The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently been reporting a record increase in cases of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea—after these diseases had been on the decline for several previous years. HIV infections continue to increase as well, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM).  Even worse, catching both HIV and one or more STDs can lead to particularly rapid and damaging health outcomes.

As a result, health experts across the country (including here at the Pitt Men’s Study) recommend that all sexually active men get a full screening for STD, especially HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis.

To find testing near you, go to the CDC’s testing locator and enter your zip code to find local free testing. The best way to protect your health is to get tested.

About Health Alerts…

Men who have sex with men (MSM) often face dangerous and widespread health issues, many of which are ignored by the local media. As a response, the Pitt Men’s Study and the HIV Prevention and Care Project provide free Health Alert bulletins to the community via an email list service.

Health Alerts are backed by 25 years of experience (through the Pitt Men’s Study medical staff) in working with a diverse group of MSM. Individuals interested in subscribing to the service can send an email to PMS@stophiv.pitt.edu with the word subscribe in the subject line. You will then receive a confirmation message to verify your email address. Members can unsubscribe at any time, and email addresses will be kept private and confidential.

A sample of previous Health Alerts listed on the Pitt Men’s Study Website:

• Syphilis on the rise again in PA – December 2015
• New study finds zero new HIV infections among PrEP users – September 2015
• Gonorrhea rising among gay and bi men – August 2015
• H.I.V. treatment should start at diagnosis, U.S. health officials say – May 2015
• 11 bad habits killing LGBT people – April 2015
• New study shows gay and bi men twice as likely to get skin cancer – March 2015
• Syphilis is like the canary in the coal mine for HIV – December 2014
• Syphilis infections among gay and bi men growing at an alarming rate – November 2014
• The treatment cascade in the United States – overall picture for gay men is poor – October 2014
• Hookups via Apps (like Grindr and Scruff) increase risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea – July 2014
• HIV associated with increased risk of melanoma – May 7 2014
• Being out to your doctor is important for your overall health – March 20 2014
• Sharp increase in rates of unprotected sex among gay and bi men – December 18 2013
• HIV associated with increased risk of melanoma – May 7 2014
• Being out to your doctor is important for your overall health – March 20 2014
• Sharp increase in rates of unprotected sex among gay and bi men – December 18 2013
• Health issues for gay men: Prevention first – October 16 2013
• HIV still and epidemic among men who have sex with men – August 9 2013
• Meningococcal meningitis – June 4 2013
• Expanded meningococcal vaccination recommendation to MSM – April 3 2013
• Grindr users engaged in risky habits despite safer sex knowledge – February 13 2013
• Research supports high-dose flu vaccine for people with HIV – January 3, 2013
• Syphilis rates increasing among gay and bisexual men – December 14, 2012
• Allegheny County health director urges flu vaccinations – December 6, 2012
• CDC highlights the importance of HIV testing among youth – November 28, 2012
• Is oral sex safe? – September 24, 2012
• Gay men at risk for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea – February 24, 2012
• Shigella – January 17, 2012
• Syphilis Rates on the Rise for Young Black Gay Men – November 28, 2011
• Hepatitis C surpasses HIV in U.S. – November 15, 2011