Sexual Health and the LGBT Community

Over the past decade, years of community education paid benefits as habits changed and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV infections declined substantially in our community. Recent studies indicate that unsafe sex practices have increased—perhaps spurred by drug use—and resulted in an alarming rise in STD rates among gay men in some cities.

The good news is that HIV and STDs are preventable. Here’s what you can do to protect your sexual health:

• Test regularly for STDs. If you’re sexually active, you should be tested annually for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Test more frequently if you bottom, have multiple partners or party.

• Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. It’s one of the most effective things that you can do to protect your health.

• Don’t bareback! Use a condom or a dental dam. When used consistently and correctly, they are extremely effective in preventing many STDs and HIV.

• Get an anal pap smear. If you have ever had unprotected anal sex, you may have developed anal warts that can cause colorectal cancer. A pap smear is simple and painless. Talk to your doc.

• Find an LGBT-friendly provider. Ask your friends, call your local LGBT community center to inquire about referrals, or log on to services such as www.gayhealth.com to research in greater detail.

• Come out to your doctor. It’s the most effective way to make certain your health concerns are addressed completely.

[DOWNLOAD SEXUAL HEALTH AD—HI RES PDF OR LOW RES PDF| DOWNLOAD SEXUAL HEALTH FACTSHEET—HI RES PDF OR LOW RES PDF]

[DOWNLOAD ALL 9 ADS (PDFs) AS ONE FILE—HI RES OR LOW RES | DOWNLOAD ALL 9 FACTSHEETS (PDFs) AS ONE FILE—HI RES OR LOW RES]

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"We are truly excited about the possibilities and potential for raising the awareness in our community and beyond around LGBT health in all of its issues. You and your organization's participation will ensure that we will be able to work together in a coordinated way and provide a unified voice at the forefront of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health."

—Cornelius Baker, Co-Chair, Executive Committee National Coalition for LGBT Health

National Coalition for LGBT Health
1407 S Street, NW • Washington, DC 20009 • 202.797.3516/202.797.4430/f
coalition@lgbthealth.net