No one loves seeing the doctor. This checklist will make sure you cover everything in one visit.
It can be tough to know what to ask your doctor during a routine checkup, particularly if you're a gay men."Gay men don't necessarily experience most health issues in any way that's significantly different than other folks," Dr. Ng said. "But for gay men, engaging with a health care system can be uncomfortable and even daunting."
Having this gay men's health checklist in hand should help you overcome some of those worries. An annual checkup is an important way to take stock of your health and make any important changes in your lifestyle (diet and exercise modifications, perhaps, but also stopping any alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use), to protect your health and well-being. Print out the checklist below and bring it to your next appointment.
A Gay Man's Health Checklist:
1. Are you aware that I’m gay?
Coming out to your personal physician is crucial, so much so that it should be first on any gay man's health checklist. "Only when your health professional understands your life and your health can they give accurate recommendations for how to stay healthy," he said.
Knowing that you are gay will allow your doctor to ask questions, discuss safer sex practices with you, and order tests that are tailored to your needs. And if your physician doesn't seem comfortable with your sexuality, don't hesitate to find another doctor.
2. Am I eating right and exercising enough?
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and gay men are not exempt. Talk with your doctor about whether your weight is healthy. Your physician also can give you tips for eating a healthy diet and pursuing an exercise plan. Eating right and exercising can help prevent many serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, stroke, and high blood pressure.
3. What sexually transmitted infections should I worry about?
Men who have sex with other men increase their chances of being infected with HIV. If you don't know your HIV status, you should ask your doctor for a test. "We still have approximately 1.1 million people annually who are becoming HIV positive, and many of them are unaware of their HIV status," Ng said. "They can unwittingly transmit the virus to others, and can become sick themselves if not treated."
Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases besides HIV/AIDS also should be considered. These include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, herpes, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Safer sex can reduce your risk for getting an STI, but if you have many partners in a given year, ask your doctor for a comprehensive screening.
Men who have sex with other men increase their chances of being infected with HIV. If you don't know your HIV status, you should ask your doctor for a test. "We still have approximately 1.1 million people annually who are becoming HIV positive, and many of them are unaware of their HIV status," Ng said. "They can unwittingly transmit the virus to others, and can become sick themselves if not treated."
Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases besides HIV/AIDS also should be considered. These include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, herpes, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Safer sex can reduce your risk for getting an STI, but if you have many partners in a given year, ask your doctor for a comprehensive screening.
4. Should I be worried about my drinking or drug use?
Gay men tend to drink and use drugs more often than the average Joe. "This is part of the social history doctors talk about when they interview a patient," Ng said. "We have found that LGBT communities report the use of alcohol and substances more frequently." It may not be a problem for you now, but talk with your doctor about the long-term consequences of alcohol and other drug use. You definitely should raise the issue if your drug use is interfering with your work, your education, or your relationships.
Gay men tend to drink and use drugs more often than the average Joe. "This is part of the social history doctors talk about when they interview a patient," Ng said. "We have found that LGBT communities report the use of alcohol and substances more frequently." It may not be a problem for you now, but talk with your doctor about the long-term consequences of alcohol and other drug use. You definitely should raise the issue if your drug use is interfering with your work, your education, or your relationships.
5. Can you help me quit smoking?
Smoking leads to a wide array of health problems like cancer, lung disease, and heart disease. Your doctor can help you find a smoking cessation program that's right for you and prescribe nicotine patches and gum to help you with your cravings.
6. Am I at risk for depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder?
As a gay men, you're more likely than the general public to experience depression or anxiety. Your sexuality can place you under great stress, especially if you don't have the support of friends or family. Daily life then adds its own set of problems and worries.
"We find these guys have a lot going on in their lives," He said. "They may be caregivers, or have suffered job losses or other strains." Your doctor can set up a screening for depression and help you find a therapist if you need it.
7. What other health screenings do I need at my age?
All men need certain tests performed at intervals throughout their lives to stave off chronic illness, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and colon cancer. Hepatitis immunization and screening is another. Here are more key health screenings you might need:
- A blood pressure check at least once every 2 years.
- A cholesterol check at least once every 5 years.
- A regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.
- A regular prostate exam, also starting at age 50.
As a gay men, you're more likely than the general public to experience depression or anxiety. Your sexuality can place you under great stress, especially if you don't have the support of friends or family. Daily life then adds its own set of problems and worries.
"We find these guys have a lot going on in their lives," He said. "They may be caregivers, or have suffered job losses or other strains." Your doctor can set up a screening for depression and help you find a therapist if you need it.
7. What other health screenings do I need at my age?
All men need certain tests performed at intervals throughout their lives to stave off chronic illness, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and colon cancer. Hepatitis immunization and screening is another. Here are more key health screenings you might need:
- A blood pressure check at least once every 2 years.
- A cholesterol check at least once every 5 years.
- A regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.
- A regular prostate exam, also starting at age 50.
0 Comments