'Crystal Meth' Use Boosts STD Rates Among Gay Men

Yahoo News ^ | 3/11/04 | Randy Dotinga

[Libloather]

Experts fear the AIDS epidemic is growing worse because gay men are abandoning safer sex practices, possibly because of "condom fatigue"...

That $15 billion maybe better spent on ways to build a stronger condom...

[ahayes]

In recent months, community activists and researchers have focused on the role of crystal meth, also known as "crystal" or "meth." The drug heightens sensations of all types, making it a popular drug to take before intercourse. According to researchers, the drug seems to be especially popular among men who engage in unprotected anal sex, Valdisseri said.

Bad authors. So does taking meth increase the occurance of risky sex, or are people incautious enough to take illegal drugs more likely to be incautious in sex as well?

[Trillian]

I think this problem can be solved with fire, and lots of it.

[gcruse]

I had trouble seeing the meth/STD connection, myself. Viagra is probably more likely to increase sexual frequency. Increasing sensitivity doesn't do much for recycling time. But then again, anything that feeds the WOD paranoia will be trotted out sooner or later.

[CzarNicky]

I think the problem is solving itself.

[Helms]

As VCR's are replaced by DVD, the buzz drug of choice is replaced by a new "head cleaner"( apparently meth).

[robertpaulsen]

Or could it be people incautious enough to engage in anonymous sex are more likely to be incautious to take illegal drugs as well?

Especially drugs that heighten sensations?

[SendShaqtoIraq]

"'Crystal Meth' Use Boosts STD Rates Among Gay Men"

Uh, NO. GAY SEX boosts STD rates among gay men.

[theFIRMbss]

>I think the problem is solving itself

Is it? CDC numbers tell a strange story. More sick folks, less deaths. To my eyes, it looks like drugs make it possible for the sick people to stay active, both in sex and in politics. So, death rates go down, but every year more people live with the disease and complications . . .

[joesnuffy]

Mexican 'Red' Crystal Meth.....the narco terrorists favorite drug.....coming across a southern border near you...distributed by those 'guest workers' dealing drugs American drug dealers
dont want to...

[Jeff Chandler]

condom fatigue

Metal fatique results from repeated use, but condom fatigue?! I don't even want to know.

[VOA]

"'Crystal Meth' Use Boosts STD Rates Among Gay Men"

Yeah, and the Internet is responsible for the increase of syphilis among gays:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1095929/posts

Seeing how these folks can find evil motives in inanimate objects (methamphetamine,
the Internet), I guess it's really no suprise as they think firearms have evil intentions
that will always eventually overtake the minds of their owners.

[robertpaulsen]

"I had trouble seeing the meth/STD connection, myself."

I remember years ago it was Amyl Nitrate (poppers) that was used to heighten sensations.

Seems to me that's the goal, rather than a short "recycle" time.

[gcruse]

I agree. But I don't see heightened sensations increasing the incidence of STDs. I see increased sexual contact as doing that. Something that increases stamina, such as Viagra, would do a better job.

Since meth and the internet are getting blame for this, it can't be long before the culprit maxima of our times joins the fray, ie, the ubiquitous SUV.

[weegee]

They really need to prohibit internet usage and illegal drugs sales at bath houses.

[weegee]

So does taking meth increase the occurance of risky sex, or are people incautious enough to take illegal drugs more likely to be incautious in sex as well?

Now you are just blaming the victim. They can't help these desires.

[pending]

This is common sense, an expected result.

The goal is to lose inhibitions. To alter reality, which could involve emotional, ethical, moral, common sense concerns.
In this case there is also the decidedly non-PC aspects of the self-loathing and guilt at desiring unnatural acts for pleasure.

This always present underlying conflict is a big part of the drive for "marriage" and acceptance as "normal",
towards a vain hope that this feeling will go away because it is sourced from "society's pressure" and "judgements" rather than from a personal problem.

These pressures are constant, a barrage of conflicting info, from "being born this way" to "learned', to the result of "psychic scars".

I would expect to see similar results related to alcohol, all the way through all "recreational" drugs, if it were studied.

Most folks in jail are there as a result of alcohol induced stupidity.

This is not exactly cause and effect, and should not be seen as that.

It is in a sense of a gaurantee... if you volunteer to be out of your mind...you will be out of your mind.

The person with the self discipline to not go do these things will clearly not take stupid risks.

[VOA]

They really need to prohibit internet usage and illegal drugs sales at bath houses.

Or subsidize them. That might just take care of the problems in a decade or so.

[chachacha]

Ahhhhh! Progress!

[KantianBurke]

sounds like a good idea Dr. Hibberd :>