SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN

Abstract

Men who have sex with men are a diverse population, defined by gender and type of sexual practices, encompassing men with different sexual orientations. The authors conducted a review of epidemiologic , etiopathogenic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases in this population which include human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, gonorrhea, lymphogranuloma venereum, sexually transmitted enteric infections, human papilloma virus, herpes virus or human hepatitis B.

Improvements in health of men who have sex with men may be accomplished by gathering a complete sexual history in order to identify this population or in the evaluation of risk factors for acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. Recently published guidelines made changes in medical treatments, which vary according to the clinical syndrome presented and it´s causative agent.

The recognition of this population and their specificities can improve their access to health care and prevent epidemiological spreads of some of the diseases lectured.