Male birth control could make us infertile!

Jamaican men claim - Male birth control could make us infertile.

Researchers in the United Kingdom have come up with what they have dubbed the 'male pill', an equivalent to female contraceptives, where doctors inject a gel-like substance into the sperm duct to prevent sperm form escaping and getting a woman pregnant.

However, the Jamaican men who spoke with THE WEEKEND STAR said there is no way they would undergo the procedure, which is expected to hit markets by 2018.

"No injection thing inna no balls! Me will gwaan use the condom, and when me ready me take it off. That sound weird. Suppose them give me the injection and it 'sheg' up me system?," Robert Matterson, a 37-year-old father of one, questioned.

According to the Parsemus Foundation, which is developing the drug called Vasagel, the product works by having a doctor inject a gel into the vas deferens (the tube the sperm swim through), rather than cutting the vas (as is done in vasectomy). If a man wishes to restore flow of sperm, whether after months or years, the gel is flushed out of the vas with another injection.

Sexually transmitted diseases

But none of the advantages were compelling enough to convince Jamaican men to warm up to the new technology.

"What about sexually transmitted diseases? It doesn't prevent against that, so it wouldn't make sense. Even if a one woman me have, mi no trust her 100 per cent say she nah go cheat and catch something then give me," said 38-year-old Wayne Fearon.

Calda Wint, 55, who has one daughter, said he believes the male contraceptive is a good idea for men who already have a lot of children and those who cannot afford children. However, he said he would not use Vasagel because he fears that it might have long term negative implications.

Meanwhile, Steve Knowles said he believes those products are for women.

"A woman alone fi take dem things deh, trust me. Just like how dem a change you sex and man a have baby, then them come with this," he said.

Despite all the naysayers, Dr Vernon DaCosta, who heads the Fertility Management Unit at the University of the West Indies, said he believes there is a market for such a product in Jamaica, but there is not enough funding to support research in the field.

"If the government promotes it, I think there would be a market for it here. But to fund research, we would need about five to 10 million dollars per year, and that's US dollars I'm talking about," DaCosta said.

Vasalgel was inspired by the work on a polymer contraceptive called RISUG®, which is in advanced clinical trials in India; some of the men have been using RISUG® for more than 15 years. But right now, only local men near the study sites in India are eligible for the trials, and formal reversibility studies have only been done in animals, not men.

In early 2010, Parsemus Foundation began developing a polymer contraceptive for the rest of the world outside India. The new polymer contraceptive is called Vasalgel™, and 12 months of rabbit studies have shown no sperm from the second semen sample onwards! Sperm flow quickly returned in rabbits that had the polymer flushed out. The goal is to have it on the market as an alternative to vasectomy as soon as possible, with the first clinical trial expected to begin in 2016.

Vasalgel is being developed by the foundation as a “social venture,” a company that makes enough money to stay afloat but not to make anybody rich, with affordable pricing and wide availability as its mandate. The social venture company within the foundation is moving fast on getting the first steps done; however, it won’t have enough money to finish the project, and has conducted fundraising campaigns which have helped to support the nonhuman primate studies that will be concluded by the end of 2015.

Want to see Vasalgel make it to market? Since long-term methods aren’t a big money-maker (it’s a lot more profitable to sell pills to men’s partners every month), big pharma isn’t interested– so we’re relying on public support. With over 20,000 men and women waiting to hear about clinical trials, even $5 or $10 each will fund the preclinical studies (the animal research needed before human trials). Here’s how you can get involved:

Treating Infection of the penis, foreskin

Der. W is a young diabetic who has recently been seeing a "gummy" discharge on his penis. The penile skin has become tight and he is unable to retract the penile foreskin. Because of this, he is unable to participate in sex. He wonders what has happened and asks for a remedy. He is 19 years old and is missing his sex life! He says that going without sex for a 19-year-old male means multiple masturbation occasions!

Participating in sexual activities is hopefully always by "choice". We can always say no and for the individual with a high libido, masturbation is a practical option and a viable alternative to sex! Sex just to "scratch an itch" - because of an urge - can lead to many harmful outcomes. One is infection, others are unwanted pregnancy, problems with committing to a monogamous relationship later in life, erectile dysfunction, partner dissatisfaction, and failed relationships. Studies show that a committed relationship will always enhance the sexual experience.

The gummy discharge that Der. W is seeing on his penis is most likely caused by an infection. A penile discharge is known as a urethritis, and with Der. W as this has not been treated, the infection may well have spread to the penile foreskin, causing an infection known as a balanitis (penile foreskin infection). When a foreskin infection goes untreated, the skin can swell and become a tight constriction, which in the uncircumcised man can prevent retraction (pulling back) of the penile foreskin (phimosis).

BLOOD SUGAR

Diabetic men are more prone to balanitis than the regular male population as their defence against infection is relatively compromised. When the blood sugar is not well controlled, the high blood and tissue glucose levels make these men highly susceptible to penile foreskin infections. The high sugar also contributes to poor healing.

Poor genital hygiene in an uncircumcised male can also contribute to a gummy discharge and balanitis. Other causes of a swollen penile foreskin include allergic reactions to soaps, sprays, creams, and condoms. Literally any substance with which the genital tissues come into contact will cause an allergic reaction in some people.

SEXULLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

When sexually transmitted infections occur in uncircumcised men, they commonly result in a penile discharge with foreskin swelling (balanitis).

Genital candida infections occur mainly in women but can also occur in men, resulting in an inflammation of the penis and foreskin. Risk factors for contracting a candida infection to the penis and foreskin would include use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppression, poor hygiene, using harsh cleansing substances on the penis, and diabetes. Symptoms include an itchy rash, swelling of the penile head, a lumpy discharge under the foreskin, and sometimes, pain with sex. Genital candida infection is not considered to be an STI.

INFECTIVE SOURCE

When there is significant swelling the entire foreskin a bacterial infective source must be considered.

Antibiotic or antifungal treatment will need to be taken orally and applied topically depending on the causative agent. As Der. W is diabetic and is also usually highly sexually active, it is very likely that he will need antibiotic and antifungal treatment. He may also require tighter control of his blood sugar levels! He should visit his family doctor or nearest clinic for examination, treatment, and a screening for sexually transmitted infections.

For men who notice this problem recurring:

• Wash the genitalia well

• Dry off well after washing

• Use unscented soaps

• Retract the penile foreskin daily and wash it

Over-the-counter antifungal creams and antibiotic creams and ointments can be applied as directed as long as the balanitis is not accompanied with a penile discharge

All penile discharges and balanitis that are unresponsive to topical over-the-counter treatment will require a doctor's visit for examination and treatment with oral medication.

Where the condition recurs frequently, circumcision is an option.

Peace & tolerance

H

Concerns for HIV prevalence rate in MSM in Jamaica & connected matters

With the final day in November which is considered Parenting month (non LGBT mattered), LGBT Homeless Awareness and Transgender Awareness/Day of Remembrance month/day (the 20th) so I decided to combine some concerns on the eve of World AIDS Day as well with the theme locally Justice for All as espoused by the Minister of Health recently. See: Health Minister Ferguson on WAD '13 & FBOs fear of a Buggery repeal with future parachuted gay marriage

This year has been a difficult year in some respects for me as I have lost so many friends from AIDS related deaths despite the more sophisticated anti-retroviral drugs albeit they had the HIV infection for quite a while and were surviving but like all things there has to come an end. Why is there still a high prevalence rate of HIV infection in men who have sex with men in Jamaica? Especially the younger aged men who have sex with men whether they self identify as gay, from as early as 1986 the first study done with MSM in the height of the AIDS epidemic where the prevalence was 10% and then in 1995 it jumped to 32% with a similar figure in 2007. The last study done in September 2011 through to January 2012 covering some four parishes and four hundred and forty nine men when compared to the 2007 that only captured 201 showed that there was some minor increase in the infection rate to approximately 33% although the 07 study was a snowball one covering Kingston and Mandeville while the 2011/12 was a cross sectional.

Anal sex as we know is high risk for HIV transmission and the men who are captured in most of these studies are from lower socio economic backgrounds making them socially vulnerable, we know of the exploitation within the MSM community, the power imbalance or differentials and lifestyles issues such as no life planning, low risk assessment, homelessness, living for the moment and lack of disclosure of HIV status. The prevention obviously have been ineffective over the years it seems as we are told repeatedly that MSM are driven underground and do not have access to safer sex implements but how can this be when the very agencies that have direct access to the populations do not engage said groups consistently yet claim to represent marginalized groups? Two factors came up for mention in the 2007 study:

1) Ever having a sexually infection

2) Receptive anal intercourse

These two significant risk factors came up for mention again in the 2011 study; the study was done to find the following based on my understanding of it;

To estimate the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among MSM

To monitor program coverage and effectiveness

To look at risk factors

To explore underlined determinants

To estimate HIV incidence post the study by following a cohort of men who tested negative in the 2007 study, other items known as proximate determinants were added to the 2011 survey such as cash for sex, type of sex, number of partners, receptive anal intercourse, risk perception, use of drugs and condom usage added to that were underlined determinants in terms of social vulnerability which make some MSM more at risk and carry out risk practices than others so demographic features, socio economic status, literacy and gender issues. Outcomes that were tested for therefore were HIV, Syphilis, and other STIs. An experienced female research nurse participated in the survey via contacts from the MSM populations and persons had to be 16 years and older with written informed consent to participate. Some characteristics and results coming through were:

61% were between the age of 16 and 34

38% were 25 years of age and older

1/5 of both groups identified as “female” (possible trangender) and nearly 60% were bisexual which was what were also found in the 2007 survey; 8% of those identifying as bisexual were married.

12% of persons surveyed were of low literacy

79% had a low comfort level admitting to someone they were men who have sex with men; about a quarter of the cohort had experienced violence or ever been to jail and a fifth had spent a night outdoors; 16% of the total had expressed hints that they had been “raped”

Between 2007 and 2011 there was some improvement in the access to HIV/treatment services rate amounting to 50% a major increase; 84% of these persons were satisfied with the services received which is a smack in the face of some who continue to use an old narrative that gay men do not have access t treatment and care in the public systems. 84% is no different of the client satisfaction found in the mainstream

79% of persons had ever had an HIV test most of them had received their results and 58% had a test in the past 12 months alongside seeing the risk card as disseminated by outreach officers, 76% of the men had seen the risk card.

Risk perception was way off nearly 60% of the men thought they had little or no chance of contracting HIV which really when one assesses it is quite ridiculous because one is involved in anal receptive sex especially the risk is higher. The feeling of the young that they are invincible needs to be broken and a mindset change is urgently needed.

60% of persons who were positive had not disclosed their status to their partner(s) this is a huge problem yet still even after my absence from outreach work and certainly helps to perpetuate the transmission; aside from HIV over 8% were positive for syphilis, 3% for gonorrhoea and 9% for Chlamydia but there were no rectal swabs done for that survey so maybe the rates could be higher.

Those who were aged under twenty five a quarter of them were already positive and among those over twenty five 42% were positive, so there is a strong relationship between positivity and age.

MSM who received or paid cash for sex otherwise known as commercial sex workers those who received cash for sex just about 50% of them were positive by twenty five; the other groups who were involved in transactional sex (without cash) 26% of those persons were positive while 40% of cash for sex only were also positive, among heterosexuals transactional sex in which gifts or non cash bargaining there is a higher risk among those, bearing in mind the hierarchy

Sex work or cash for sex

Transactional sex (non cash)

Neither

All three are different but among MSM there is not much difference maybe due to the high risk of anal sex and it obviates the hierarchy. Gender and sexual orientation in as far as cash for sex persons who identify as females as much as 56% of them were positive while non cash MSM were 40% on the other hand bisexuals who did not receive or paid cash for sex 17% of them were positive which is a bit puzzling as the rate among bisexuals significantly lower than the average rate. Risk behaviour with the bisexual group and cash/noncash MSM receptive anal intercourse and cash for sex is 48%; versatile (both receptive and dominant partnered sex) the prevalence is high for those receiving cash for sex, those who gave a history of five or more one night stands 67% of those Cash for sex and 44% of other MSM were positive.

Condom use – those MSM who say that they only use boots their prevalence was significantly lower while those who ticked if they were ever told by a doctor they had an sexually transmitted infection their prevalence rate is significantly higher.

Other underlying factors also make for interesting perusal such as those who suffered violence in both cash for sex and other MSM categories – 54% in the former were positive while those who were ever raped or slept in jail while also being involved in cash for sex were four times likely to be infected than the other categories.

The 125 men of the 449 surveyed of who accepted cash for sex only 34 of the men did not have an adverse life event which means low literacy, been to jail, slept outdoors or homeless. Those who had no cash for sex but with adverse life events the rate was 27%, taking only MSM who had adverse life events their prevalence was high as 39%; men who had no adverse life event or cash for sex their prevalence was 21% so it is important to separate the categories to get a better picture. The number of life events automatically pushes the rate upwards in MSM hence homelessness is a major issue here.

The 49 men who were negative in the 2007 study the incidence estimate showed an annual rate of 6% if it were linear over five years it means it would move from 0 – 30%

The proximate determinants are well known in the conceptual model used to conduct the survey for example condom use always was protected, most of the men as said previously were poor and unemployed, adverse life events were common, transactional sex was common, Risk perception very low, STI prevalence is very high, HIV prevalence is very high but these cannot be used to generalize the rate in the broader MSM populations. The high prevalence is associated with social vulnerability, sex work and other STIs HIV among MSM is an important factor driving the epidemic in Jamaica, more ways must be found to bring down the numbers with real meaningful interventions but with recent abandonment by LGBT organizations and the lack of interest from the national program in as far as social/welfare responses then how do we expect to see the rates go down?

Bearing in mind the ending of the last round of global fund in July of 2013 yet with more agencies including faith based managed NGOs also doing HIV prevention work with sometimes the same group of MSM yet the numbers are frightening. The homeless matter has taken a turn and myself and others are watching carefully the developments in certain quarters as the lgbt reporting goes into overdrive using the homeless men in New Kingston as bait while the other populations are overlooked completely. Donations are being solicited which is good but the motive one wonders:

homeless men sleeping in the drain by the old Superplus store and how late the response to this problem nationally.

Here is the page to donate, the details of the project is missing, the target amount(s) as most campaigns ought to have is not there, the essence of the project is not shown so what are persons being asked to donate to and those who do not have a paypal account how do they donate? see more HERE and A claim on How to help homeless LGBT Jamaicans ......

Peace and tolerance 

H

Pro-Gay Bully Ignoring Grave Health Impact (Gleaner)

Marc Ramsay, 

British Prime Minister David Cameron's comments threatening to withhold aid from developing Commonwealth countries which do not repeal laws criminalising homosexuality caught the attention of many.

Regardless of your moral position on homosexuality, withholding aid from a developing country to force them to change their legislation because of external contrary moral positions has the potential to be harmful.

My choice of words is very deliberate - the PM has put forward a moral position on homosexuality, which he is seeking to impose on certain Commonwealth states. He cannot say that no country has the right to impose its morals on others through legislation to defend that position. He is using aid, of all options, to impose his moral position - unequivocally his moral position is that homosexual acts should not be illegal, criminalised, or subjected to legislative sanction.

So firmly does he hold to this position that he is willing to impose sanctions on developing countries. As we debate this issue, let us bear in mind that moral neutrality is a myth, and thus weigh each side on its merits.

Ordinarily such comments would give rise to arguments as to whether morality should be legislated. However, since PM Cameron has made it clear that certain moral positions can be the subject of sanctions in international policy, the question is, rather, whether his threat is right on a balance of outcomes. I use the word 'right' in the secular sense of the word, questioning whether the urgency and moral duty expressed by the British prime minister are well founded based on an assessment of the consequences.

Certainly, foreign governments have not been as outspoken about garrison politics; the virtual dictatorship between the JLPNP in Jamaica; the imbalance between rich and poor; the lack of disclosure on campaign financing, and so on. Is this threat worth it?

Rights can be restricted

The first question is what is the negative outcome of withholding legal homosexual sex from citizens in countries such as Jamaica. The right to choose one's lifestyle is as applicable to homosexuality as it is to the use of narcotics such as marijuana, or tobacco or alcohol. All three are restricted in the United Kingdom to varying degrees. While the basis is the negative outcomes, based on medical, psychological and sociological study, authorities in the UK have been more open to data on the effects of marijuana, tobacco, or alcohol than they have been on data on the negative outcomes of the homosexual lifestyle.

They have also considered the sociological implications, which do not necessarily harm the person in a conclusive medical sense, but could have harmful effects on the fabric of society. Thus, they banned smoking indoors in England in 2007, restricted alcohol intoxication levels in certain spheres, and banned marijuana despite the human right to choose one's lifestyle. They will raid a private dwelling home in London to seize marijuana on those same grounds, violating various human rights on grounds they will argue are legitimate. So there is no blanket ban on restricting the right to choose, provided there are legitimate grounds.

Only one consequence of not repealing

Thus the only negative outcome of maintaining the anti-homosexual laws is restricting the individual's right to choose, a right which is not without legal restriction on legitimate grounds such as medical, psychological or sociological harm to the individual or society. Several studies, including those conducted by Professors Jones and Yarhouse, research published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy in 2011, and Dr N. Whitehead in the Journal of Human Sexuality in 2011, show that like the choice to possess or smoke marijuana, an individual can not only choose whether or not to have homosexual sex, but also change their homosexual orientation without psychological distress.

Thus the right to choose homosexual sex is not a sacred genetic right, but is open to restriction, provided there are legitimate grounds.

Negative consequences

On the other hand, there are scientific arguments which show conclusive medical, psychological and sociological grounds for negative outcomes of homosexual sex. The negative outcomes of homosexual sex and the homosexual lifestyle are not myths of religious fanatics or ignorant homophobes.

An article by Dr John R. Diggs titled 'The Health Risks of Gay Sex' provides a good starting point, referencing several studies conducted by the scientific community. Diggs concluded: "Sexual relationships between members of the same sex expose gays, lesbians and bisexuals to extreme risks of sexually transmitted infections, physical injuries, mental disorders and even a shortened lifespan."

The article cites 129 scientific studies, not conducted by Christians, or homophobes, or narrow-minded developing countries. But there is more. In 2004, WebMD reported a CDC study that showed homosexual sex forms a bridge for HIV to pass to women. This is due to the high levels of promiscuity, high levels of HIV infection, and the high percentage of homosexual males who also have sex with women.

In fact, homosexual practitioners have a significantly higher incidence of anal cancer, chlamydia trachomatis, cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, herpes simplex virus, HIV, HPV, Isospora belli, microsporidia, gonorrhoea, viral hepatitis types B & C, syphilis, according to research published by the Medical Clinics of North America and even the LGBTHealthChannel.

Other studies show that homosexual practitioners also have a higher incidence of haemorrhoids, anal fissures, anorectal trauma, hepatitis A, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Epstein-Barr virus, Neisseria meningitides, shigellosis, salmonellosis, pediculosis, scabies and campylobacter, retained foreign bodies, and exclusive diseases such as herpes Type 8.

There are also serious mental health consequences. There are other alarming facts. A New York Times article by Erica Goode in 2001 revealed that the practice of anal sex increased in the homosexual community, while condom use has declined 20 per cent and multi-partner sex over seven years, despite billions of US dollars spent on HIV-prevention campaigns.

Furthermore, social and legal approval will lead to more sexual activity. This not only has the medical consequences already discussed, but also economic consequences. As a 2002 study by Michael Hamrick for the Corporate Resource Council shows, the health-care costs resulting from homosexual promiscuity are substantial.

In the Jamaican context, already burdened by free health care, the costs borne by the Jamaican taxpayer will be significantly higher.

In light of the brief summary I have provided, a balanced look at Prime Minister Cameron's threat reveals that there may be a lot more to lose if Jamaica is forced to repeal those 'anti-homosexual' laws. Not only could the country face sanctions from the United Kingdom prior to repealing the laws, but there are other consequences to the homosexual individual, women who may come in contact with them, and the wider society that may outweigh the restriction of homosexuals' right to choose their lifestyle.

These negative consequences may even lead one to conclude that it is necessary and fair to restrict any right to homosexual activity, as necessary and fair as restricting marijuana, alcohol, or tobacco use.

Nevertheless, if PM Cameron has his way, sovereign nations will have no right to choose.

ENDS

here is my response in audio on the mistake of saying homosexuality is illegal in Jamaica .....and a brief look at the Irish Sexual Offences Act.

Homosexuality is Not Illegal in Jamaica .... Buggery is despite the persons gender 12.11.11 by glbtqja6

Peace and tolerance


H

Bug Chasers in Jamaica

Bugchasing is a slang term for the practice of pursuing sexual intercourse with HIV infected individuals in order to contract HIV. Individuals engaged in this activity are referred to as Bugchasers. Bugchasers may seek HIV infection for a variety of reasons.
Bugchasers seek sexual partners who are HIV positive for the purpose of having unprotected sex and becoming HIV positive; giftgivers are HIV positive individuals who comply with the bugchaser's efforts to become infected with HIV.

Bugchasers indicate various reasons for this activity. Some bugchasers engage in the activity for the excitement inherent in pursuing such a dangerous activity, but do not implicitly desire to contract HIV. Some researchers suggest that the behavior may stem from a "resistance to dominant heterosexual norms and mores" due to a defensive response by gay men to repudiate stigmatization and rejection by society.
Some people consider bugchasing "intensely erotic" and the act of being infected as the "ultimate taboo, the most extreme sex act left." A number of people who are HIV negative and in a relationship with someone who is HIV positive seek infection as a way to remain in the relationship, particularly when the HIV positive partner may wish to break up to avoid infecting the HIV negative partner.

Some workers in the US HIV community report that a number of younger people seek infection as a way to receive benefits, a "free ride," because they would qualify to receive Section 8, Social Security and other benefits from getting infected with HIV.Some contend that this behaviour stems from feelings of inevitability towards HIV among the gay community and the empowerment of choosing when to contract the virus.

Others have suggested that some people who feel lonely desire the nurturing community that supports persons with AIDS.
By design, bug chasing involves bareback sex, but members of the bareback subculture are not necessarily bugchasers. The difference is intent:

“In reviewing the scarce unpublished and published materials on bugchasing, as well as general healthcare speculations, a common theme appears- the lumping of bug chasers with barebackers...Although these two groups share some of the same practices, namely unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), there are distinctions that differentiate bug chasing...even though all bug chasers are indeed barebackers, not all barebackers are bugchasers.

Imagine my shock in here in Jamaica where we are more conservative to a point terms of sexuality even in same gender loving terms to hear or see someone express only they wish to be penetrated by a HIV+ man bare backed with sperm left in his rectum, this is the face of persistent social marketing both from the national level through the ministry of health and other private institutions and non governmental agencies.
The young man in a recent online group chat and subsequent one on one exchange was clear in his desire. He said he likes bareback sex and wished he could be in an orgy typed scenario with several HIV+ but healthy looking men as he feels he can survive the infection non the less, this is even after my trying to explain that there are different strains of HIV and that getting multiple infections can lead to a faster deterioration in health.

According to Wikipedia in the media there have been some references to this practice:
HIV positive man Ricky Dyer, who investigated the apparent bug chasing phenomenon for a 2006 BBC programme, I love being HIV+, said that an air of complacency about the realities of living with the virus may be one reason why infection rates have been rising.[18] However, the BBC also described bugchasing as more internet fantasy than reality, saying that, "Dyer finds that the overwhelming majority of the talk is pure fantasy." The article also quotes Will Nutland, head of health promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust, as saying, "The concepts of 'gift giving' and 'bug chasers' are definitely based more in fantasy than reality" as well as Deborah Jack, chief executive of the National AIDS Trust saying, "There is very little evidence of people trying to get infected with HIV."

In the Showtime series Queer as Folk a former student of Professor Ben Bruckner, asked Ben to infect him with HIV, wanting to experience "the gift." Ben refuses and writes a novel about the incident.
In the NBC series ER, season 7 episode 13 Dr Malucci treats a gay man who wants to contract HIV from his positive partner. Malucci asked they HIV- patient if he is 'bug chasing'

A character named Billy in a book by Dakota Chase called Changing Jamie is a bug chaser and attends a bug party in order to get "the gift" believing the man he has fallen in love with will accept him. He does test positive later in the novel, only to discover at the end of the book what a mistake it was.

This behaviour has been associated with some in the Caucasian bear MSM communities usually or even in some hobosexual groups as well now we see the tastes showing up here, maybe due to the fact HIV positive persons can now live almost ill free from opportunistic infections creating havoc running alongside HIV and decreasing one immune system.

Safer sex is still key but how do we meet this issue when it presents itself when would be participants insist on deriving "the gift" while enjoying themselves and thinking they are alright?

More is obviously needed to arrive at some workable solutions.

Peace and tolerance

H

Sexual Activity Among Jamaica's Men

Gleaner's Health Article

Dr Pauline Williams-Green

The scenario is played out frequently in my medical practice. A man walks into the office; often unwilling to make eye contact and when asked the reason for the visit, states sheepishly, "Doc, I have picked up a leak!" or "It's my back, doctor!" This is the introduction to a consultation on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Sexual ignorance

Sexual activity begins at an early age among males in Jamaica. The Ministry of Health reports that the median age for sexual initiation of boys is about 13 years. Early onset of sexual activity, frequent change in partners and multiple partners increase the risks of transmission of infections.

Many young males are ignorant of sex, sexual intimacy, the way females become pregnant, STIs and condom use. A recent study revealed that about one-third of males have had two or more sexual partners in the last year. It is worrying that even males who have some knowledge do not adhere to safe sexual practices.

Agents of STIs

Commonly recognised STIs include gonorrhoea, syphylis and chlamydia. These infections affect primarily the genital parts but may also affect the throat, rectum and anus. Viruses are important causes of STIs such as HIV, hepatitis A, B and C, herpes simplex and human papillomavirus. Parasites such as lice and scabies can also be transmitted during sexual intimacy.

Syphylis causes a sore on the penis which resolves spontaneously. It later reappears as a rash. If untreated, syphylis will cause nerve damage. Chlamydia causes an abnormal discharge from the penis and may cause a chronic infection in the prostate. It is also responsible for infertility among couples. Gonorrhoea is suspected when the man complains of burning when he passes urine or he gets pus from the penis within a few days of sexual intercourse.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of HIV infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer in females. HPV also causes warts in males and females. Genital herpes causes a recurrent, painful rash for which there is no cure. However medication is available for suppression of the attacks.

Controlling STIs

Fortunately, condom use has increased steadily among males. This is a major weapon in the fight against most sexually transmitted infections. Prevention is the best protection against STIs and is often the only means of controlling their spread. Safe sexual practices, adherence to one sexual partner and condom use will reduce heartaches for both men and women.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

2007 MSM Study Reminder .....

EDITORIAL NOTE: the original slide was removed as slide.com has closed down in 2012 so the following pics were re-uploaded for your perusal.

click the "Homeless MSM in Jamaica" tab below for previous entries old & new exclusively on this blog