World Cup 2010

‘Scoring without getting an own goal’

You’ve got your tournament schedule, organised your mates in a prime viewing location and may even be celebrating or commiserating in South Africa itself.
Getting lucky might not be your top priority while dreaming of World Cup victory but when the beer’s flowing and you’re crammed into an adrenaline high crowd, after an emotional rollercoaster of a game, it’s more than likely you’re going to be up for some post-match action.

Whether you’re watching the tournament at home or abroad, Terrence Higgins Trust has all the tips you need to have fun but still avoid a red (and itchy card) this World Cup with its handy guide, ‘Scoring without getting an own goal’.

Getting match fit
Don’t be stuck on the bench while your friends enjoy all the action. If you notice anything unusual such as redness or itching this summer, get it checked out. Most sexually transmitted infections can be cured with no lasting effect to your health if they’re dealt with early enough and you follow the advice of your doctor.

If you’re embarrassed about symptoms, or feel your worries seem too trivial to see someone about, call a sexual health helpline like THT Direct and get some advice over the phone, in confidence, on 0808 802 1221.

Tight defence
Condoms are still the safest and easiest way to look after your sexual health so make sure you’re the captain of a trusty stash. Keep a couple in your purse or wallet or, if you’ve run out, visit the pub loos or invent an excuse to nip round to the local shop for supplies.

You can also save cash by getting free condoms from your GP surgery, GUM clinics, THT service centres and young person’s and family planning clinics including many young people’s services.

Handling pre-match nerves
After a few drinks condoms are not the easiest or sexiest subject to bring up in conversation, particularly when you’re carried away in the moment. But the happier you are talking about, and handling, them the more relaxed you’ll be to enjoy the next game without worrying about sexually transmitted infections or HIV.

To make safer sex even sexier, take the lead and put a condom on your partner with your hand, or your mouth. Or use a colour or design that represents your team to give you a great talking point.

Sliding tackle
Spice up your game by adding a water-based lubricant like KY Jelly, Wet Stuff or Astroglide onto a condom for a much smoother 90 minutes. When condoms are too dry the friction factor can be uncomfortable and they may even break. Give your senses an extra treat with warming and tingling varieties but make sure you give oil-based lubricants like baby oil or Vaseline a miss- they’ll weaken the condom and can cause it to disintegrate.

Mouthing off at the ref
If you’re giving it some lip service it’s a good idea to make sure your oral hygiene is on top form. Don’t try oral sex it if you’ve had dental surgery or have a sore throat, mouth ulcers, cold sores or bleeding gums. And if you want it to taste really good try a flavoured condom, with the added bonus of zero calories you can enjoy all the mid-match pies you like.

Uninvited mascots
Being on the pill doesn’t mean you’ve got an open goal on STI’s. The only way to protect yourself and oyur partner from HIV and sore and itchy post-match surprises is to wear a condom, particularly if you’re with a new partner and don’t know their sexual history.

Substitutions
If you’re enjoying lasting the distance, make sure you regularly check your condom’s still in place and use a new one if it’s frequently slipping off, to keep you and your partner safe and satisfied during that vital extra time.

Playing away in South Africa
With 5.2 million living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa, more people than in any other country, sex without using a condom poses a high sexual health risk.

Make sure you take a decent amount of condoms with you so you’re not caught short and know you have a brand you can trust. Always look out for the CE mark on the packet, which means they’ve been tested to European standards.

Avoid any deep heat outside the locker room by storing condoms somewhere safe, nowhere too hot or cold, out of direct sunlight and away from anything sharp or rough-edged. If it’s been a while since you last scored also check they’re in date.

Match highlights
There’ll be some goals you and your friends will be reminiscing about for years and others you’ll be keen to hastily forget. Don’t let guilty flashbacks ruin your performance next season. Find out where you can go to get a fast and confidential STI and HIV test if you’re worried you got carried away this World Cup.

Phone 0808 802 1221 for support, advice and information on anything sexual health and HIV related (10am-10pm week days and 12pm-6pm weekends) or  find your nearest clinic here at any time. Many clinics now offer rapid HIV tests which means you can get your results in as little as 20 minutes.

New tests can detect infections quicker so you don’t have to wait three months if you’re worried you’ve put yourself at risk; a clinic will be happy to see you straightaway.