Internet blamed in spread of syphilis among gays

Yahoo ^ | March 11th, 2004 | Jon Hurdle

[missyme]

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The Internet has played a significant role in the latest increase in cases of syphilis among gay men by introducing partners more likely to practice high-risk sex, according to a study released on Wednesday.

About 22 percent of homosexual men diagnosed with early stage syphilis reported meeting one or more of their sexual partners through the Internet around the time they were infected, said the study by the Los Angeles Health Department.

Researchers at a national conference in Philadelphia on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases also said they found gays who used the Web to meet sex partners were almost four times as likely to have anonymous sex than non-Internet users. They were also more than twice as likely to use injected drugs as those who found partners more traditionally.

Of gay men who met their partners online, 67 percent were HIV positive, according to the study.

"The Internet is an important venue for conducting STD/HIV prevention and control," said Dr. Getahun Aynalem, an author of the Los Angeles Health Department study.

"Potential public health prevention and control efforts should include interventions like online outreach."

The Internet was one of a number of factors contributing to the rise in syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases among gay men, Aynalem said. Other contributors included the increasing use of the recreational drug crystal methamphetamine and the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra.

Nationally, the incidence of reported syphilis has increased by 18 percent in the last three years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For male homosexuals it has multiplied 12-fold.

Between 1999 and 2003, the proportion of all U.S. syphilis cases among gay men jumped to 60 percent from 5 percent.

The Los Angeles research found that men who went online to find sex partners were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than those who found partners elsewhere. For example, of those who said they were the dominant partner in anal sex, 91 percent were Internet users compared with 80 percent who were non-browsers.

The Web can also help control the spread of STDs, researchers said. Online, partners can be notified of a person's sexual history and chat rooms where health counselors can discuss STD prevention and control can be set up.

[sam_whiskey]

Riiight...THE INTERNET caused it. Heaven forbid people take personal responsibility for anything in this country.

[taxesareforever]

Isn't that like saying that circulars are responsible for people getting fat? Nobody is held accountable anymore. There is an excuse or reason for everything, even if someone has to dream one up. However, normally, there is a thing called "government grant" that pays for studies like these. A result is required no matter how stupid.

[concentric circles]

I've just about gone blind a few times while spending too much time on Free Republic. Does that mean I'm gay?

[GeronL]

Wait. I use the internet. I'm using the internet right now! eeewwwwww!!! Who can I sue??

Should I be wearing latex gloves???

[LADY J]

"I've just about gone blind a few times while spending too much time on Free Republic. Does that mean I'm gay?"

No - but I'll bet you're really happy!

[MonroeDNA]

Pens are responsible for writer's cramp.

On another note, I thought it was gay but sex.

[little jeremiah]

Homosexual Agenda Ping.

Wow, what shocking, surprising news!! Who would have thought it?

Let me know if anyone wants on/off this ping list.

[farmfriend]

There was a thread about computers being dirtier than toilets but now I can't find it.

[Clinging Bitterly]

No worries, I run Live Update automatically and my anti-virus is always up to date < /sheesh >.

[bethelgrad]

"I've just about gone blind a few times"


Come on now, let's keep it clean here folks.

[quantim]

Look out! SUV's are next....

[missyme]

Gays have STD's cause there meeting other Gays in person engaging in filth. The Internet is there version of the local gay bar..I guess.

[CzarNicky]

'Of gay men who met their partners online, 67 percent were HIV positive, according to the study. '

Chlorine in the gene pool I think.

[Joe Bfstplk]

C'mon, now. Everybody knows it's Bush's fault.

[weegee]

Possible cause identified: Your computer is dirtier than a toilet

[writer33]

"Of gay men who met their partners online, 67 percent were HIV positive, according to the study."

Yes, you should be wearing latex gloves. 67% of the time. HA!

[weegee]

Riiight...THE INTERNET caused it. Heaven forbid people take personal responsibility for anything in this country.

Well a Kerry spokesman blamed the profanity on his website on a "virus"...

Kerry’s Web site keeps FCC on the run (Profanity blamed on a "virus").

[weegee]

The Internet is there version of the local gay bar..

Or the bathroom at any city park.

[sam_whiskey]

Good catch...