What Happens in Vegas.....Doesn't Always Stay in Vegas.

Hey boys...Going on vacation is suppose to be about getting away from it all, leaving our stress and worry behind...right? I'm all about letting my hair down and getting my groove on when out of town. An ad campaign I ran across recently is really HOT, and gave me something to think about for my next vacation.

Last year Swiss health officials did a study to find out why people put themselves at risk for HIV; especially when they know how to protect themselves. What they found out is that many of us are taking the idea of vacationing, to get away from it all, a little too far. Their study found a proportionate number of people who were recently infected with HIV had their only risk for HIV occur on a business trip or holiday.

I think on some level we have known this for sometime here in the states. This is evident when you look at programs in gay vacations hot spots; like Camp Safe in Rehoboth Beach. Camp Safe's entire focus is helping people "get off" while on vacation and not taking home any unwanted visitors. Kinda cool....

To increase awareness about taking condoms on vacation and wrapping it up while you're there, the Swiss put out a sexy and somewhat racy ad campaign. The campaign shows people having sex in odd locations, in the jungle, in a cave and even on Mars. The visuals remind people to pack a little something extra when leaving town...condoms.

What about us Utah boys though...what if we never go to a gay hot spot? Last October in Puerto Vallarta I never came across anyone in a boy scout uniform on the beach handing me a condom. I was just going down to relax and drink too much with friends...it never occurred to me, in my wildest fantasy, that my boy and I would end up with some random boy from Seattle naked in our room.

Just something to think about when your packing for your next trip out of town. Throw in a box of condoms...they'll help stop any unwanted souvenirs.If you would like to check out the website for the Swiss campaign you can visit http://www.stopaids.ch/.

Tyler Fisher has worked for the Utah AIDS Foundation, SLVHD, Harm Reduction Project, and Project Reality. Have a question about sex? E-mail him.

Circumcision and STD's

Does circumcision reduce your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? Several years ago a study came out that said yes, circumcision reduces your risk of infection. Now, according to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, not necessarily.

Researchers undertook the current study in New Zealand to determine the impact of circumcision in early childhood on the acquisition of STIs by age 32. Information about STI acquisition was obtained at ages 21, 26 and 32. STI incidence rates were calculated, taking into account timing of sexual initiation, and comparisons were made between circumcised and uncircumcised men.

Up to age 32, the incidence rates for all STIs were not statistically significant: 23.4 and 24.4 per 1,000 person-years for the uncircumcised and circumcised men, respectively. "These findings are consistent with recent population-based cross-sectional studies in developed countries, which found that early childhood circumcision does not markedly reduce the risk of the common STIs in the general population in such countries," the authors concluded.

What is your opinion? Do you wish everyone was circumcised or do you love your foreskin?

LOVE YOUR BODY!

Love Your Body House Party
Monday, April 7th @ 7pm
Home of Marc Gunderson, Kenn Turner, Michael Snider @ 587 11th Ave.
FREE

Join the Village for a potluck dinner and an empowering dissection of gay male body image. Marc Gunderson is a gay psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist who has also has experience coordinating substance abuse assessment and treatment.

Love your body! Bring something to eat or drink, come with questions, and don't be shy! RSVP Jeremiah today!(801)487-2323.

Routine Testing-It Ain't Happening!

This just in from the New York Times:

STD screening is a critical part of health care for sexually active gay men, but few present annually for testing as CDC recommends. In addition, when gay men do present, many doctors fail to screen them for STD's.

Not only are we not getting tested but we are aren't getting all the right tests:

A study by CDC's Dr. Kristen Mahle found that among asymptomatic gay men, many were not tested at all anatomical sites of exposure, so that more than one-third
of rectal gonorrhea infections and more than a quarter of throat infections were missed. Gonorrhea tests should include specimens from all possible sites, including the throat, rectum, and genitals.

Anyone care to share why they do or don't get tested and where they recommend getting tested?

Gay Friendly and HIV+ Friendly Utah Doctors

Are you out to your doctor?
You may think it is none of his or her business, but there are several benefits to coming out to your doctor:

• In the sexual health arena, gay men are at higher risk for certain sexually transmitted infections (STI's), especially HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis. Talking with your doctor about your sexual history can help him make testing recommendations, including anal pap smears.


• The stress of being a gay man in an unaccepting society can take its toll on our physical and emotional health, and many of us self-medicate by turning to drugs and alcohol. We use tobacco and illegal substances such as meth and poppers at significantly higher rates than the general population, and your doctor can be a great resource for helping you quit.

If you are recently diagnosed with HIV, finding a well-qualified doctor is imperative. A doctor with years of experience treating HIV can help you decide the best time to begin treatment and make sure you get the right mix of medications.

Some men, traumatized by a positive HIV diagnosis, neglect to seek treatment, especially in the initial stage of infection when no symptoms manifest. If you find yourself in this position, a Utah AIDS Foundation Case Manager can meet with you and help you find the resources that are available to help you. Also, Cornerstone Counseling offers free counseling and support services for men who are HIV+ and would like support (801-355-2846 ext.111).

Are you looking for a gay friendly doctor or have you recently been diagnosed with HIV and want a doctor who is well versed in treating HIV? Here is a short list of doctors who have self-reported as being LGBT friendly. Another great resource listing doctors, dentists, and therapists can be found here on the Utah Pride Center's website.

HIV Treatment Providers Shortlist
Tim Odell, MD
University of Utah Madsen Clinic
555 South Foothill Blvd.
(801)581-7790

Mark Oliver, MD
1160 East 3900 South #1F
(801)261-9651

Larry Reimer, MD
University of Utah Health Sciences Center
Division of Infectious Diseases
30 North 1900 East
(801)585-2031

Harry Rosado, MD
University of Utah Health Sciences Center
Division of Infectious Diseases
30 North 1900 East

Wanda Updike, MD
1060 East 100 South, Suite L10
(801)328-1260 Ext.104

Gay Friendly Medical Providers Shortlist
Christopher Gay, MD
Madsen Health Clinic
555 South Foothill Blvd.
(801)581-8000

Jacob Prunuske, MD
Sugarhouse Family Health Clinic
1138 East Wilmington Ave
(801)581-2000

David Moore, MD
1002 East South Temple, Ste. 508
(801)531-8634

Beth Hanlon, MD
24 South 1100 East #304
(801)328-1260

Susan Edwards, MD
2295 Foothill Dr.
(801)486-3021