Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: Experiences with Diagnosis, Treatment, and Reinfection

Brian A. Feinstein, Trey V. Dellucci, Simon Graham, Jeffrey T. Parsons, Brian Mustanski*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), little is known about their experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and reinfection. To fill this gap, we interviewed 17 YMSM ages 18–29 who participated in an online HIV prevention trial and tested positive for STIs at both the baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. Participants were asked about their reactions to testing positive, experiences with treatment, disclosure to partners, and changes in thinking and behavior. Reactions were diverse, the most common being surprise and concern. Most participants sought treatment, although type of provider varied (e.g., primary care physician, clinic that specialized in gay/bisexual men’s health). Providers tended to retest participants, but some did so at the incorrect anatomical site. Participants who felt comfortable talking to providers about STIs tended to use their regular provider or one who specialized in gay/bisexual men’s health. Most participants described changes in their thinking and behavior (e.g., increased condom use, fewer sex partners, questioning whether or not they could trust their partners). Most participants disclosed to at least one partner, but some did not remember or were not in contact with partners. Experiences were similar the first and second time participants tested positive for STIs during the study with a few exceptions (e.g., more self-blame and comfort talking to providers the second time). In sum, YMSM have diverse experiences with STI diagnosis and treatment. Implications for public policy and STI prevention are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)172-182
Number of pages11
JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2018

Funding

Funding Information This study was funded by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health (R01DA035145 and R01DA035145-02S1). Brian A. Feinstein’s time was also supported by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (F32DA042708). Simon Graham was funded by an Australian-American Fulbright postdoctoral scholarship, a McKenzie postdoctoral fellowship, and the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Melbourne, Australia. The content of this article is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the funding agencies. The authors thank the participants for their contributions and the CDC Division of STD Prevention Laboratory for performing the STI testing.

Keywords

  • Diagnosis
  • Reinfection
  • Sexually transmitted infection
  • Treatment
  • Young men who have sex with men

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Health(social science)
  • Sociology and Political Science

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