Florida Agenda

By San Knew

Recently, a reader commented that as often as he reads about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, it’s amazing anyone would want to have sex at all. So I thought I would take a moment to share all the wonderful benefits to having a healthy and safe sex life. Aside from the opportunity of sharing an amazing experience with someone, there are other parts of your body that can reap the benefits, as well.

Did you know that an average of 30 minutes of sex could burn up to 85 calories

? But not to worry, for all of you who are taking it slow – you don’t have to go all the way to get all of the benefits. Daily Muscle published its own unofficial finding and broke down the numbers to “the build up”. The publication attributes somewhere between 120 to 235 calories for kissing, approximately 8 calories for undressing and an actual orgasm can burn as many as 100 calories. And not only can these benefits be seen in one’s waistline, but there’s some good things happening inside your body, as well.

CBS News reported that researchers found, “having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half for men, compared with those who had sex less than once a month”. There are also reports correlating fewer cancer diagnoses among men with high frequency of ejaculation. The Journal of the American Medical Association found that “Frequent ejaculations (21 or more a month) were linked to lower prostate cancer risks in older men, as well, compared with less frequent ejaculations of four to seven monthly.” Wilkes University has also conducted its own study, in which it identified that people who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of antibodies, which can protect you from getting colds and other infections.

However, as most of us already know, the best benefit of great sex is how it makes us feel. One reason for those good vibrations may be explained by studies showing increased levels of oxytocin during sex. Oxytocin is a chemical produced in the brain, usually associated with “pair bonding” (it’s also referred to as the “love hormone”). These increased levels are associated with a reduced sense of pain and feelings of anxiety and an increased sense of generosity and intimacy. Additionally, CNN shared a study published in Biological Psychology, that found “people who had sex more often tended to have lower diastolic blood pressure.” The study also linked the finding to feelings of decreased stress levels in general for those individuals.

So there you have it, no mention of the 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STI) reported each year, nor mention of the $14.7 billion spent on STI related healthcare costs; just the benefits of a HEALTHY and SAFE sexual experience, which we should all take advantage of. Did I mention HEALTHY and SAFE?

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