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Health issues for gay men: Tips to stay healthy

Tackle depression

Depression is a common issue for gay men and men who have sex with men. Contributing factors may include lack of a domestic partner, anti-gay violence and community alienation. In some cases depression is related to a history of attempted suicide, child abuse or recent sexual dysfunction. The problem may be more severe for men who remain in the closet or those who don't have adequate social support.

Left untreated, depression may lead to risky sexual behavior and a downward spiral of emotional, behavioral, health, and even legal and financial problems. If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or seek help from a mental health provider. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, confide in a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your feelings may be the first step toward getting treatment.

Recognize domestic violence

Domestic violence can affect gay couples, too. You may be experiencing domestic violence if you're in a same-sex relationship with a man who:

  • Threatens to tell friends, family, colleagues or community members your sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Tells you that authorities won't help a homosexual, bisexual or transgendered person
  • Tells you that leaving the relationship means you're admitting that homosexual relationships are deviant
  • Tells you that abuse is a normal part of homosexual relationships or that domestic violence can't occur in homosexual relationships
  • Justifies abuse by telling you that you're not "really" homosexual, bisexual or transgender
  • Says that men are naturally violent
  • Portrays the violence as mutual and consensual
  • Rationalizes the abuse as part of a sadomasochistic activity

Domestic violence may leave you depressed and anxious. You may be more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs or engage in unprotected sex. Domestic violence can even trigger suicide attempts. If you're a victim of domestic violence, tell someone about the abuse, whether it's a friend, relative, health care provider or other close contact. Consider calling a domestic violence hot line for advice and creating a plan to leave your abuser.

Address body image problems

Gay men are more likely to experience body image problems and eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, than are their straight counterparts. One explanation is that gay men aim to sexually attract men, which subjects them to the same kind of body image pressure as heterosexual women. Gay men also may engage in more social comparison than do heterosexual men, possibly causing gay men to feel more dissatisfied with their appearance.

If you're struggling with body image problems or an eating disorder, get help. Talk to your doctor or a trusted friend or loved one. Together you may find possible treatment options.

Seek regular health care

Don't let fear of homophobia or the stigma associated with homosexuality prevent you from identifying yourself as gay or bisexual to your doctor or seeking routine health care. Instead, take charge of your health. Check with your doctor about routine screenings recommended for men in your age group. If you're not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship, schedule regular screenings for HIV and other STDs. Share any other health concerns you may have with your doctor as well. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment is often the key to long-term health.

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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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