LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Awareness In COVID-19

Navigating LGBTQ Health In The Social Media Era W/ Dr. Marcus Tellez

by : Editor September 18, 2020

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month! 2020 has been quite a year, and while COVID-19 may (or may not) have slowed down some of your sexual experiences, it is still an important topic to address.

Per the World Health Organization (WHO), “Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”

Regardless of one’s personal beliefs about sex, sexual health must be openly discussed, without shame, to prevent the spread of harmful communicable diseases. Addressing sexual health disparities amongst LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals along with the stigmatized perception of sex, is incredibly important to prevent continued negative trends amongst us.

A Lack of Sexual Health Education Contributes to Increased Rates of HIV and STIs for Minorities.

Sex should be a celebration! Unfortunately, in the U.S., the lack sexual health education has impacted sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates and contributed to the highest teen birth rate in the industrialized world. As of 2020, only 29 states require sexual health education; 27 of those include HIV education.

In 2015, 22% of new HIV diagnoses were from youth aged 13-24, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); 81% of those new diagnoses being amongst gay and bisexual men. Particularly among LGBTQ+ youth, this lack of education along with the continued stigma surrounding HIV and STIs hinders future testing, treatment, and prevention.

A Shift in Healthcare

For years, HIV and STIs have disproportionately affected LGBT+ and BIPOC individuals. While we have long known that structural racism and healthcare inequalities have been contributing factors, recently there has been a movement amongst young healthcare providers to become more politically and socially active. As a result, low education rates, a lack of funding for public schools with large minority populations, a subpar healthcare and insurance system, rising drug prices, and underlying racism within the medical community are finally being addressed without fear of “professional” repercussions.

Not only are individual healthcare providers advocating for improved health equality, numerous apps and online programs have emerged for feasible HIV and STI testing, improved PrEP access, and readily available birth control.

Sex and COVID-19

I’ve been asked in the last few months to discuss how to carry on with a safe and healthy sex life during this pandemic. And like most healthcare providers, we do not have clear-cut answers as things are constantly changing. As with sex of any kind, during COVID-19, I feel that it is important for all parties to practice responsible sex, including consent, safety, and acknowledgement of risks/benefits. In June, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene distributed some helpful information regarding safe sex practices:

· You are your safest sex partner. Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex.

· The next safest partner is someone you live with. Having close contact—including sex—with only a small circle of people helps prevent spreading COVID-19. All partners should be consenting.

· You should limit close contact—including sex—with anyone outside your household. If you do have sex with others, have as few partners as possible and pick partners you trust. Talk about COVID-19 risk like you would other safer sex topics (e.g. PrEP, condoms). So ask: do they have symptoms or have they had symptoms in the last 14 days? Have they been diagnosed with COVID-19? People are considered likely no longer infectious if at least 10 days have passed since the day their symptoms started and if they have not had fever for at least three days.

· If you usually meet your sex partners online or make a living by having sex, consider taking a break from in-person dates. Video dates, sexting or chat rooms may be options for you.

Check the (many) links down below to read the full list of recommendations.

PrEP During COVID-19

Again, while COVID-19 may (or may not) have slowed down some of your sexual experiences, as a healthcare provider, I’ve had many patients discontinue (and resume) their PrEP usage because of quarantine. As a reminder, I want to note that HIV PrEP should be taken consistently for 7-10 days to ensure optimal receptive protection during anal intercourse and about 21 days for optimal protection during receptive vaginal intercourse.

Brief Tips

Take responsibility for your own sex practices! Routinely get tested for HIV and other STIs. Whether you have the privilege of health insurance or not, there are now plenty of free testing sites and online testing options. If your cycles are irregular, want to avoid pregnancy, and/or want to ease some of the pain with menstrual cycles, speak to a healthcare provider about birth control. Get the Gardasil vaccine! It is the only vaccine that prevents against cancer, commonly spread sexually by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Whether you’re monogamous, single, or having fun on the weekends, be sure to have an open-ended discussion on consent and status with all of your sexual partners.

As a gay man and healthcare provider, I believe in normalizing sex and taking responsibility for one’s sex life. Below are links with information to help take control of your own sexual health.