Gay/Bi Men: Sexually transmitted diseases – They happen

The effectiveness of safer sex practices for reducing the rate of HIV infection is one of the gay community’s great success stories. Safer sex is effective in reducing the risk of receiving and transmitting HIV. However, studies over the last few years have demonstrated the return of many unsafe sex practices.

As a gay man who was a teenager when HIV/AIDS became prominent, it has always been a looming thought. Medicines and treatments have come so far and luckily today it’s not an instant death sentence it once was. Since my divorce almost two years ago I’ve started to use PrEP to help prevent getting infected with HIV. Over my life so far, I’ve had a couple minor sexually transmitted diseases. PrEP does not prevent or lessen your chances of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases beyond HIV.

Currently not only do I get the required testing every three months while taking PrEP, but I also get tested for every sexually transmitted disease. Getting the blood work done every three months is a little nerve racking knowing I’m at high risk, very active and will admit to rarely using condoms. I’ve recently moved to Fort Lauderdale where all I’ll say is OMG – it’s off the chain.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I’ve heard from so many guys that they don’t take PrEP, don’t use condoms and go from vanilla to piggy in two blinks of an eye.

For most, it comes down to:

• Feeling uncomfortable talking about PrEP and sexually transmitted diseases with their current primary doctor.

• Lack of funds to pay for co-pays.

• Not having health insurance to cover a good portion of the costs.

• Their health insurance deductible very high and it’s a cost issue to reach full deductible in a year timeframe.

• Lack of knowledge or apathy.

An Option for Access to Healthcare

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to pick up your phone, or sit at your computer and discuss your health concerns with a Registered Nurse and/or Doctor who can diagnose, order lab testing and prescribe medication all at pre-negotiated low rates? Find out more about the OutBüro Care+Plan.

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur at a high rate among sexually active gay men. Most known STD infections have easy and effective treatments available (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, pubic lice, anal papilloma)

HPV The human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes anal and genital warts, is often downplayed as an unsightly inconvenience. However, HPV infections may play a role in the increased rates of anal cancers among gay men. Gay and bisexual men are estimated to be 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than heterosexual men. While treatments for HPV do exist, recurrences of the warts and the rate at which the infection can be spread between partners are very high. Certain populations (including gay and bisexual men, people with weak immune systems, and people with HIV/AIDS) are also at higher risk for some HPV-related health problems. There is no doubt that safer sex reduces the risk of STDs; prevention of these infections through safer sex is key.

About the author: Dennis Velco

An LGBTQ social entrepreneur who focuses on strengthening the global LGBTQ+ through connecting, engaging, online, and in person.