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Gay and Bisexual Men's Health
Gay and bisexual men are part of a very diverse community. They have both shared and unique experiences and situations that affect their physical and mental health needs as well as their ability to get high quality health services. Find out more.
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Gay and bisexual men are part of a very diverse community. They have both shared and unique experiences and situations that affect their physical and mental health needs as well as their ability to get high quality health services. This page provides an overview of the different health and other issues faced by gay and bisexual men.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Sexual orientation and gender identity/expression are important aspects of a young person’s identity. Understanding and expressing sexual orientation and gender and developing related identities are typical development tasks that vary across children and youth. For example, some youth may be unsure of their sexual orientation, whereas others have been clear about it since childhood and have expressed it since a young age. Expressing and exploring gender identity and roles is a part of normal development. The process of understanding and expressing one’s sexual orientation and gender identity is unique to each individual. It is not a one-time event and personal, cultural, and social factors may influence how one expresses their sexual orientation and gender identity.
There is currently no universally-accepted acronym inclusive of all youth who are not heterosexual and/or express their gender in diverse ways. The commonly-used acronym — LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or another diverse gender identity) — refers to the communities included in the “LGBTTTQQIAA” acronym (see Figure 1). This youth topic primarily uses “LGBTQ+” as an inclusive term for simplicity, except when describing research studies explicitly focused on more narrowly-specific communities.
Figure 1: Communities included in the “strong LGBTTTQQIAA” acronym
Based on Sexual Orientation | Based on Gender Identity/Expression |
Lesbian Gay Bisexual 2/Two-Spirit Queer Questioning Intersex Asexual Pansexual | + Agender + Bigender + Genderqueer + Gender Variant + Nonbinary + Pangender + Transgender + Transsexual |
Research on LGBTQ+ youth has focused on the risk factors and disparities these young people experience compared with youth who are not LGBTQ+. However, more recently there has been research on resiliency and protective factors, which offers a strength-based focus on LGBTQ+ youth well-being. For instance, LGBTQ+ youth who have access to spaces that affirm their sexual orientation and gender identity report lower rates of attempting suicide and experiencing supportive environments.
Several factors that can help improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people include:
Federal and local policies and practices increasingly acknowledge and focus on the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Numerous national advocacy and other organizations are also giving greater attention to LGBTQ+ youth in their work. Fostering safe, affirming communities and youth-serving settings such as schools for all youth requires efforts to address the challenges described here. At the same time, it is also important to acknowledge and build on the strengths, resilience, and factors that protect LGBTQ+ youth from risk, such as connection to caring adults and peers and family acceptance. Parental support of sexual orientation and gender expression provide uniquely strong benefits to positive well-being and mental health in young adulthood and are related to higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.
Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ can experience various challenges because of how others respond to their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. This is also true for youth who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, or may be perceived as LGBTQ+ or gender variant by others.In a 2021 survey of nearly 35,000 LGBTQ+ youth, 75 percent reported having experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime. These negative experiences include high rates of physical and emotional bias and violence; rejection by schools, employment, and communities because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.
Research shows that due to these challenges and the associated stress, LGBTQ+ youth are at risk for negative health outcomes and are more likely to attempt suicide, experience homelessness, and use illegal drugs These issues may also contribute to anxiety, depressive symptoms, and feelings of isolation. Youth who express their gender in ways that vary from societal expectations for their perceived sex or gender are at risk for high levels of childhood physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. They are also at risk for school victimization. As a result, they may have poorer well-being than lesbian, gay, and bisexual peers whose gender expression is more closely aligned with societal expectations.
Source: youth.gov
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Just like all other men, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men need to know how to protect their health throughout their life. For all men, heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death. However, compared to other men, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are additionally affected by:
There are many reasons why gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men may have higher rates of HIV and STDs. Some of them are:
Other factors that can negatively impact your health and ability to receive appropriate care:
These reasons and others may prevent you from seeking testing, prevention and treatment services, and support from friends and family.
In fact, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up more than half of the people living with HIV in the United States and experience two thirds of all new HIV infections each year. Further, young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men 13-24 had over 72% of the estimated new HIV infections in 2010. In 2012, 75% of reported syphilis cases were among gay and bisexual men.
The large percentage of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who have HIV and STDs means that, as a group, they have a higher chance of being exposed to these diseases. Too many men don’t know their HIV or STD status (if they have a disease or not), which means they may not get medical care and are more likely to unknowingly spread these diseases to their sexual partners.
Most gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men get HIV by having anal sex, which is the riskiest type of sex for getting or spreading HIV. During anal sex, it’s possible for either partner—the insertive (top) or the receptive (bottom) to get HIV. However, if you are HIV-negative, bottoming without a condom puts you at much greater risk for getting HIV than topping. If you are HIV-positive, being on the top without a condom is riskier for giving HIV to your partner.
You can do many things to protect your health. You can learn about how STDs are spread and how you can reduce your chances of getting an STD.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Illustration of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria
Image by CDC/ Antibiotic Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit; Photo credit: Medical Illustrator: Alissa Eckert
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) have been rising among gay and bisexual men, with increases in syphilis being seen across the country. In 2014, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men accounted for 83% of primary and secondary syphilis cases where sex of sex partner was known in the United States. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men often get other STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. HPV (Human papillomavirus), the most common STD in the United States, is also a concern for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Some types of HPV can cause genital and anal warts and some can lead to the development of anal and oral cancers. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are 17 times more likely to get anal cancer than heterosexual men. Men who are HIV-positive are even more likely than those who do not have HIV to get anal cancer.
All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested regularly for STDs. The only way to know your STD status is to get tested. Having an STD (like gonorrhea) makes it easier to get HIV or give it to others, so it’s important that you get tested to protect your health and the health of your partner. CDC recommends sexually active gay and bisexual men test for
Sometimes your doctor or health care provider may suggest a herpes blood test. If you have more than one partner or have had casual sex with people you don’t know, you should be screened more often for STDs and may benefit from getting tested for HIV more often (for example, every 3 to 6 months). Your doctor can offer you the best care if you discuss your sexual history openly. Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and HPV.
For anyone, being sexually active means you are at risk for STDs. However, you can do many things to protect your health. You can learn about how STDs are spread and how you can lower your chances of getting them.
Get Vaccinated: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have a greater chance of getting Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV. For this reason, CDC recommends that you be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for men up to age 26.
Be Safer: Getting tested regularly and getting vaccinated are both important, but there are other things you can do to reduce your risk for STDs.
Know Your Status: If you know your STD status, you can take steps to protect yourself and your partners.
Some STDs (like gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis) can be cured with medication. If you are ever treated for an STD, be sure to finish all of your medicine, even if you feel better. Your partner should be tested and treated, too. It is important to remember that you can get the same or a new STD every time you have unprotected sex (not using a condom) and/or have sex with someone who has an STD.
Other STDs like herpes and HIV cannot be cured, but you can take medicines to manage symptoms.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
HIV
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HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means that once you have HIV, you have it for life.
In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by:
Less commonly, HIV may be spread by:
Within a few weeks of getting HIV, some people get flu-like symptoms that last for a week or two, but others have no symptoms at all. After initial infection, people may not have any symptoms for years. HIV can be controlled with the right medical treatment and care. However, if it’s left untreated, it may develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
You can take steps to prevent HIV. Here’s what you can do:
Go to Geek Prank and try the online Windows XP simulator, play with the classic Minesweeper and Tetris games or listen to some music.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Penis with Syphilis Lesion on Glans
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Once nearly eliminated in the U.S., syphilis is increasing, especially among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), and there are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage..
Most cases of syphilis in the United States are among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. (MSM), and syphilis has been increasing among MSM for more than a decade. If syphilis is not treated, it can cause serious health problems, including neuralgic (brain and nerve) problems, eye problems, and even blindness. In addition, syphilis is linked to an increased risk of transmission of HIV infection.
Any sexually -active person can get syphilis. Syphilis can be transmitted during anal sex and oral sex, as well as vaginal sex. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. In men, sores can occur on or around the penis, around the anus, or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. These sores can be painless, so it is possible to have them and not notice them. Correct use of condoms can reduce the risk of syphilis if the condom covers the sores. However, sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. It is still possible to get syphilis from contact with these sores. You cannot get syphilis through casual contact with objects such as toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.
Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), and there are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage. A person with primary syphilis generally has a sore or sores at the original site of infection. These sores usually occur on or around the genitals, around the anus or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. These sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless. Symptoms of secondary syphilis include skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The signs and symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis can be mild, and they might not be noticed. During the latent stage, there are no signs or symptoms. Tertiary syphilis is associated with severe medical problems and is usually diagnosed by a doctor with the help of multiple tests. It can affect the heart, brain, and other organs of the body.
Between 2018 and 2019, the number of reported primary and secondary (P&S) cases in the United States increased by 11%, and there were 38,992 P&S syphilis cases reported in 2019. Most (47%) of these cases were among MSM only and men who have sex with both men and women.
The only way to avoid getting syphilis or other STDs is to not have anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
If you are sexually active, doing the following things will lower your chances of getting syphilis:
The only way to know is by getting tested. Many men who get syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet they remain at risk for health problems if they are not treated. Additionally, the painless sores that show up during the early stages of syphilis often go unrecognized by the person who has them. Individuals who are unaware of their infection can spread it to their sex partners.
Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and ask whether you should be tested for syphilis or other STDs. Your doctor can do a blood test to determine if you have syphilis. Sometimes, healthcare providers will diagnose syphilis by testing fluid from a syphilis sore. If you are a sexually active man who has sex with men, who is living with HIV, and/or who has partner(s) who have tested positive for HIV or syphilis, you should get tested regularly for syphilis.
In the United States, approximately half of MSM with primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis were also living with HIV. In addition, MSM who are HIV-negative and diagnosed with P&S syphilis are more likely to be infected with HIV in the future. Having a sore or break in the skin from an STD such as syphilis may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. You may also be more likely to get HIV because the same behaviors and circumstances that put you at risk for getting other STDs can also put you at greater risk for getting HIV.
Yes, syphilis can be cured with the right medicine from your healthcare provider. However, treatment might not undo damage that the infection has already done.
Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again. Even after you’ve been successfully treated, you can still be reinfected. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether you have syphilis. Follow-up testing by your healthcare provider is recommended to make sure that your treatment was successful.
Because syphilis sores can be painless and hidden in the vagina, anus, under the foreskin of the penis, or in the mouth, it may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Unless you know that all of your sex partner(s) have been tested and treated, you may be at risk of getting syphilis again from an infected partner.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Hepatitis C Virus rotation
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Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have a higher chance of getting viral hepatitis including Hepatitis A, B, and C, which are diseases that affect the liver. About 10% of new Hepatitis A and 20% of all new Hepatitis B infections in the United States are among gay and bisexual men. Many men have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, even though a safe and effective vaccine is available. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men also have a higher chance of getting Hepatitis C if they are involved in high-risk behaviors, such as injection drug use and other activities that result in blood sharing. While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, there are new, effective treatments.
Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person accidentally swallows fecal matter (stool)—even in really small amounts—that has the Hepatitis A virus in it. The virus can be spread through contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of a person who has the virus. Among gay and bisexual men, Hepatitis A can be spread through sexual activity or contact with fingers or objects that have the virus on it.
Hepatitis B is spread when body fluids—such as semen (cum) or blood—from a person who has Hepatitis B enter the body of someone who does not have it. The Hepatitis B virus is very infectious and is easily spread during sexual activity. Hepatitis B also can be spread through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs. It can also be spread during pregnancy from an infected mother to her unborn child.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with the blood of someone who has Hepatitis C, mainly through sharing needles, syringes, or other injection drug equipment. Hepatitis C can also be spread when getting tattoos and body piercings in casual places or with non-sterile instruments. Although uncommon, Hepatitis C can also be spread through sexual contact. Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or HIV, sex with multiple partners, or rough sex can raise a person’s chance of getting Hepatitis C.
The symptoms of viral hepatitis vary depending upon a person’s age and which type of hepatitis infection it is. There is also a difference between acute and chronic viral hepatitis. For acute hepatitis, symptoms, if they appear, will occur within several weeks to several months of exposure. Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop and people can live with an infection for years and not feel sick. When symptoms do appear with chronic hepatitis, it can be a sign of advanced liver disease. Symptoms for both acute and chronic viral hepatitis can include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, gray-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccinations. Experts recommend that all gay and bisexual men be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. The Hepatitis A and B vaccines can be given separately or as a combination vaccine. The vaccines are safe, effective, and require 2-3 shots within a six month period depending on the type of vaccine. A person should complete all shots in the series for long-term protection. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
HIV Rapid Test Being Administered
Image by File made available by varnent through the LGBT Free Media Collective/Wikimedia
Your sexual health is important. There are a number of tests you can get to help you know your status and, if you have HIV or an STD, get treatment.
All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested regularly for STDs. The only way to know your STD status is to get tested (you can search for a testing site). Having an STD (like gonorrhea) makes it easier to get HIV or give it to others, so it’s important that you get tested to protect your health and the health of your partner. CDC recommends sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men test for:
Sometimes your doctor or health care provider may suggest a herpes blood test. If you have more than one partner or have had casual sex with people you don’t know, you should be screened more often for STDs and may benefit from getting tested for HIV more often (for example, every 3 to 6 months). Your doctor can offer you the best care if you discuss your sexual history openly. Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and HPV.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
HIV Screening
An HIV test is used to diagnose HIV. While there is no cure for HIV, there are more and better treatments available now than in the past.
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HIV Antibody Test
Also called: HIV 1+O+2 Ab
This test is used to screen and confirm HIV-1/HIV-2 infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) destroys the white blood cells in your blood, making you more susceptible to diseases and infections. There is no cure for this virus; however, early diagnosis is important to prevent complications.
HIV Viral Load Test
Also called: Human Immunodeficiency Virus RNA, HIV RNA
An HIV viral load is a blood test that measures the amount of HIV in your blood. It can determine how well your HIV medicines are working. The main goal of HIV medicines is to reduce the HIV viral load to an "undetectable" level, meaning the lower your viral load, the better.
HIV Self-Test
Also called: HIV Home Test, Home Access HIV-1 Test System, OraQuick® In-Home HIV Test
Home HIV screening kits test either a sample of oral fluid or a sample of blood that you get by pricking your finger. It is used to detect whether or not you have antibodies to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Syphilis Tests
Also called: Treponema pallidum Ab
Syphilis tests are used to screen for and diagnose syphilis, a bacterial infection spread by sexual contact. Syphilis is easily treatable if found in the early stages of infection.
Hepatitis Panel
Also called: Hepatitis Screening, Acute Viral Hepatitis Panel, Acute Hepatitis Panel, Viral Hepatitis Panel
A hepatitis panel is a blood test used to find out if you have been infected with a hepatitis virus (HAV, HBV, or HCV). Hepatitis is a type of liver disease that causes inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test
Also called: HBsAg, HBV surface antigen, Hepatitis-associated Antigen, Hepatitis B surface Ag
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) produces a disease known as Hepatitis B which is characterized by liver inflammation. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus and it can be used to help diagnose the status of HBV infection and to determine whether vaccination is necessary.
Hepatitis C Antibody Test
Also called: HCV Antibody, HCV Ab, Anti-HCV
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) produces a disease known as hepatitis C which is characterized by liver inflammation and enlargement. A hepatitis C antibody test is used to detect hepatitis C virus infection.
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Chlamydia Test
Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria in your body, so the disease can be treated promptly. If not treated, chlamydia can cause serious complications, including infertility in women and swelling of the urethra in men.
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Gonorrhea Testing
Also called: Gonorrhea Test, GC Test
A gonorrhea test looks for the presence of gonorrhea bacteria in your body. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that can infect both men and women. Commonly known as “the clap”, it causes infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat.
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Homophobia
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Homophobia, stigma (negative and usually unfair beliefs), and discrimination (unfairly treating a person or group of people) against gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men still exist in the United States and can negatively affect the health and well-being of this community.
These negative beliefs and actions can affect the physical and mental health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, whether they seek and are able to get health services, and the quality of the services they may receive. Such barriers to health must be addressed at different levels of society, such as health care settings, work places, and schools to improve the health of gay and bisexual men throughout their lives.
Some people may have negative attitudes toward gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These attitudes can lead to rejection by friends and family, discriminatory acts and violence, and laws and policies with negative consequences. If you are gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with other men, homophobia, stigma, and discrimination can:
Homophobia, stigma, and discrimination can be especially hard for young men who are gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These negative attitudes increase their chance of experiencing violence, especially compared with other students in their schools. Violence can include behaviors such as bullying, teasing, harassment, physical assault, and suicide-related behaviors.
Gay and bisexual youth and other sexual minorities are more likely to be rejected by their families. This increases the possibility of them becoming homeless. Around 40% of homeless youth are LGBT. A study published in 2009 compared gay, lesbian, and bisexual young adults who experienced strong rejection from their families with their peers who had more supportive families. The researchers found that those who experienced stronger rejection were about:
Gay and bisexual men and their family and friends can take steps to lessen the effects of homophobia, stigma, and discrimination and protect their physical and mental health. One way to handle the stress from stigma and discrimination is by having social support. Studies show that gay men who have good social support—from family, friends, and the wider gay community—have:
Parents of a gay or bisexual teen can have an important impact on their child’s current and future mental and physical well-being. Parents should talk openly with their teen about any problems or concerns and watch for behaviors that might show their child is being bullied or is experiencing violence. If bullying, violence, or depression is suspected, parents should take immediate action working with school staff and other adults in the community.
In addition, parents who talk with and listen to their teens in a way that invites open discussion about sexual orientation can help their teens feel loved and supported. Parents should have honest conversations with their teens about safer sex, STDS, and HIV prevention. Parents should also talk with their teens about how to avoid risky behavior and unsafe or high-risk situations.
Parents also should develop common goals with their teens, such as being healthy and doing well in school. Many organizations and online information resources exist to help parents learn more about how they can support their gay and bisexual teen, other family members, and their teens’ friends.
Schools can also help reduce stigma and discrimination for young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. A positive school environment is associated with less depression, fewer suicidal feelings, lower substance use, and fewer unexcused school absences among LGBT students. Schools can help create safer and more supportive environments by preventing bullying and harassment, promoting school connectedness, and promoting parent engagement. This can be done through the following policies and practices:
You can also help by reporting discrimination, especially while seeking and receiving healthcare services. This could also have a positive impact on the environment for other gay and bisexual men. Hospitals can’t discriminate against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Hospitals that receive funding from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare are required to have nondiscriminatory hospital visitation policies, so that same-sex partners and other family members can visit loved ones in the hospital.
Whether you are gay or straight, you can help reduce homophobia, stigma, and discrimination in your community and decrease the negative health effects. Even small things can make a difference, such as supporting a family member, friend, or co-worker.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Depression
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The majority of gay and bisexual men have and maintain good mental health, even though research has shown that they are at greater risk for mental health problems. Like everyone else, the majority of gay and bisexual men are able to cope successfully if connected to the right resources.
However, ongoing homophobia, stigma (negative and usually unfair beliefs), and discrimination (unfairly treating a person or group of people) can have negative effects on your health. Research also shows that, compared to other men, gay and bisexual men have higher chances of having:
Gay and bisexual men may also face other health threats that usually happen along with mental health problems. These include more use of illegal drugs and a greater risk for suicide. Gay and bisexual men are more likely than other men to have tried to commit suicide as well as to have succeeded at suicide. HIV is another issue that has had a huge impact on the mental health of gay and bisexual men. It affects men who are living with HIV; those who are at high risk, but HIV negative; and loved ones of those living with, or who have died from HIV.
Keeping your sexual orientation hidden from others (being “in the closet”) and fear of having your sexual orientation disclosed (being “outed”) can add to the stress of being gay or bisexual. In general, research has shown that gay and bisexual men who are open about their sexual orientation with others have better health outcomes than gay and bisexual men who do not. However, being “out” in some settings and to people who react negatively can add to the stress experienced by gay and bisexual men, and can lead to poorer mental health and discrimination.
Having a supportive group of friends and family members is often key to successfully dealing with the stress of day-to-day life and maintaining good mental health. If you are unable to get social support from your friends and families, you can try finding support by becoming involved in community, social, athletic, religious, and other groups. Mental health counseling and support groups that are sensitive to the needs of gay and bisexual men can be especially useful if you are coming to terms with your sexual orientation or are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems.
While many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men may not seek care from a mental health provider because of a fear of discrimination or homophobia, it is important to keep this as an option and to find a provider that is trustworthy and compatible. The HIV Treatment Works Campaign also has helpful resources to address common issues and questions.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Suicide Prevention
Image by United States: Department of Defense
Violence is a serious public health problem in the United States. It can affect all types of people throughout their lives. Those who survive violence are usually left with permanent physical and emotional scars. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are at overall increased risk of violence because of homophobia, harassment, and violent acts directed towards gay persons.
Males in the United States are more likely to take their own life at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 79% of all U.S. suicides. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death for males in the United States. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are at even greater risk for suicide attempts, especially before the age of 25. A study of youth in grades 7-12 found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth were more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide as their heterosexual peers. Some risk factors are linked to being gay or bisexual in a hostile environment and the effects that this has on mental health.
Intimate partner violence occurs between two people in a close relationship, including current and former partners. Intimate partner violence can range from one time to ongoing battering. Intimate partner violence includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, and emotional abuse. The Victimization by Sexual Orientation Report Cdc has shown that 26% of gay and 37% bisexual men experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime. According to data from Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) conducted during 2001-2009 in seven states and six large urban school districts, 19% to 29% of gay and lesbian students across the sites and 18% to 28% of bisexual students across the sites experienced dating violence in the prior year.
Sexual violence refers to sexual activity that happens against someone’s will. The person responsible for the violence is usually someone known to the victim. Sexual violence does not only include physical sexual contact, such as unwanted touching and rape, it also includes sexual harassment, threats, peeping, and taking nude photos. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Cdc has shown that around 40% of gay men experienced sexual violence (other than rape) in their lifetime and around 47% of bisexual men experienced sexual violence (other than rape) in their lifetime.
According to data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted during 2001-2009 in seven states and six large urban school districts, 14% to 31% of gay and lesbian students across the sites and 17% of 32% of bisexual students across the sites had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Alcohol abuse
Image by jarmoluk/Pixabay
Studies have shown that, when compared with the general population, gay and bisexual men, lesbian, and transgender individuals are more likely to:
Alcohol and drug use among some gay and bisexual men can be a reaction to homophobia, discrimination, or violence they experienced due to their sexual orientation and can contribute to other mental health and physical problems. It can disrupt relationships, employment, and threaten financial stability.
For some gay and bisexual men, alcohol and illegal drug use, especially methamphetamines (meth), amyl nitrates (poppers), and drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction (when a man has a hard time keeping an erection during sex), also contribute to a higher chance of getting HIV and other STDs. Persons using drugs or alcohol may also raise their chances of getting HIV or giving it to others by getting involved in more risky sexual practices and behaviors or through sharing needles or other injection equipment.
If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or drug addiction and needs help, go to Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator or call 800-662-Help (4357).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Teen smoker in Rourkela (Unsplash)
Image by Ravi Roshan ravi_roshan_inc/Wikimedia
Studies over the past decade suggest that gay men smoke at higher rates than men in the general U.S. population. This puts gay and bisexual men at high risk for smoking-related illness. If you smoke, you may have higher rates of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive lung diseases. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for you and your loved ones.
Smoking is a serious health threat for everyone, but it’s especially dangerous for people living with HIV. Smoking raises your chances for getting heart disease, cancer, serious lung diseases and infections such as pneumonia, and other illnesses. People with HIV are more likely to get these harmful consequences of smoking than those without HIV.
Quitting smoking can help people with HIV have a better quality of life and fewer HIV-related symptoms. When you quit, your risk goes down for many serious illnesses, including heart attacks and pneumonia.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Man receiving nasal flu vaccine
Image by CDC/ Dr. Bill Atkinson; Photo credit: James Gathany
There are a number of vaccines that can help to protect your health.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is also available for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men up to 26 years of age to prevent genital warts and other HPV-associated diseases and conditions such as oropharyngeal or anal cancer. The HPV vaccine is given as a three-dose series over six months. It is best to be vaccinated before your first sexual contact, but later vaccination can still protect you if you have not been exposed to HPV.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Influenza Vaccine, Inactivated or Recombinant
Also called: Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, Flucelvax Quadrivalent, Fluzone Quadrivalent, FluMist Quadrivalent, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated every flu season.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Also called: Gardasil®, Gardasil® 9
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent infection with some types of human papillomavirus. The vaccine is given to individuals 9 through 45 years of age to help protect against diseases caused by nine high-risk types of HPV (Gardasil 9).
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccine
Also called: Twinrix®, Combined HAV and HBV Vaccine, Hepatitis A/B Vaccine
Twinrix is a vaccine indicated for active immunization against disease caused by hepatitis A virus and infection by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults 18 years of age or older.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Also called: Hep A Vaccine, Havrix®, Vaqta®
Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated (killed) vaccine. You will need 2 doses for long-lasting protection. These doses should be given at least 6 months apart.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Also called: Engerix-B®, Heplisav-B™, PreHevbrio®, Recombivax HB®, HBV Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B. The vaccine is made from parts of the hepatitis B virus. It cannot cause hepatitis B infection. Doctors recommend that all children get the vaccine and unvaccinated adults.
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