Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

If you choose to have sex, you need to know how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s)

What are sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that can be passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact and sexual activity.

Am I at risk for STDs?

While anyone who has sex can get an STD, sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk. In addition to having higher rates of syphilis more than half of all new HIV infections occur among MSM. Many factors contribute to the higher rates of STDs among MSM:

Higher rates of HIV and STDs among MSM increase a person’s risk of coming into contact with an infected partner and becoming infected themselves.
Certain behaviors – such as not using condoms regularly and having anal sex – increase STD risk.
Homophobia, stigma and discrimination can negatively influence the health of gay and bisexual men.

How are STDs spread?

STDs are spread through sexual contact with someone who has an STD. Sexual contact includes oral, anal and vaginal sex, as well as genital skin-to-skin contact.

Some STDs like HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea are spread through sexual fluids, like semen. Other STDs, including HIV and hepatitis B, are also spread through blood. Genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are most often spread through genital skin-to-skin contact.

How will I know if I have an STD?

Most STDs have no signs or symptoms. You or your partner could be infected and not know it. The only way to know your STD status is to get tested. Having an STD, such as herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea, may make it easier to get HIV. It’s important to get tested to protect your health and the health of your partner. Parkhill Medical Centre recommends sexually active gay and bisexual men get tested for:

HIV at least once a year;
Syphilis;
Hepatitis B;
Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the rectum
Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis
Gonorrhea of the throat if you’ve performed oral sex
Sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest a herpes test.

Your doctor can offer you the best care if you discuss your sexual history openly.

Can STDs be treated?

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 are at risk for the same or a new STD every time you have sex without using a condom and/or have sex with someone who has an STD.

STDs like herpes and HIV cannot be cured, but medicines can be prescribed to manage symptoms.

How can I protect myself?

For anyone, choosing to be sexually active means you are at risk for STDs. However, there are many things you can do to protect your health. You can learn about how STDs are spread and how you can reduce your risk of getting infected.

Get Vaccinated: Gay and bisexual men are at greater risk for hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). For this reason, Parkhill Medical Centre recommends that you get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for men up to age 26.

Be Safer: Getting tested regularly and getting vaccinated are both important! There are other things you can also do to reduce your risk for STDs:

Get to know someone before having sex with them. Talk honestly about STDs and get tested before you have sex.
Use a condom correctly and use one every time you have sex.
Think twice about mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. For example, when you’re drunk or high, you’re more likely to make decisions that put you at risk for an STD, such as having sex without using a condom.