More than 65 million people in the United States are living with incurable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), with 15 million people each year becoming infected with STDs. (1)

  Researchers have seen alarming indications that gonorrhea may be on the rise among gay and bisexual men.  In the mid 1980s, reports of increased condom use and reduced risky sexual practices accompanied dramatic decreases in rectal gonorrhea among gay and bisexual men in several cities. Yet, data from cities throughout the country suggest that this trend may be reversing and that gonorrhea cases may be resurging with the prospect of facilitating the spread of HIV in the gay community. (1)

  42% of the new HIV cases annually and 60% of all new HIV infections among men are occurring in gay and bisexual men (2) 

1. CDC: Tracking the Hidden Epidemic, 2000: Trends of STDs in the United States
2. MMWR 1999, 48:773-777

Health consequences of STDs in men range from mild acute illness, like urinary tract burning and itching, to serious long-term complications such as anal and liver cancer and, in the case of syphilis, stroke and blindness. Some STDs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are easily curable with antibiotics; if treated promptly, they rarely have long-term consequences.

Other STDs, like hepatitis B, can lead to weeks or months of painful and debilitating illness. Both genital herpes and genital human papillomavirus (HPV--the virus that causes genital warts and is associated with cancer in men) cause lifelong infections.

Almost all STDs greatly increase the chances of catching HIV and of spreading it to others.

Consider this: If you are HIV-positive and have an outbreak of open sores from herpes or syphilis, or if you have inflammation due to gonorrhea or chlamydia, those sores and inflamed tissues contain highly concentrated amounts of the virus. If you're HIV positive, infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia in your penis can make you shed 8-10 times more HIV in your semen.

If you are HIV negative but have herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia, disease-fighting cells of your immune system are attracted to the STD-infected tissues. Such "activated" immune cells are especially susceptible to HIV if your partner is carrying the virus, making you much more likely to catch HIV through unprotected sex.

It's very important that you find a health care provider with whom you feel comfortable enough to talk explicitly about your sex life - someone who incorporates your status as a sexually active gay or bisexual man into your overall health picture.

STD testing for gay and bisexual men should take into account actual exposures. It is important that you provide your health care provider with accurate information about your sexual practices, so that the appropriate testing is done.

If you have sex with more than one partner, or if your main partner might be having sex with others, it's a good idea to get tested regularly. The exact frequency depends on your particular risks, but for most gay or bisexual men it is a good idea to be tested every 3-6 months. This is especially important since most STDs don't show symptoms.

If you think you may have an STD, see your health care provider and get tested right away.

Resource:
CDC National STD/HIV hotline numbers
800-227-8922 or 800-342-8437
Spanish - 800-344-7432
TYY 800-243-7889