Content provided in partnership with

CDC issues new guidelines on HIV, STDs and N-9 - HIV Digest - Brief Article

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2002

Responding to a statistical upswing in unprotected intercourse and an expected rise in HIV cases, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending annual HIV testing for men who have sex with men.

In issuing its new guidelines, the CDC urges health-care providers' to assess the sexual risk for all male patients, including inquiring about partner gender. For gay and bisexual patients who are sexually active, physicians should consider annual screenings for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea (anal, pharyngeal, urethral) and chlamydia (anal, urethral). Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B are advised as well. For patients whose activity involves multiple anonymous partners and/or illicit drug use, more-frequent STD screenings may be indicated.

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

The guidelines also note that new serological tests are available to diagnose and manage genital herpes, an incurable condition that infects one million people annually. The herpes simplex virus can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious, states the report.

In addition, the agency is discouraging the use of a popular spermicide. Studies have shown that nonoxynol-9 can damage the linings of the vagina and rectum, providing an entry point for STDs. While the levels tested are generally higher than those found in consumer products, the CDC cautions that nonoxynol-9 should not be used for STD prevention and that lubricants containing it should not be used during anal intercourse.

Condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9 are not advocated, as they may cause irritation. "However, previously purchased condoms with N-9 can be used, since the protection provided by the condom against HIV outweighs the potential risk of N-9," the advisory concludes.

The last CDC update was in 1998. For details, access www.cdc.gov/std.

CONDOM COMEBACKS

What to say when your partner doesn't want to use protection

The excuse:

"Don't you trust me?"

The response:

"Not anymore."

CDC issues new guidelines on HIV, STDs and N-9 - HIV Digest - Brief Article

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2002

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Home & Garden

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health