OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSFERABLE DISEASES... |
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| In addition to the incurable AIDS, there are
several sexually transmitted diseases, most of which are
curable today. The principle that early detection leads
to a quick cure is true for all these afflictions. Do not
hesitate to get medical advice if burning occurs when
urinating, if you discover small boils on your penis,
your anus, or your mouth, or when other unknown
conditions catch your attention. You should be able to completely trust your doctor and be able to talk candidly with him or her about any health concerns. If you suspect that he or she is hostile to gay persons, change your doctor immediately. You can locate a gay-friendly doctor through the gay telephone information services in your city. Here is a description of the most common sexually transmitted diseases faced by sexually active gay men. |
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| Gonorrhea (Drip): | The drip is quite common, but dangerous. Signs of infection are a burning in the penis when urinating and a discharge from the penis of pus-like liquid. After infection, it takes about one to five days before the drip will be noticeable. If you do not do anything to eliminate the infection, the symptoms may disappear but the infection can continue. Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. |
| Syphilis, though less common than gonorrhea, is a very serious bacterial infection. A gay man may be infected through fellatio or anal intercourse with an infected partner. The incubation period can range from two to ten weeks. The telltale sign of infection is the appearance of a peasize reddish boil or chancre on the genitals, the rectum, lips, or gums. Though the initial symptoms are painless and disappear after a while, the boil must be taken as a warning, and the infected person must see a doctor immediately for antibiotic therapy. At this stage, syphilis is relatively simple to cure. If left untreated, it can attack the brain, the nervous system, and even the heart and lead to death. | Syphilis (Lues): |
| Hepatitis (Yellow Jaundice): | Hepatitis
is a viral infection that leads to liver damage and can
cause lingering and serious illness. At one stage, the
eyes and skin may turn deep yellow. There are a number of
hepatitis viruses, but the most important are Hepatitis
A, B, and C. Each form can be transferred through sexual
activity. Hepatitis cannot be treated, but it can be prevented by vaccination. Consult your doctor about available vaccines if you believe you have been exposed. Not everyone infected by hepatitis shows symptoms of the sickness. However, the disease may still be present and can cause serious health consequences if not recognized by oneself and others. |
| Pubic lice, or crabs, is the result of an insect that attaches itself to the pubic hair (or even chest hair or armpits) and lays eggs. They cause severe itching and sometimes hives and must be totally eradicated from the body and bedding of those infected. Pharmacists carry special shampoos to eliminate the beasties, but clothing and linens must also be washed in very hot water and dried in hot air to stop the infestation. Crabs are transferred through sexual contact with infested persons. | Pubic Lice (Crabs): |
| Venereal Warts: | Venereal warts are caused by viruses and spread through sexual contact. They can appear on the shaft or the head of the penis or in the anus. They are difficult to remove and tend to return. Removal is accomplished by freezing with liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, or surgery. Condoms can provide adequate protection if used carefully. |
