Health : Getting the Best Health Care for You

Everyone deserves the best health care. Here are a few tips.

1. Find a doctor you can trust.

It can be difficult to find a doctor with who you feel comfortable talking about your sex life. Yet, you need to feel that you can trust your doctor.

When you visit your doctor, ask yourself, “Do I feel…”

…judged?

…like my questions/concerns are welcome?

If your answers cause you concern, it might be time to find a new doctor. GLMA has a searchable list of LGBT-friendly providers.

2. Make sure your doctor is asking the right questions.

Your doctor may ask you questions that seem too personal. It’s important to know by answering these questions, you provide your doctor with information that may help you lower your risk of STDs—including herpes and HIV.

3. Ask questions of your own.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions that are relevant to your life. For example:

• Which HIV and STD test is right for me?
• How safe is douching?

4. Know the basics.

• Use condoms and lube.
• Get tested. Keep in mind that many common STDs have no symptoms. Get tested every three months. Ask your doctor about swabbing your throat and/or your rectum for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Go to this directory of testing locations that’s searchable by zip code.
• Know your status.
• Get treated.  If you notice something different about your body, ignoring symptoms will not make them go away. If you have prescriptions, be sure to take your meds and go to your scheduled appointments.

5. Share information.

Notify your sex partner(s) if you test positive for a STD or HIV.

6. Consider getting vaccinated.

At the very least, you should probably be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. If you’re 26 years old or younger, ask about the HPV vaccine.

7. Consider PrEP.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a HIV prevention method where people who do not have HIV take a daily pill to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Talk to your doctor about PrEP.  The website http://www.preplocator.org helps find doctors prescribing PrEP near you.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

9. Find out more.

Along with A4A’s blog, these are some great resources about how to protect yourself and your sexual partners.

• PrEP Use for HIV Prevention for Gay & Bisexual Men
• The Truth about Condoms
• Hepatitis A Vaccine: What You Need to Know

How would you describe your most recent visits to the doctor’s office?

Stephen Hicks

Health Equity & Capacity Building Manager, NCSD