking about - IMHO.

Heck, it almost feels like talking about STI's is sticking ones head above the parapet. But it shouldn't be.

Flames"

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

[Removed by poster at 27/11/17 11:39:40]

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By *ownhouseTwosomeCouple
over a year ago

Birkenhead/Liverpool

Townhouse have been working alongside Terrence Higgins Trust and more recently Sahir House for 6 years and in the past 4 years we have been offering onsite STI testing; in fact our last drop in clinic was last Friday. They offer HIV fast testing as well as a full STI screen.

Our members love the fact that they don't have to go to their local STI clinic and get the knowing eye roll when you tell them you're a swinger. They can take 20 mins out of their night at Townhouse and get tested. It makes total sense and it works very well. Apparently we hold the record for the most amount of people tested in one drop in clinic in one session nationwide!!! haha

We also have information available for people to read and when there is a national alert, like the recent HEP A outbreak, we put posters up everywhere and our staff are made aware of what it's all about so they can advise people.

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By *atEvolutionCouple
over a year ago

atlantisEVOLUTION. Stoke

Just an update to this thread . . .

For those who want to test in the privacy of their own home.

Thanks in advance to FAB for letting me post this.

https://www.letsgetchecked.com/gb/en/sexual-health/sti-testing/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs_D7-8nh1wIVjJEbCh1QagCXEAAYASAAEgLY2vD_BwE

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By *hell and jWoman
over a year ago

Worksop

Some clubs have people in sho do testing but ideally I prefer to go to gum clinic myself xx which we do xx people who swing shud allready be looking after there own health so dint thing needs to promote it xx we are adults

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By *ab_SparklesWoman
over a year ago

sparkle Surprised

Did you hear about some pilot thing in a hospital report this week found 32 didn't know they were HIV and this hospital is going to make it permanent.

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By *tasiaCouple
over a year ago

West Bromwich

Again we invite in Terrence Higgins Trust with their home test kits at least once a month, and also have Anti-Bac everywhere, but in all honesty folks are too busy getting to the bar, or too keen to get back to the bar after play to clean up.

I'd turn this question around, and ask why those who visit clubs don't make the most of the resources provided?

Next THT clinic is this Friday folks, when they hope to have a new bus parked up for those who wish to pop in and pick up a kit.

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By *atEvolutionCouple
over a year ago

atlantisEVOLUTION. Stoke

"Did you hear about some pilot thing in a hospital report this week found 32 didn't know they were HIV and this hospital is going to make it permanent. "

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By *adysilkCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

"I thought chameleons did an onsite clinic every now and then?"
yes they do every 2nd Monday in the month

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By *hoenixandflames OP Couple
over a year ago

Stockport

"Again we invite in Terrence Higgins Trust with their home test kits at least once a month, and also have Anti-Bac everywhere, but in all honesty folks are too busy getting to the bar, or too keen to get back to the bar after play to clean up.

I'd turn this question around, and ask why those who visit clubs don't make the most of the resources provided?

Next THT clinic is this Friday folks, when they hope to have a new bus parked up for those who wish to pop in and pick up a kit.

That's awesome - Wish we lived closer to you... Although your club is on our to do list for the reverse glory hole facilities

In terms of us - We go to the Withington hospital for testing...

And we do like to wipe up after ourselves - after all - Do unto others... We'd rather not clean up *before* we start playing - Even though I am very sure every club does do a wipe down clean at night.

But I don't doubt that -

My thing was more the STI awareness from clubs and indeed, Fab... (And indeed, with the caveat, that I've not travelled that far round the country visiting clubs... if only!!)

Regards

Flames

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