Archive » September 2, 2010

HEALTHY GEEZER

By Fred Cicetti, Contributing Writer

I was trying to persuade an editor of a gay publication to carry my column. He said he would be interested only if the column were dedicated to health issues that affect gays and lesbians. I had to admit that I was ignorant about this subject. He told me I should write a column some day about gays, lesbians and their health to inform my readers. So here is a primer in alphabetical order:

AIDS

Sex between men increases the risk of HIV infection, a chronic medical condition that can be treated, but not yet cured. There are effective ways to prevent complications and delaying, but not preventing, progression to AIDS. Most people infected with HIV will progress to AIDS if not treated.

Alcohol

There is a common perception, probably based on old, flawed studies that gays and lesbians have a much higher incidence of alcohol problems. However, the scientific literature on this subject doesn’t give a clear picture. Some studies suggest that older gays and lesbians have a greater problem with alcohol than younger people in this group.

Cancer

Lesbians have the highest concentration of risk factors for breast cancer than any category of women. Lesbians have higher risks for many gynecologic cancers. There are increased rates of anal cancers in gay men.

Depression

Alienation, discrimination and fear of discovery are all components in creating depression and anxiety in both gay men and lesbians at greater levels than the general population. Adolescents and young adults may be at particularly high risk of suicide because of these concerns.

Drug Abuse

Gay men and lesbians use drugs more frequently than the average person. One of the most popular drugs among gay men is amyl nitrate, known as “poppers,” which is amyl or butyl nitrate. The vapors of the liquid drug are inhaled. The drug alters the perception of time and heightens sexual arousal. Long-term use can lead to delirium and impaired respiration. Heart problems Smoking and obesity are the most prevalent risk factors for heart disease.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases occur in sexually active gay men at a high rate. These include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis and human papilloma virus.

Tobacco

Recent studies seem to show that gay men use tobacco at much higher rates than straight men, reaching nearly 50 percent in several studies. Research also indicates that lesbians may use tobacco and smoking products more often than heterosexual women use them.

Weight

Problems with body image are more common among gay men than their straight counterparts, and gay men are much more likely to experience an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Research confirms that lesbians have higher body mass than heterosexual women.