There are a couple of really interesting things out on the web this morning regarding men’s sexual health. The first is a study out of Sexually Transmitted Diseases concerning condom use amongst men who have sex with men. The second study, on perceptions of condom fit, comes to us from Sexually Transmitted Infections.
It’s a hard world to be bi in, boys and girls. (For a really fascinating read on being bi in the US, check out Current Research on Bisexuality. Folks generally rank bisexuals lower on the social totem pole than IV drug users.) But, Flores, Bakeman, Millett, and Peterson tell us that men who have sex with men and women (MSM/W) are less likely to have or report unprotected anal sex than men who only have sex with other men (MSM/O). This is despite men who have sex with men and women (MSM/W) reporting lower social support than MSM/O. And, men who have sex with men and women are less likely to be counseled toward getting tested for HIV and what their treatment options are if they do test positive. . Even with all that stacked against them bi men are still making good choices about barrier use. You go, boys!
For those of you not wrapping it up before you dip it, why not? Reece, Herbenick, and Dodge found that found that most men find condoms fit just fine but that many still have the notion that condoms are one size for all. Oh, how untrue, my factory-original brothers! For one thing, there are TheyFits. You measure, they make, it fits. Simple as pie. For another, there are female condoms. These lovely little polyurethane (read “non-latex”) pouches take a bit of getting used to but it’s worth it. They insert into the vagina or anus (which can be done up to two hours ahead so that when you get to the moment, you’re already covered), hold lube like a dream, and warm to body temperature quickly. Plus all the other wide variety of condom brands, styles, fits, colors, flavors, and textures available.
Most health departments, clinics, college health services, and –ahem!- local health educators stock assorted barriers. We have them so you’ll use them, so take advantage of the bounty.