STD Screening for Gay and Bisexual Men
Knowing the male STD warning signs and how they should be treated is very important for every sexually active gay man to be aware of. Protecting yourself and your partner is the best way to make sure no diseases spread.
STD Rates Gay vs Straight Men
STDs are by no means a problem that only affects gay men. However, there are several sexually transmitted diseases that are more common than with straight men. This means that gay and bisexual men need to be careful when they have sex despite the risk or pregnancy being obsolete.
Men in the gay community are most likely to contract:
- gonorrhea (30.31% vs 19.83%)
- early syphilis (1.08% vs 0.34%)
- and anal warts (2.90% vs 0.26%)
Gay and bisexual men made up 83% of the gonorrhea cases in the United States during 2014. Being aware of the risks and careful during sex is the best way to prevent contracting an STD.
Warning Signs
There are many STDs that do not show any symptoms for several years after they are contracted. This makes it very hard to know if you have an STD as there are no visible symptoms. Some of the only symptoms that men display are genital warts and lesions.
The best way to know if you have an STD is to be tested. There are not enough early warning signs to be a reliable indicator of your sexual health. Paying attention to your discharge and genital area is important but not a foolproof way to make sure you have no STDs.
Preventing STDs
Obviously, the best way to prevent catching an STD is to not have sex. This solution, however, is not realistic. That leaves always using protection and getting tested regularly as the best way to prevent STDs. Use protection every time and get tested regularly.
Having sex with someone you are aware has an STD is risky. You might not contract their STD, but the risk is high enough that you should always wear protection and get tested after. There is no way to be sure your partner has no STDs without having them get tested or to make sure their STD will not spread to you.
Getting Tested
Getting tested for STDs after each partner is the best way to know you are keeping yourself safe. Often it takes three weeks to six months for an STD to show up and be able to present on a test. That is why it is important to be tested regularly and protect yourself if you have multiple partners.
The general rule is to get tested every three to twelve months depending on how sexually active you are. At-home STD tests are an easy way to test for one STD at a time, but going into an office for testing will allow you to test for every possible STD in one place. Every sexually active adult should get tested for STDs at least once a year.
Chances of Contracting an STD
Sadly, it is more likely for men who have sex with other men to contract an STD. As some STDs are spread through simple skin to skin contact, it can be very hard to avoid getting an STD even if you are using protection.
About half of all sexually active people will get an STD before the age of twenty-five. Most can be treated and cured, but it is still important to be safe and get tested regularly.
Get Tested Today
If you’re worried about having contracted an STD, get yourself tested today. Visit our office for a fast, confidential, accurate test. Call us at 847 258 3966 or visit our Elk Grove Village lab.