The term MSM was created in the s by epidemiologists to study the spread of disease among men who have sex with men, regardless of identity. It does not describe any specific sexual activity, and which activities are covered by the term depends on context. First, it was pursued by epidemiologists seeking behavioral categories that would offer better analytical concepts for the study of disease-risk than identity-based categories such as "gay", " bisexual ", or "straight" , because a man who self-identifies as gay or bisexual is not necessarily sexually active with men, and someone who identifies as straight might be sexually active with men.
Second, its usage is tied to criticism of sexual identity terms prevalent in social construction literature which typically rejected the use of identity-based concepts across cultural and historical contexts. MSM are not limited to small, self-identified, and visible sub-populations. MSM and gay refer to different things: MSM refers to sexual activities between men, regardless of how they identify, whereas gay can include those activities but is more broadly seen as a cultural identity.
Gay is a social identity and is generally the preferred social term, whereas homosexual is used in formal contexts, though the terms are not entirely interchangeable. Men who are non-heterosexual or questioning may identify with all, none, a combination of these, or one of the newer terms indicating a similar sexual, romantic, and cultural identity like bi-curious.
How do people get HIV?
In their assessment of the knowledge about the sexual networks and behaviors of MSM in Asia, Dowsett, Grierson and McNally concluded that the category of MSM does not correspond to a single social identity in any of the countries they studied. In some countries, homosexual relationships may be illegal or taboo, making MSM difficult to reach.
The term's precise use and definition has varied with regard to trans women , people born either biologically male or with ambiguous genitalia who self-identify as female. Determining the number of men who have ever had sex with another man is difficult. In the U.
Historically, anal sex has been popularly associated with male homosexuality and MSM. However, many MSM do not engage in anal sex, and may engage in oral sex , frotting or mutual masturbation instead. Since LGBT people began to organize for their social and legal rights [ examples needed ] , access to equal health care [ clarification needed ] has remained an important but often not primary issue.
LGBT-specific health organizations have been formed, including charities educating on specific issues, health clinics, and even professional organizations for LGBT people and their allies. The ACA also provided funding for community-based preventive health programs and measures to combat HIV-related health disparities. Since medical literature began to describe homosexuality, it has often been approached from a view that assumed or sought to find an inherent psychopathology as the root cause.
Much literature on mental health and homosexuals centered on examples of their depression, substance abuse , and suicide. Although these issues exist among non-heterosexuals, discussion about their causes shifted after homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM in Instead, social ostracism, legal discrimination, internalization of negative stereotypes, and limited support structures were regarded as indications of the issues faced by homosexuals in Western societies in the late 20th century, which often adversely affected their mental health.
A study reported that two large population surveys found "the majority of gay men had similar numbers of unprotected sexual partners annually as straight men and women. Also, condoms are more likely to break during anal sex than during vaginal sex.
Thus, even with a condom, anal sex can be risky. According to a federal study, one in five men who have sex with men are HIV positive and nearly half don't realize it. The increase may also be because of new treatments. Hepatitis B is a disease caused by hepatitis B virus HBV which infects the liver of hominoidea , including humans, and causes an inflammation called hepatitis.
The disease has caused epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa, and it is endemic in China. Possible forms of transmission include but are not limited to unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions , re-use of contaminated needles and syringes, and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth. HBV can also be transmitted between family members within households, possibly by contact of non-intact skin or mucous membrane with secretions or saliva containing the virus.
Syphilis caused by infection with Treponema pallidum is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore; these occur mainly on the external genitals, or in the vagina, anus, or rectum. Genital human papillomavirus HPV is a common virus that most sexually active people in the U.
Though not commonly classified as an STI, giardiasis can be transmitted between gay men, [52] and it can be responsible for severe weight loss and death for individuals who have compromised immune systems, especially HIV. Unprotected anal sex is a risk factor for formation of antisperm antibodies ASA in the recipient. In some people, ASA may cause autoimmune infertility. Many countries impose restrictions on donating blood for men who have or have had sex with men, as well as their female sexual partners—see the maps.
Most national standards require direct questioning regarding a donor's sexual history, but the length of deferral varies. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. This article's lead section does not adequately summarize key points of its contents. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. Please discuss this issue on the article's talk page.
December Main article: If you think you may have an STI or have had sexual contact that may have put you at risk, you should be tested for STIs.
Sexual health
Even if you do not think you are at risk, your doctor or other health care professional may screen you for gonorrhea and chlamydia if you are sexually active. The following organizations and web sites have information that may be of interest to our readers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the facts presented by these organizations or on these web sites. Further, ACOG does not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available from these organizations or on these web sites.
National suicide and crisis counseling for lesbian and gay youth. Local resource referrals available.
Peer support and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. Bacterial Vaginosis: A type of vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of a number of organisms that are normally found in the vagina. Barrier Method: Contraception that prevents sperm from entering the female reproductive system. Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the cervix, the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina. A sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. A person whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth.
A thin sheath used to cover the penis during sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Gender Identity: Genital Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus that produces painful, highly infectious sores on or around the sex organs. A sexually transmitted infection that may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and arthritis. Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs.
Human Papillomavirus HPV: The name for a group of related viruses, some of which cause genital warts and some of which are linked to cervical changes and cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat. Menstrual Period: The monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs in the absence of pregnancy. Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope. Pelvic Exam: The stage of life when the reproductive organs become functional and secondary sex characteristics develop.
Infections that are spread by sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus, herpes, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus HIV, the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]. Sexual Orientation: A sexually transmitted infection that is caused by an organism called Treponema pallidum; it may cause major health problems or death in its later stages. However, gay men and men who have sex with men have some specific health concerns. Although your individual risks are shaped by many factors beyond your sexual orientation and practices — including family history and age — it's important to understand common health issues for gay men and steps you can take to stay healthy.
There's More Than One Way for Gay Men to Have Sex - GQ
Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP. Use of the combination drug emtricitabine-tenofovir Truvada can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection in those who are at high risk. Truvada is also used as an HIV treatment along with other medications. Your doctor should also test for hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B, your doctor should test your kidney function before prescribing Truvada.
The drug must also be taken daily exactly as prescribed. And it should only be used along with other prevention strategies such as condom use every time you have sex. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, confide in a trusted friend or loved one.
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Sharing your feelings might be the first step toward getting treatment. 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 potential explanation is that, as a result of growing up with images of slender and effeminate gay men or men with muscular bodies, some gay and bisexual men worry excessively about their weight.
If you're struggling with body image concerns or an eating disorder, get help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health provider about treatment options. In the U. If you have a substance abuse concern, remember that help is available. Local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health, mental health, or community centers often provide substance abuse treatment.
Organizations such as the GLMA also might provide referrals. Domestic violence can affect anyone in an intimate relationship. Gay men might be more likely to stay silent about this kind of violence due to fear of discrimination and a lack of facilities designed to accommodate them. Staying in an abusive relationship might leave you depressed, anxious or hopeless.