Health concerns and health care provision for Gay men is affected by a number of issues specific to the Gay community. Stigma and prejudice still persists in many societies about Gay men and research indicates that only between 18% to 49% of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual people disclose their sexual orientation to their physician. This has obvious repercussions on health care.
Quality of health care is also affected by lack of training and education to health care professional. Inadequate risk assessment because fear of discrimination then leads to poor health planning and provision. Gay men have problems obtaining health insurance and Gay couples are disadvantage in obtaining medical insurance as many insurance companies and employers do not provide domestic partnership benefits.
Health is important to us all but there are some diseases, conditions and health issues that are of special interest to Gay men. Men's Health has put together links and information about the leading health concerns of Gay men that we hope are of help.
HIV/AIDS, Safe Sex and Gay Men
Signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS
Safe sex: Six Reasons for Condom Failure
Guide Mark Cichocki has lots more useful information about HIV/AIDS here.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Gay Men
Alcohol and drug abuse causes great concern in all sections of society and the Gay community is no exception. There is a number of studies that indicate that the number of Gay men abusing drugs and alcohol is higher than in general population. It is true that some drugs are of special concern to Gay men. These include Crystal Meth. Ramon Johnson on the Gay life About.com site also has lots more information about crystal meth also known as Meth, Tina, Ice, Glass, Crank or Chalk.
Depression Anxiety and Gay Men
Depression anxiety
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Immunization Links for Gay Men
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Gay Men
For information about Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphillis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia.
Prostate, Testicular and Colon cancer and Gay Men
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
Treatment options for prostate cancer
The good news is that it appears that regular ejaculation can reduce your cancer risk. Read Ejaculation and Prostate cancer
For more information about testicular cancer
Signs and symptoms of Testicular cancer
Diagnostic tests for testicular cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer
Colon cancer
Information about colon cancer. Signs and symptoms,
treatment and prevention of colon cancer
Fitness- Diet and Exercise
Diet and Health
Fitness Exercise
Genital and Anal Warts
Genital herpes
Violence towards Gay Men
One of the most disturbing things a Gay man has to deal with is violence. Violence from the prejudiced and the ignorant people who are feel they have the right to commit acts of violence on men just because they are Gay. "Homophobia is a health hazard".
Gay Bashing is mindless and frightening. The fear of violence can cause depression and huge anxiety as well as the physical injuries and deaths that occur as a result of Gay bashing. Guide Ramon Johnson has more useful information about Gay life.
How to avoid a hate crime- Preventing Gay Bashing.
Domestic Violence and Gay Men
Gay men, like many others in relationships, can become a victim of domestic violence.
Ramon Johnson's Gay Life site also has information about Abuse in Same Sex Relationships and the help that is available.
Smoking
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoking
Stop smoking
For lots more information about Quitting smoking About.com has a site dedicated to the subject with lots of support for you too.
Article Sources: AMSA American Medical Students Association,
Vincent M. B. Silenzio, MD, MPH, Board of Directors, GLMA
Co-Editor, Journal of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
Rhonda Smith Gay male health concerns reach beyond HIV
Washington Blade - August 16, 2002
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Community Health, Journal of Addictive Diseases, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, San Francisco Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Substance Abuse Planning Group.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The National Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health
