10
Things Gay Men Should Discuss with their Doctors
The
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association lists ten things gay
men should discuss with their doctors. To stay healthy,
these ten important topics should be discussed openly with
your doctor at least on a yearly basis. Obviously, these
topics can be opened when the need arises as well, despite
when they were last discussed.
1) HIV/AIDS
and Safer Sex
In order to stay healthy, everyone, including gay men, must
be knowledgeable of HIV and AIDS, how the disease is spread
from person to person, and how to prevent its spread by
using safer sex techniques. Here is a collection of safer
sex resources that will help.
2) The
Dangers of Substance Use
The overuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, or recreational
drugs not only complicates your HIV treatment but is also
very damaging to your health in and of itself. This collection
of substance abuse resources provides you with the facts
about the dangers of substance use.
3) Depression
and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety can be very difficult for anyone,
including people living with HIV and AIDS. Talk to your
doctor if you are feeling depressed
or suffer from anxiety.
Not sure if depression is a problem with you? Take a look
at this article to recognize signs and symptoms of depression.
4) Hepatitis
and How to Prevent It
Hepatitis A, B & C are serious infections of the liver
that can be life threatening and make HIV treatment more
difficult. Learn how to prevent and treat the many forms
of hepatitis.
5) Sexually
Transmitted Diseases
Unsafe sex not only leads to HIV infection but infection
with one of several sexually transmitted diseases as well.
Get the facts
about STDs and how to prevent them.
6) Prostate,
Testicular, and Colon Cancer
Cancers such as prostate, testicular
and colon cancer are just some of the illnesses that can
take years off of your life. The keys to staying healthy
are many.
7) Alcohol
Abuse
Like substance abuse, alcohol abuse can complicate your
HIV treatment and jeopardize your health.
8) Tobacco
Tobacco use endangers your health in countless ways. From
cancers to lung disease, tobacco slowly chips away your
health and takes years off your life. See "Quit
Smoking" for help quitting.
9) Diet
and Exercise
Physical fitness, including diet and exercise is the best
way to stay healthy for a long time. See our Fitness/Nutrition
sextion for a collection of articles devoted to helping
you stay fit.
10)
Anal Papiloma
Anal cancer and anal papiloma can be a devastating disease
that eventually kills. Learn how to recognize the symptoms
of anal cancer and what you can do to diagnose anal papiloma
sooner; improving your chance of defeating this silent killer.
(Source:
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, 2005)
Cases of AIDS