Question for both clients and escorts

[Steven_Draker]

Just 30 Percent Of Gay And Bi Men Have Been Tested For HIV In The Past Year, Survey Finds

 

A new survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that despite increasing HIV rates among gay and bi men in the U.S., only 30 percent of them have been tested for the virus within the last year. Even worse, 44 percent of gay and bi men under the age of 35 reported having never been tested for HIV in their entire lives.

 

Unsurprisingly, the study also found that these gay and bi men were ill-informed about other aspects of HIV and its treatment, but it also seems that it wasn’t entirely their fault. For example, 56 percent said that a doctor had never recommended they get tested for HIV, and 61 percent rarely or never discuss HIV when they visit their doctor.

 

As a result, only 32 percent knew that new HIV infections are on the rise among gay and bi men, and 22 percent actually thought infections were decreasing.

 

This deficit in testing serves as a significant barrier for preventing new infections. A study recently found that if someone who is diagnosed HIV-positive uses aniretroviral therapy to reduce their viral load to “undetectable” levels, it is virtually impossible for them to transmit the virus to others. Similarly, if those who are negative take a daily regiment of antiretroviral medication known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — as the World Health Organization now recommends — it can be 100 percent effective at preventing HIV infection. Basically, if those who are HIV-positive begin treatment and those who are negative take steps to prevent infection, the spread of the virus could be significantly curbed.

 

But the gay and bi men in the Kaiser study didn’t know much about this research. Only 25 percent understood that being treated for the virus helps prevent future infection (“treatment as prevention”), and 46 percent were not even aware that guidelines recommend that antiretroviral treatment begin as soon as there is a positive diagnosis. These men essentially did not understand that by not getting tested and remaining ignorant of their status, they are actually at much higher risk of helping to spread HIV to others.

 

Similarly, only 26 percent of the men in the survey knew about PrEP. Eight in ten — a full 80 percent — said that they have heard “only a little” or “nothing at all” about the new prevention option.

 

Anti-HIV stigma within the gay community may very well be contributing to the problem. Two thirds of gay and bi men say they would be uncomfortable being in a long-term sexual relationship with someone who is HIV-positive and 77 percent would be uncomfortable having casual sex with someone who is HIV-positive — and the numbers are even higher for those under the age of 35. This is in spite of the fact that, given the new treatment as prevention options, having sexual relations with someone who doesn’t know his status is actually quite riskier than someone who has been diagnosed as positive and started treatment.

 

Stigma is also perpetuated by laws that attempt to criminalize the transmission of HIV. Several studies have found that these archaic and outdated laws can actually discourage individuals from getting tested because they believe they can’t be prosecuted so long as they don’t know their status. The U.S. Department of Justice has recommended that these laws be repealed because they do not jibe with modern science on the virus, and the Iowa Supreme Court recently overturned an HIV transmission conviction, noting that the defendant’s viral load was undetectable and thus it was not prudent for the law to assume transmission was possible.

 

Kaiser estimates that about 13 percent of gay men are HIV positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that in major cities, it could be as high as 20 percent, with as many as a third not knowing that they are positive.

 

source: http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/09/25/3572132/30-percent-gay-bi-hiv-test/

 

 

Have you been tested recently for HIV and STIs?

[MFLV]

Yes , within the last 3 months. My bigger concern is how to get testing for things like HPV / anal cancer. That one is a hard one for me to bring up with my regular doctor. In fact I haven't. Just recently a health center opened up in my area that does anonymous testing and will do physical exams that gay/ bi men might be interested in. Also, don't forget oral cancer screenings with your dentist. Seems to be an increase in oral cancer due to oral HPV infections so make sure you get that screening during your next routine dental cleaning !

[SteveEscort]

I was tested Monday and got my results back within the last hour which I have just published on my twitter account. I test every month and have done so religiously for years

 

I am one of very very few sex workers/escorts who publish proof of their test results

[rguer]

Yes , within the last 3 months. My bigger concern is how to get testing for things like HPV / anal cancer. That one is a hard one for me to bring up with my regular doctor. In fact I haven't. Just recently a health center opened up in my area that does anonymous testing and will do physical exams that gay/ bi men might be interested in. Also, don't forget oral cancer screenings with your dentist. Seems to be an increase in oral cancer due to oral HPV infections so make sure you get that screening during your next routine dental cleaning !

 

My dentist told me that he doesn't think a visual inspection is very useful, at least not in the areas that can be seen without special equipment. He has a mostly gay clientele.

 

He does do what's described at http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/discovery-diagnosis/how_do_you_know.php .

[MFLV]

My dentist seems to do a very thorough job. The full exam, pulling the tongue with gauze, feeling the neck, front and back, with hands. Goes under the tongue with her finger to feel the base. And uses a mirror to inspect the inside of the mouth. But with all that done I still wonder if it's enough. I do hear most due clear the virus but like the chicken pox virus I think it stays within you but it's dormant as the immune system has suppressed it. But that's only what I think as I don't know that. ! Thanks for your post and the link.

[Steven_Draker]

My bigger concern is how to get testing for things like HPV / anal cancer.

 

I addressed the question about HPV testing to my doctor. He needs to get back to me with more definite answer including recommendations regarding the vaccine Gardasil for men. I believe it was mentioned before here in the Forum.

 

http://americansfortruth.com/uploads/2011/08/Anal-Warts-Cal-AIDS-Flier.png

 

 

The Male Pap Smear

 

In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, gay and bisexual men were found to have a significantly higher risk for developing anal cancer, over thirty-five times greater than the general population. HIV-positive men were estimated to be eighty times more likely to get it. Although anal cancer accounts for less than 5 percent of all digestive and intestinal tract cancers, the rates have increased 160 percent over a thirty- year period. Gay African-American men have the sharpest increase and the lowest survival rates. Interestingly, anal cancer in gay men is as common as cervical cancer was in women before the use of the Pap smear, the test that screens for precancerous lesions on the cervix. Both types of cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also causes anal and genital warts. HPV is one of the most common STDs in the world. Fortunately, anal cancer is highly preventable and treatable if caught in time.

 

There are more then one hundred different subtypes of HPV, and some are the source of common warts as seen on the hands and feet. HPV affects approximately 65 percent of HIV-negative gay men, and nearly 95 percent of HIV-positive gay men carry HPV in their anal canals. Most do not even know they have it. Subtypes 6 and 11 cause 90 percent of genital warts, while subtypes 16 and 18 are far more dangerous because of their precancerous potential.

 

The lining of the anal canal, once infected with HPV, can reproduce uncontrollably if left untreated. In most cases, the immune system clears the infection naturally, but in a small number of cases, usually over many years, HPV can cause changes in the cells of the anus and rectum that can lead to cancer. The Pap smear is something that should be offered to all gay men. In March 2007, the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Division of Infectious Diseases, issued the following recommendation concerning anal Pap smear.

 

Clinicians should perform anal Pap tests at baseline and annually in the following populations:

 

1. Men who have sex with men

 

2. Any patient with a history of anal or genital warts

 

Clinicians should refer patients with abnormal anal Pap test findings for high- resolution anoscopy and/or examination with biopsy. Like cervical cancer, invasive squamous cell cancers of the anal canal are associated with certain types of HPV infection, most notably, HPV-16 and HPV- 18. Although this is a new practice that may not be routinely available, screening for cellular dysplasia is recommended, particularly in persons at high risk for infection with papilloma viruses.

 

There are various ways to treat genital and anal warts depending on the size and location. Topical medications, like podofilox & Imiquimod (Aldara) can sometimes be used. Cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, application of trichloroacetic acid or bichloroacetic acid and interferon injections are just some of the many treatment options that should be discussed with your physician.

 

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2011_images/anal_pap1a.gif

 

The anal Pap smear is a simple test that is performed by your doctor in his office. It involves swabbing the anus with a Dacron swab, which looks like a long Q-Tip. The swab is then smeared on slides and sent to the pathologist. This test is so important because there are many different types of HPV. The most common are types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Certain subtypes, specifically 16 and 18, are considered precancerous. As a patient, you should report any cauliflower-like lesions that develop on your skin because HPV can show up on your penis, anus, and even your tongue.

 

In 2006, Merck & Co delivered the first vaccine for HPV called Gardasil. It is a quadrivalent vaccine, which means it works on HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16, and 18, and it is given in three separate injections over six months. Currently, the vaccine is indicated only for women, but the majority of gay health- care providers are urging their gay male patients to consider this vaccine, especially those men who are HIV positive or have a history of HPV. At this time the vaccine is not covered by insurance and would have to be paid for out of pocket. Presently, Merck is studying this vaccine in 4,000 young men, including those who engage in sex with other men, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is evaluating the response to Merck’s vaccine in preteen HIV- positive boys and girls.

 

source: http://waronwarts.com/genital-warts/hpv/new-york/long-island/research/the-male-pap-smear/

[Tylerluv]

I had a pap smear. Well first he checked my cock and balls which got me warmed up. I guess he was looking for a hernia and/or warts or something and he has the best hands. "Great," he said. "Everything looks great." I wanted to thank him for the compliment but I thought it might be inappropriate. Then he said, "Pull your pants down and bend over the table." Pretty much any man in a position of authority who says that to me is going to make me chub. Then he did the pap smear and said, "This will be unpleasant." He stuck something in my bum and spun it around and around and around and around. I guess it was like a soft brush or something. I wanted to ask if it came in extra large. It was fantastic, I wanted it to last forever. By the time he got around to the prostate exam I was drooling precum on the table and ready to marry him. "Ok, kind of push down in your lower abdominal region like..." he said and then stuck his finger in my butt. Because I was full throttle hard and throbbing my prostate was bulged. "... never mind, this is fine," he said in a quiet flat tone. He was thorough and I was close to orgasm. I highly recommend it.

[MFLV]

Thanks Steven. I appreciate the information post. I did get the gardisal shot series last year. I've only done anal 3 times all with protection. But I felt is was a good thing to do (shot).

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

I was tested Monday and got my results back within the last hour which I have just published on my twitter account. I test every month and have done so religiously for years

 

I am one of very very few sex workers/escorts who publish proof of their test results

 

I get tested quarterly... the last time being this October at the beginning of the month.

[BabyBoomer]

I had a pap smear. Well first he checked my cock and balls which got me warmed up. I guess he was looking for a hernia and/or warts or something and he has the best hands. "Great," he said. "Everything looks great." I wanted to thank him for the compliment but I thought it might be inappropriate. Then he said, "Pull your pants down and bend over the table." Pretty much any man in a position of authority who says that to me is going to make me chub. Then he did the pap smear and said, "This will be unpleasant." He stuck something in my bum and spun it around and around and around and around. I guess it was like a soft brush or something. I wanted to ask if it came in extra large. It was fantastic, I wanted it to last forever. By the time he got around to the prostate exam I was drooling precum on the table and ready to marry him. "Ok, kind of push down in your lower abdominal region like..." he said and then stuck his finger in my butt. Because I was full throttle hard and throbbing my prostate was bulged. "... never mind, this is fine," he said in a quiet flat tone. He was thorough and I was close to orgasm. I highly recommend it.

 

Hey Tluv- You've been watching to many porn movies

~Boomer~

[Tylerluv]

I guarantee you that I'm not the only guy who bones up during a prostate exam... especially with this doctor, he has big fingers

[Daverwr]

I get tested annually. And, with my sex life that is overkill.

[BabyBoomer]

I guarantee you that I'm not the only guy who bones up during a prostate exam... especially with this doctor, he has big fingers

 

Have you ever had a prostate ultra sound or cystoscopy?

~Boomer~

[Steven_Draker]

Have you been tested recently for HIV and STIs?[/color]

 

I test every month and have done so religiously for years.

 

I get tested quarterly... the last time being this October at the beginning of the month.

 

Tested for what exactly, knowing that HIV is up to 50 times more difficult to transmit than other STIs?

[SteveEscort]

I test every month for HIV and every 3 months for everything else.

[Steven_Draker]

A very good link on TESTING

 

Why You Should Get Tested for HIV

 

... discusses where and how to get tested, symptoms right after infection, what to do in the meantime in terms of treatments, and how the picture varies worldwide.

 

https://learni.st/boards/26044/learnings/

[Steven_Draker]

Has anyone tried the rapid in-home HIV test?

 

http://www.oraquick.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/home-hiv-test.jpg http://www.homehealthtesting.com/media/health/ss_size2/home-hit-test-home-access1.jpg

 

http://www.oraquick.com/assets/base/oraquickfull/images/slide4a.jpg

[tom1980]

Yes. Very convenient and easy to use.