Why are gays more suseptable to hiv

Learn why gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men are more likely than average to contract HIV. Find strategies for reducing the risk. HIV rates in gay men are higher than in all other groups. Learn about the biological, sexual, social, and psychological causes of this disparity. The LGBTQ+ community remains at heightened risk of contracting HIV because of this discrimination.

Gay men are 28 times more likely to contract HIV than heterosexual men and transgender women are 14 times more likely to contract HIV than other adult women. What's behind the higher rates of infection among gay men? Dr. David debunks myths and explains why some groups are and areas are more affected by HIV/AIDS than others. However, some sexually active gay and bisexual men who have multiple sex partners or casual sex with people whose status is unknown may benefit from getting tested more often (for example, every 3 to 6 months).

Gay and bisexual men who are HIV negative but at risk of getting HIV should consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Change Syringes.

Use Lube. Test and Treat STIs. Even for those who do, not all medical professionals are comfortable prescribing these medications. Despite the availability of these medications, usage remains low among gay and bisexual men, particularly Black or Hispanic men, according to the CDC. If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, quitting will greatly lower your risk of health problems.

While you are taking PrEP , you still need to use other HIV prevention strategies, such as using a condom every time you have sex. Just under 1. This is because the skin around the anus is thinner than the skin around the vagina, so small tears are more likely to occur during anal sex.

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - AIDSVu

Related Articles In Children Types. Related Topics. Show references Cannon C. To learn more, please read our Privacy Policy. Error Include a valid email address. For you to get high-quality health care, it's important that your provider knows and understands your sexual orientation and sexual behavior. Talk to your health care provider about which type of PrEP is right for you.

Last Updated: January Media Requests. Be mindful of drug and alcohol use. It can cause noticeable changes in…. Reduce your chances of contracting or transmitting the virus by using a condom or other barrier method during sex. Connect with us for all things health. Some people have contracted HIV after a blood transfusion or organ transplant that contained the virus.

These factors are even more prominent for Gay and Bisexual Men of color. In addition to racial disparities, many Gay and Bisexual Men experience challenges in achieving and maintaining viral suppression due to disproportionate levels of homelessness, stigma, and a lack of mental health and culturally competent care that may prevent them from accessing care. September 20, Dr. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Admissions Requirements. A person living with HIV today can expect to lead a long and healthy life if they consistently take their medication.