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Health issues for gay men: Tips to stay healthy

Health issues for gay men may range from STDs and substance abuse to depression and body image problems. Understand these important health risks and know how to protect yourself.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Gay men and men who have sex with men are at increased risk of a number of health issues, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), depression and poor body image. Find out about these important health issues for gay men and take steps to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS and STDs

Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other STDs, including gonorrhea and syphilis. To protect yourself:

  • Get tested and have your partner tested. Don't engage in unprotected sex unless you're certain your partner isn't infected with HIV or other STDs. Testing is important because many people don't know they're infected, and others may not be honest about their health.
  • Use a condom. Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex. Use only water-based lubricants, not petroleum jelly, cold cream or oils. Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms and cause them to break. During oral sex use a condom, dental dam — a small piece of latex — or plastic wrap. Keep sex toys safe by protecting them with a condom or cleaning them before and after every use.
  • Be monogamous. Stay with one sex partner who has tested negative for HIV and other STDs and who won't have sex with anyone but you.
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don't use drugs. If you're under the influence, you're more likely to take sexual risks. If you choose to use injectable drugs, don't share needles.
  • Know the risks associated with sexual venues. Sexual venues such as bathhouses, sex parties and the Internet can facilitate multiple sexual partnerships and anonymous sexual encounters, as well as higher risk sexual behaviors.
  • Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect you from the serious liver infections hepatitis A and hepatitis B, both of which can spread through unprotected sex.
  • Remain vigilant. Potent anti-retroviral medications have reduced the number of AIDS deaths, but AIDS is still an illness for which there is no vaccine and no cure. Likewise, there isn't a cure for many other STDs, such as human papillomavirus or genital herpes. The best way to stay healthy is to protect yourself.

Seek help for substance abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse is common among gay men. Sometimes substance abuse is a way to cope with shame and overcome fear, denial, anxiety or even revulsion about gay sex. In other cases it offers a buffer against rejection. Gay men who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, violence or hate crimes also are at risk of drug and alcohol abuse.

If you have a substance abuse problem, remember that help is available. Local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health, mental health or community centers often provide substance abuse treatment. Organizations such as the National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals also may provide referrals.

Stop smoking

Gay and bisexual men are more likely to smoke than are heterosexual men. Potential reasons include increased stress and depression due to social alienation.

Smokers face many health risks, including cancer. If you smoke, take the first step and decide to quit. Then take advantage of the many resources available to help you successfully quit smoking.

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References
  1. HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/resources/factsheets/pdf/msm.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  2. Ten things gay men should discuss with their healthcare providers. Gay & Lesbian Medical Association. http://www.glma.org/_data/n_0001/resources/live/Top%20Ten%20Gay%20Men.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  3. A provider's introduction to substance abuse treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/pdfs/lgbt.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  4. Recommended HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and viral hepatitis prevention services, by risk population. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Populations/PDFs/RiskPopulationTable.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  5. Klausner JD. Screening guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. In: Klausner JD, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw Hill Companies; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3025000. Accessed June 22, 2009.
  6. Wong W. Sexually transmitted diseases in men who have sex with men. In: Klausner JD, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw Hill Companies; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3026252. Accessed June 22, 2009.
  7. How to use a condom: Do's and don'ts. American Social Health Association. http://www.ashastd.org/condom/condom_overview.cfm. Accessed June 24, 2009.
  8. Feldman MB, et al. Eating disorders in diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations. The International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2007;40:218.
  9. Kaminski PL, et al. Body image, eating behaviors, and attitudes toward exercise among gay and straight men. Eating Behaviors. 2005;6:179.
  10. Pizacani BA, et al. Smoking-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in the lesbian, gay and bisexual community: A population-based study from the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Preventive Medicine. 2009;48:555.
  11. Smoking cessation. The American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4731. Accessed June 23, 2009.
  12. Mills TC, et al. Distress and depression in men who have sex with men: The urban men's health study. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 2004;161:278.
  13. Pitt EL, et al. Violence and trauma: Recognitions, recovery and prevention. In: Makadon HJ, et al. The Fenway Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health. Philadelphia, Pa.: American College of Physicians; 2008:253.
  14. Issues: Domestic violence. National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. http://www.ncavp.org/issues/DomesticViolence.aspx. Accessed June 23, 2009.
  15. Let's talk facts about domestic violence. American Psychiatric Association. http://healthyminds.org/factsheets/LTF-DomesticViolence.pdf. Accessed June 23, 2009.
  16. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 29, 2009.

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