Safe Is Sexy Guide: Sexual Health for Gay and Bisexual Men

June is Pride Month! We value everyone in our community, and celebrating our pride is a great time to discuss the ways in which gay and bisexual men can take better control of their sexual health and that of their partners. At myLAB Box, we believe that Safe is Sexy, so today we are sharing some helpful info to stay safe all year round.

Gay and Bisexual Men are at Greater Risk for STDs

Every sexually active person faces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. That’s a fact. However, there are some unique factors to consider specifically  when it comes to the sexual health of gay and bisexual men. Statistically, men who have sex with men are at an increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis, herpes (HSV), gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. By developing healthy habits and a proactive attitude to safe sex, we can each make a difference in the health of our community, partners and ourselves.

Here are the facts: the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released an STD Surveillance Report that showed a dramatic increase in the amount of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis cases being reported in the United States. These reached a record high in 2015. The report also notes that gay and bisexual men often face higher risks than anyone else. For example, men who have sex with men accounted for the majority of new gonorrhea and syphilis cases. There are also strains of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea that were recently discovered. These can be even more difficult to cure than the traditional form of the infection.

Safe is Sexy: Bedroom Tips

Many of the following tips will work for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. That said, they can be particularly beneficial for gay or bisexual men looking to take control of their sexual health.

Here are some of the best general tips to staying safe in the bedroom:

Use Condoms:

Using a latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex is one of the best ways to protect yourself. This is especially true during anal sex, but it can also protect you during oral sex as well. Contrary to popular believe, oral sex isn’t a way to easily avoid infection.

Be Picky with your Lube:

If you are using lube in the bedroom, choose a water-based lubricant. Others tend to be oil-based. This can weaken latex condoms. It can cause your condom to break, ruining any possible protection they were providing.

Don’t Share Sex Toys

Sex toys can be a lot of fun. That said, remember that it is still possible to spread infection by not using them safely. Always wrap your sex toys up in the same way you would your genitals. Protecting your toys with a condom is key. They should also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Limit Your Number of Partners

One of the most reliable ways to keep safe in the bedroom is to limit your amount of partners. Now, we’d never stand in the way of anyone being adventurous in the sack… but a long-term monogamous relationship is one of the best ways to protect yourself! In the least, have open conversations with all of your partners about how they take care of their sexual health. The more you know about them and how they like to play, the better the sex, and the lower the chance of a mishap.

Regular STI Testing is the Best Defense

Regular, scheduled screenings for STIs are the absolute best way to absolutely assure a clean bill of sexual health. Get tested and have your partner tested. Don’t have unprotected sex unless you’re certain you and your partner aren’t carrying HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Testing is important because many of us may never know if we are infected. Plus, there is always the possibility that your partner might not be completely honest about his sexual health status. It’s better to schedule regular tests. Be safe instead of sorry.

Testing Helps You Stay Sexy And Safe

Some of the most common sexually transmitted infections include:

• • Chlamydia

• • Gonorrhea

• • Syphilis

• • HPV (Genital or Oral herpes)

• • HIV

• And more…

Most STIs can be easily cured, while others can be monitored to control outbreaks and transmission. Due to the recent epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, the CDC recommends that gay men be screened for HIV annually. Regular screening for other STIs is also encouraged.

At myLAB Box, we recommend that everyone get tested on a regular basis for all potential infections during regular intervals.  Our at-home STD tests provide easy five-minute tests, lab-certified results, and free physician treatment consultations for those with positive results.

It’s the only real way to be absolutely sure you’re staying safe. These precautions may seem inconsequential, but they can make a dramatic difference in any man’s overall sexual health. Stay proud all year long, but remember… safe is definitely sexy!

Reviewed by Luis Ferdinand M. Papa, MD, MHA