Many of our Alliance partners are caring medical professionals who joined ATCSI because they are concerned that their patients, particularly their early adolescent and teen patients, may not fully appreciate the health risks associated with indiscriminate or promiscuous sexual behavior. While some older adults may be settled into stable relationships research shows that teens and young adults often are engaged with more partners and less healthy behaviors.
Same-sex sexual behavior has some distinct risks that deserve special consideration and a much greater emphasis in our efforts to educate all citizens.
The articles in this section are not intended to over sensationalize these concerns. They are the product of caring hearts and accurate scientific research.
Health concerns are sometimes a motivation for some clients to seek psychological counseling to assist them with managing behaviors or decreasing attractions.
We invite you to become more supportive and empathetic toward individuals experiencing challenging health or medical concerns associated with sexual behavior and to join us in our educational efforts.
Men who have sex with men and gay men are at increased risk for certain types of chronic diseases, cancers, and mental health problems.
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MSM continue to be at increased risk for HIV infection. Although HIV is now a disease that can be managed, there is still no cure.
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Gay men are at high risk for getting the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause anal papilloma and certain types of anal cancers.
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MSM are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. These include infections for which there are effective cures (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pubic lice or crabs), as well as those for which treatments are more limited (HIV, hepatitis A, B, or C, human papilloma virus).
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Studies show that MSM have higher rates of alcohol abuse, tobacco and substance use.
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MSM have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to others.
Women who have sex with women and lesbians are at increased risk for certain types of chronic diseases, cancers, and mental health problems.
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WSW are at increased risk for breast cancer, colon cancer and certain types of gynecological cancers.
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Lesbians abuse substances at higher rates compared to others including alcohol, tobacco, ecstasy, and cocaine.
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WSW have higher rates of depression, anxiety and obesity compared to others.
Gay high school students face greater risks to their well-being than straight classmates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, concluded that gay youth are at increased risk not only for suicide but also for seven out of the 10 health dangers it tracks.
