Gays can't give blood?! Is Health Minister Poots right?

[DrinkFeckArseGirls]

Really? Is it a new ban or has it been in force before??? So me being bi-sexual means I shouldn't give blood? How are they going to police that? I might have fewer sexual partners than many hetero people so how does that make any sense? I haven't had a bonk in 2 years but I am still high risk? Sorry, lots of ?s but I'm gobsmacked.

Cam someone explain the Estimated Blood Volume thing for women 17-20? I had a look for my height and weight when I was that age and my blood volume showed on the chart as well under 3500. I gave blood regularly then (approaching 35 yrs ago) and don't remember any problems.

Here is the THT FAQ about blood donation, it really does answer every question better than I've seen anywhere else.

Sorry, no idea about the EBV thing.

To be fair though just because the forms flag up a problem it doesn't mean your unable to donate. One of the questions is something like have you in the last six months had sex with someone who has had ever had sex in Africa with an African national. I always have to tick yes which would mean technically I shouldn't donate but they reviewed DH's record (with his permission) and concluded in our case it's not a problem.

I have a letter that I take with me when I donate, I imagine the same review would be done for homosexual men in longterm relationships.