Blood donor question.
 

Hey peeps.

I have given blood a few times and found it very rewarding.
Now though I'm not sure I can.

My boyfriend can't because he is bisexual and thus he gets turned away during the screening process (men who have ever had sex with other men, even with protection aren't allowed to give blood).

Am I no longer allowed to donate blood, because of my physical relationship with him?
What would I have to do to be allowed again, if anything?

You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with a man who has had sex with another man according to this

Aye, you're not allowed.

I wonder if they take long term relationships into account with that tip.
If yes, wait twelve months and see if you develop any signs of infections

The other thing they may be thinking of once night stands and more casual sexual encounters. One night with a guy who's slept with another guy; wait twelve months and see if there's infection.

I think you should call the number on the website to get clarification. But either way I think they're saying wait and see if there are signs of an infection.

I think even though the people above are right, going to wherever your donating and asking just to be sure would be best. Good luck, though, I'm a couple months away from being the age of being able to donate and I can't wait, I'm really stoked.

Thanks for your input, everyone.

I am aware that according to the screening process, I wouldn't be allowed. I just wondered whether they would take long-term relationships into account...I'd be willing to provide proof of my clean bill of health too! haha

Personally, I think that whole system is ridiculous and highly offensive. Yes, according to those guidelines you're not allowed to give blood. But the thing is, the guidelines are based on fear of aids and stds in general because obviously gay and bisexual people are more prone to one night stands etc. :blink:

There's no scientific reason for those guidelines. It's just f***ing homophobia.

(besides, it's not those peoples business who you... or your boyfriend... are sleeping with, anyway.)

I totally agree, Canis. I think it's awful. A straight woman is just as likely to have AIDs or STDs as a gay man. It's irrelevant.

Oh I never knew that!
You learn something new everyday I suppose :P

Hehe that's right...I can't continue to save lives just because of my boyfriends' past lifestyle choices.
It's ridiculous, in my opinion.

It's not just ridiculous, it's offensive. It's hurtful. And damn stupid too, because people like you who want to help by giving blood are turned away because their partner happend to have slept with another man in the past... woohooo, big deal...

By the way, I think it's really great that you give blood. I can't do it because I'm bi and because I have a serious phobia of needles, but I think it's great. :)

Thanks :) I DID really enjoy doing it...it felt like I was actually doing something really good.