Chemsex means using certain drugs as part of sex. Often, it’s done by men who have sex with men. People who have chemsex say it boosts desire, pleasure and confidence. It’s risky, though. You can make unsafe choices when you use the drugs.

There are three drugs most used in chemsex: 

  • methamphetamine: also known as crystal meth, crystal, meth, tina and crank
  • mephedrone: known as meph, drone or meow meow
  • GHB and GBL: known as G, gina, geebs and liquid ecstasy    

Frank has more information on the effects and risks of these drugs. 

The drugs used in chemsex can make you much less careful about what you’re doing. This means you are less likely to have safer sex. After you’ve done it, you may not recall exactly what happened. This can result in you being:

The drugs can also affect your physical health, especially if you mix them. You’re at risk of passing out and even an overdose. Comedowns can be bad too.

Having chemsex can also affect your emotional wellbeing. It can have an impact on your daily life, your relationships and your job. You may also start to depend on drugs to have good sex.

To keep yourself safe, stay in control of the drugs you take, and the sex you have. 

Learn all you can about the drugs  you use so you know what to expect. Even then, they can be unpredictable. So, make it a rule to:

  • only have chemsex with people you know and trust
  • set limits about what you will and will not do, before you take the drugs
  • always use condoms and lube, which you can get for free from us 
  • not share needles or straws and bank notes for snorting drugs
  • not mix drugs, or drink and take drugs
  • get tested often for STIs
  • not have chemsex for too long or too often
  • have sober sex too so you can still enjoy it without chems 

You may also be able to protect yourself against HIV by taking PrEP  before sex.

If you’re worried you may have caught an STI or HIV, we can help. It might feel awkward to talk to someone about sex, but it’s what we’re here for. We offer free STI and HIV testing, and treatment, confidentially. We might also be able to give you PEP, which helps kill the HIV virus in the first three days after catching it. 

You can also get one-to-one support. You can talk to us about concerns around STIs, sexuality or anything else to do with sexual health.