Things Gay Men Should Discuss

10 Things Gay Men Should Discuss with their Doctors

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association lists ten things gay men should discuss with their doctors. To stay healthy, these ten important topics should be discussed openly with your doctor at least on a yearly basis. Obviously, these topics can be opened when the need arises as well, despite when they were last discussed.

1) HIV/AIDS and Safer Sex
In order to stay healthy, everyone, including gay men, must be knowledgeable of HIV and AIDS, how the disease is spread from person to person, and how to prevent its spread by using safer sex techniques. Here is a collection of safer sex resources that will help.

2) The Dangers of Substance Use
The overuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, or recreational drugs not only complicates your HIV treatment but is also very damaging to your health in and of itself. This collection of substance abuse resources provides you with the facts about the dangers of substance use.

3) Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety can be very difficult for anyone, including people living with HIV and AIDS. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling depressed or suffer from anxiety. Not sure if depression is a problem with you? Take a look at this article to recognize signs and symptoms of depression.

4) Hepatitis and How to Prevent It
Hepatitis A, B & C are serious infections of the liver that can be life threatening and make HIV treatment more difficult. Learn how to prevent and treat the many forms of hepatitis.

5) Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Unsafe sex not only leads to HIV infection but infection with one of several sexually transmitted diseases as well. Get the facts about STDs and how to prevent them.

6) Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancer
Cancers such as prostate, testicular and colon cancer are just some of the illnesses that can take years off of your life. The keys to staying healthy are many.

7) Alcohol Abuse
Like substance abuse, alcohol abuse can complicate your HIV treatment and jeopardize your health.

8) Tobacco
Tobacco use endangers your health in countless ways. From cancers to lung disease, tobacco slowly chips away your health and takes years off your life. See “Quit Smoking” for help quitting.

9) Diet and Exercise
Physical fitness, including diet and exercise is the best way to stay healthy for a long time. See our Fitness/Nutrition sextion for a collection of articles devoted to helping you stay fit.

10) Anal Papiloma
Anal cancer and anal papiloma can be a devastating disease that eventually kills. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of anal cancer and what you can do to diagnose anal papiloma sooner; improving your chance of defeating this silent killer.

(Source: Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, 2005)

• Cases of AIDS in the USA
• What Every Teen Needs To Know About HIV And AIDS.
• Food Safety for People Living with AIDS
• HIV Rapid Test
• HIV Home Test

For more information:

CDC National AIDS Hotline
1-800-342-AIDS
Spanish: 1-800-344-SIDA
Deaf: 1-800-243-7889

CDC National Prevention Information Network:
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, Maryland 20849-6003
1-800-458-5231