Gay and Positive Dating

While anyone can become infected with an STD, certain groups, including gay and bisexual men and young people, are at greatest risk.

Troubling rise in syphilis infections among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men 

Trend data available for the first time show that men who have sex with men (gay) now account for nearly three quarters (72 percent) of all primary and secondar syphilis cases. Primary and secondary syphilis are the most infectious stages of the disease, and if not adequately treated, can lead to visual impairment,

data coming from CDC

stroke, and in rare cases, even death. Surveillance data from several major cities throughout the country indicate that an average of 4 in 10 gay with syphilis are also infected with HIV. Syphilis infection can place a person at increased risk for HIV infection, or increase an HIV-infected person’s viral load. Given the high prevalence of HIV in the gay community, increasing syphilis infections among men who have sex with men are particularly troubling.

Risk behavior alone does not explain the disproportionate levels of infection among gay and bisexual men. Complex issues like homophobia and stigma also can make it difficult for gay and bisexual men to seek appropriate care and treatment.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia primarily affect young people

Surveillance data continues to show that numbers and rates of reported chlamydia and gonorrhea cases are highest in Americans between the ages of 15 and 24.

Both young men and young women are heavily affected by STDs — but young women face the most serious long-term health consequences. Left untreated, these diseases can silently steal a woman’s chance to have children later in life; it is estimated that undiagnosed STDs cause 24,000 women to become infertile each year.

These data coming from the CDC is terrible, but life still has to continue. Why limit yourself? Meet Positive Singles Now and you will never feel lonely again.

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