Contracting sexually transmitted diseases is a relatively common experience for New Zealand gay men, according to a report on research conducted by the NZ AIDS Foundation. The research found that STDs were more commonly reported by men who had higher numbers of sexual partners and men who frequent sex on site venues or cruise areas to look for sexual partners. More than a third of the survey`s 1852 respondents said they had been diagnosed with at least one STD during their lifetime. The findings are from the NZAF's 1996 Male Call telephone survey, analysis of which continues to provide detailed behavioural information alongside lifetime reports of sexually transmitted diseases. The report's lead author, Peter Saxton, says the results show that, for gay men, "STDs were a relatively common experience during their sexually active lifespan." He says gay men shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed about getting regular sexual health check-ups especially since some STDs can easily be treated and for others vaccines are available. Saxton says it is also important that gay men understand that some STDs increase the risk of HIV transmission. "People who are HIV positive and have herpes [sores] are more likely to transmit HIV through these sites... similarly, HIV negative men with herpes sores are more likely to acquire HIV from a positive partner."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 21st September 2002 - 12:00pm