Why do men who have sex with men need STI screening tests and vaccinations?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are found more frequently in men who have sex with men (MSM) than in other groups. For example, MSM seen in the DSC clinic are 25 times more likely to get Infectious syphilis, 4 times more likely to get Gonorrhoea and 1.5 times for more likely to get Chlamydia than other groups.
HIV is also more frequently found among MSM than in heterosexuals. Other viral STIs, like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Herpes, also affect MSM more frequently. Most persons with STI have no symptoms at all. You can find out if you have an STI by having STI screening tests.
An STI screen for MSM involves:
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Blood Test
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Urine Sample
|
|
HIV
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C*
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)**
Syphilis
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Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Throat Swab
Gonorrhoea
Anal Swab
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
|
Even if you don’t have receptive anal sex, that is, being the “bottom” partner, you can still get these in the rectum through other activities like rimming and fingering.
If you present with symptoms, you may need other tests such as:
- Urethra Swab
- Ulcer Swab
If blood tests show you are not immune to hepatitis A or B, you should get vaccinated. Once you
are immune to these you no longer need to include them in your STI screens.
*Hepatitis C should be tested if you are HIV positive or have ever injected recreational drugs.
** Herpes testing may be considered depending on your exposure and condition |
