Disturbing Trends

According to About.com, only about 18 to 49% of gay men disclose their sexual orientation to their health care provider. When I saw that statistic initially, I didn't have much of a problem with it. After all, for the majority of gay men, I suspected that sexuality does not play a huge role in their health. Now, though, I'm not so sure.

For one thing, nondisclosure can have an impact on how HCPs are trained. I can't give any first-hand feedback on this yet, but it makes sense that if, say 18% of gay men disclose their sexuality to their HCP, that's only about 1/5 of a minority. Would that be worth additional training of HCPs in specific counseling or concerns? Objectively, I'd have to say no. But, even if there are, what would such things boil down to? My first (and possibly impulsive) answer has to do with HIV/AIDS and other STDs. This, at least, comes from personal experience; when I had the coming out talk with my parents (keeping following the "my gay story" posts), my dad, who's an HCP himself, really only asked if I was having safe sex. But I've started to learn that there are many more medical concerns for gay men.

According to the American Cancer Society, "[s]ome men who have sex with men may be at special risk for a delayed diagnosis of cancer because they may less often take part in screening programs for cancer." Now, why? The ACS offers several possibilities, including past experiences with homophobic HCPs or medicine, general fear of discrimination, lack of a support system, and, most importantly in my mind, "lack of information about health needs of men who are intimate with other men." Because, really, where's it supposed to come from? Are HCPs supposed to start briefing every man with a higher voice or a limper wrist about MSM health risks?

The ACS offers more: "There are special health guidelines for men who have sex with men, so you should seek care from doctors and nurses who are sensitive to your social situation and respect your privacy. They should also be aware of the extra care you may need. If you are in a relationship, you will want to find health care providers who understand and encourage your partner to be involved in your health care." Which sounds brilliant, really, but also a tad utopian for what usually isn't perfect.

But, really, this is one of the reasons I'm pursuing medicine. There's enough ignorance and misinformation among gay health concerns without homophobic HCPs, am I right?