By SAM KNEW, MSW
If there’s one word that pervades gay communities around the country its “PRIDE.” It’s symbolized with rainbow flags, public displays of affection among our love ones and the occasional parade down Main Street. But oddly enough there is one place gay and bisexual men are neglecting to show their true colors – their doctor office. New York’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a study showing that 4 in10 gay men were not out to their doctor. It identified minorities at the top of the list, contributing to them being less likely to be tested for infectious diseases and other illnesses.
As discussed in my recent article, “Save the Tatas: Male Breast Cancer,” when it comes to any illness, early detection is key. However, patients and doctors share this responsibility. The CDC recommends that doctors make screening for specific infections regular practice – and it’s not all about HIV/AIDS. Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention at the CDC, shared with the New York Times that other infectious disease, such as syphilis and gonorrhea are a “major threat to gay and bisexual men’s health.” One study showed that more than a third of men who tested positive for gonorrhea, were initially missed due to the fact doctors did not test patients from all potential points of infection (throat, genitals and rectum).
In some of these cases doctors may have been more vigilant if patients had shared their sexual practices. Fair or not, gay and bisexual men are at greater risk of some infections. 17% of these men are more likely to develop anal cancer. Additionally, contraction of human papillomavirus (HPV) (a sexually transmitted infection) increases those risks, especially for individuals with already weakened immune systems.
So what’s a guy to do? How do you find the right doctor and how do you identify yourself as a card-carrying member? For starters, when looking for a general practitioner ask your friends for referrals or your local GLBT community center. You can also contact your insurance provider and ask them for a list of gay-friendly doctors. Many physical and mental health professionals will make this information available. It also may be easier to ask the tough questions before you make an appointment by phone. When you contact the office ask, “Does your practice have any GLBT patients?” One benefit of this is that you don’t have to give any personal information. But most importantly, know what to ask your doctor.
Gay/Bisexual men have unique needs. You should be able to talk with your doctor openly about your sexual practices. This includes sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention techniques to routine medical practice, such as undergoing anal pap smears. If you’re uncomfortable asking these questions directly consider e-mailing your doctor ahead of time, or create a list you can hand to the doctor. Aside from having a healthier, more open relationship with your doctor, these practices also may relieve increased levels of depression and anxiety. Gay and bisexual men have been shown to be at higher risk of mood disorders – also putting them at greater risk of suicidal behavior, by a whopping 16% greater than their straight counter parts. That behavior can manifest beyond the traditional concepts – such as taking one’s life. In some cases, individuals participate high-risk sexual practices, purposely contracting and spreading infections.
The numbers alone can – and do – scare us away from the doctor. Some individuals suffer an onset of increased blood pressure just walking into the office (usually referred to white-coat syndrome). We also have our own cultural misconceptions; such as if you go to the doctor you’ll get sick. Additionally, there’s the fear of being discriminated or denied service. These are no easy hurdles for potential patients, but make no mistake – your well-being depends on overcoming them. And that’s something you can take real pride in.
Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and local counselor. He can be reached at SamKnewMSW@gmail.com
