Wed. October 30, 2002
Chicago, IL -
As gay men, we've all heard about HIV. We know it's incurable and deadly. Yet over the last few years, "bare-backing" has reemerged and become more popular (especially among young men). Most health care professionals agree unprotected sex is dangerous.
Statistic from the Center for Disease Control show STDs remain common place in the gay community. But for those who have sexual intercourse, latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly.
Statistic from the Center for Disease Control show STDs remain common place in the gay community. But for those who have sexual intercourse, latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly. The CDC reports the correct and consistent use of latex condoms during sexual intercourse–vaginal, anal, or oral–can greatly reduce a person’ s risk of acquiring or transmitting most STDs, including HIV infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, human papil-loma virus infection (HPV), and hepatitis B.
While never recommended, if you try anal sex without a condom, professionals suggest that both partners get an HIV test and get screened for STDs. Always remain monogamous and honest with your partner. Unprotected anal sex is a big, and often dangerous, choice.
You can find free condoms and lube, along with more information about how to protect yourself, at the Howard Brown Health Center or other Chicago AIDS agencies. Advice on HIV and other STDs is posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
For more information...
CDC National AIDS Hotline:
1-800-342-AIDS (2437)
Spanish: 1-800-344-SIDA (7432) (HIV and STDs)
Deaf: 1-800-243-7889
Howard Brown Health Center
4025 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
773-388-1600
howardbrown.org
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.cdc.org
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