HIV+: is my health that important? - Dr. Dick

HIV+: is my health that important?

Dear Dr. Dick,
I'm already HIV-positive and pushing 50. Do I really need to be concerned with safe sex and my overall health?
--Daddy POZ

Dear Daddy POZ,
Great question! The answer is YES!

No matter what your age, it's good to be health-conscious, especially with your sexual health and that of the local gay/bi community. If we're ever going to get HIV/AIDS under control we must care about ourselves and our communities.

In a recent study, MEN have DETECTABLE HIV in their SEMEN more often than women do in their vaginal secretions, thus making them more likely to INFECT sex partners. Also, in the same study, 70% of the men taking antiretroviral drugs had detectable HIV in their semen, compared to 82% of men NOT taking anti-HIV drugs. So, antiretroviral drugs may reduce but do not eliminate your chances of infecting others.

So, the researchers of this study conclude, "on or off antiretroviral therapy, men may be more infectious than women." (Source: POZ February 2005)

In addition, the following general health recommendations for gay and bisexual men (and really, all men) help promote health and prevent disease:

  • Not smoking and avoiding smoky places. Save the money you would have spent on smoking or buy more important things, as FOOD & CLOTHING.
  • Eating a healthy and varied diet that is low in fat and high in fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables... can't keep still? Snack on a carrot or celery.
  • Drinking only in moderation. Two drinks a day is in moderation. But, DO drink plenty of water: 8 glasses per day is great!
  • Regular health exams and screening for STDs.
  • Regular prostate and colon cancer screening after age 50. Schedule one with your doctor, or find one in the Resource List
  • Tetanus immunization booster every 10 years. Schedule one with your doctor, or find one in the Resource List
  • 30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-4 times per week. Walking is good... watching porn is NOT aerobic exercise! (masturbation is not aerobic; for exercise to be aerobic one must do it for at least 20 min, getting the pulse up to 130-140/min. levels)
Positively yours, Dr. Dick
« Sex Clubs and STDs | Dr. Dick Home | Crystal and Breastfeeding »