KNOW MORE: SEXUAL HEALTH
LGBT people often do not have access to the information and resources to keep themselves sexually healthy. Many healthcare providers are not familiar with safe sex methods for LGBT people and may be uncomfortable discussing the sexual practices in general.
The good news is that HIV and other STDs are preventable and many are curable. Here are some ways to protect your sexual health:
- Play Safe!Use a condom, dental dam, or latex barrier. When used consistently and correctly, they are extremely effective in preventing many STDs and HIV.
- Find an LGBT-friendly provider.Ask your friends, call your local LGBT community center to inquire about referrals, or log onto services such as http://www.gayhealth.com/ to research in greater detail. Even if you do not have health insurance, LGBT-friendly providers can often be found at free and low cost clinics.
- Play Safe! Use a condom or a dental dam. When used consistently and correctly, they are extremely effective in preventing many STDs and HIV.
- Test regularly for STDs. If you're sexually active, you should be tested every six months for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
- Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. It's one of the most effective things that you can do to protect your health.
- Get an anal Pap smear. You can contract many STDs through anal sex. A Pap smear is simple and painless. If you have HIV, you may be at even greater risk for other STDs. Talk to your healthcare provider.
KNOW MORE! Sexual health is for life.
For more information, please see
www.siecus.org
www.ashastd.org