Hiding from the Doctor

By Gamal Hennessy

HIV rates are rising among some groups that make up the nightlife population. To deal with this situation, some groups are advocating a greater ability to reach these people with education and testing. Others are pushing for more condoms made available in the nightlife environment. These efforts are commendable, but they might prove futile if at risk groups are not willing to protect themselves. There is evidence that some people are going beyond hiding sexual details from their partners. They are hiding information from their doctors too.

Data from a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control National HIV Behavioral Survey shows that 39% of men in New York City do not disclose their sexual practices to their doctors. In addition, the study shows that doctors are also reluctant to inquire about a patients sexual practices. The men who didn’t talk to their doctors were less likely to be tested for HIV, and less likely to get information from their doctors about the disease. While the study focused on men who have sex with other men, the majority of these men did not identify themselves as gay and did not limit their sexual partners to just men. Experts point to the continued stigma surrounding coming out as a leading cause of the silence between patients and doctors about sexual activity.

Between the schizophrenic attidutes that pervade sexuality in American in general and the continuing stigma associated with homosexuality in particular, it isn’t suprising that some are reluctant to discuss or even acknowledge their sexuality, even to the people who are supposed to protect them. While the lack to communication between patients and doctors places everyone at risk, it is probably unrealistic to think this situation will change. If 1 in 3 at risk men in the nightlife environment can’t or won’t protect themselves, and they are having sex with men and women we all need protection. More condom use will protect you from the people who won’t protect themselves.

Source: New York City Health Department: E-Max Health

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