LGBTQ Health: Gay and Bisexual Men
Gay and bisexual men have similar health concerns as men who are not gay or bisexual. For example, all men should:
- Maintain a healthy diet and body weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Follow healthy habits, such as getting regular health screenings.
Gay and bisexual men are at a higher risk for poor health outcomes. For example, they have higher rates of:
- Recreational drug use.
- HIV infection.
- Anal cancer.
The following resources cover health issues that affect gay and bisexual men.
Resources
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Gay and Bisexual Men—Health information for gay and bisexual men
- Top Ten Things Gay Men Should Discuss with Their Healthcare Provider—Key topics to discuss between patients and healthcare providers
- Behavioral Health Treatment Facility Locator—Tool to find a substance use or mental health treatment facility near you
- Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health: Substance Use—Information about substance use
- Substance Use and SUDs in LGBTQ Populations—Information on substance use within the LGBTQ population
- National Helpline–Free 24/7 service for mental health and/or substance use treatment services. Available in English and Spanish. Call 800-662-4357.
- Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline—Free 24/7 service for substance use treatment and recovery services. Call 211.
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men—Information about cancer risk, prevention, and detection
- National LGBT Cancer Network—Information about cancer risks and an online screening reminder
- National LGBT Cancer Project—LGBTQ group that supports and advocates for cancer survivors
- CDC: HIV Information—General information about HIV
- Health Resources and Services Administration Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program— Information about the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
- Vivent Health—AIDS programs in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin HIV Program—Information about HIV in Wisconsin
- Depression in the LGBT Population—Depression among LGBTQ community members
- LGBTQ Crisis Line—Information about the Trevor Project, which offers 24/7 support. Toll-free hotline: 866-488-7386
- Mental Health and the LGBTQ Community (PDF)—Fact sheet about mental health and the LGBTQ community
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—Free, 24/7 support service for people in stressful situations. This includes thoughts of suicide, mental health concerns, or substance abuse issues. Call or text 988
- Understanding Anxiety and Depression for LGBTQ People—Information and support about anxiety and depression among LGBTQ people
- Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) Suicide Prevention—Information about suicide prevention in Wisconsin
- Men and HPV Fact Sheet—Information about HPV among men
- Health Issues for Gay Men and Men Who Have Sex with Men—Overview of key health issues for men who have sex with men
- PrEP—Overview of PrEP
- PrEP Resources in Wisconsin—Information about PrEP and Wisconsin PrEP providers
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Men Who Have Sex with Men—Resources about syphilis. These include diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- CDC: Tips from Former Smokers—Stories of LGBTQ people struggling with smoking-related conditions
- Smokefree.gov—Resource to help you or someone you care about quit smoking
- Tobacco Use in LGBTQ Communities—Fact sheet on tobacco use in the LGBTQ community
- Northwest Network—Support for abuse and violence victims
- StopBullying.gov—Resources for stopping and preventing bullying