Currently,monkeypoxThe virus is still breaking out in many countries. Numerous media and health agencies had previously reported that monkeypox was mainly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, but new research has found that this is not the case. It is likely that the primary mode of transmission of this monkeypox epidemic is sexual transmission.
New discovery:monkeypoxIt spreads mainly through sexual activity
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) counted cases of monkeypox in 16 countries and found that 98% of patients were gay or bisexual men.The study states that 95% of cases are suspected of being sexually transmitted.[1]。
The UK Health Safety Agency also said gay and bisexual men, particularly those who have sex with most partners, are currently at increased risk of monkeypox infection.[2]。
There is also some evidence that this wave of monkeypox may have been transmitted primarily through sexual activity. First, the clearest evidence is that monkeypox infection can cause symptoms similar to those of an STD.
A study in The BMJ looked at the common symptoms of monkeypox and found that 100% of patients had mucocutaneous lesions. Alarmingly, in addition to the usual systemic symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches, a large percentage of patients developed rectal pain, penile edema and oral lesions, all common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases[3]。
Second, some monkeypox patients also suffer from other sexually transmitted diseases.
For instance. A 40-year-old German man went to the doctor with red spots on his nose and was diagnosed with sunburn, according to the medical journal Journal of Infection. Three days later, his condition worsened dramatically: the wound in his nose had darkened and his skin necrotic, leaving painful, swollen knots behind; and pustules of white liquid appeared all over the body, especially on the lower body and around the mouth. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with a monkeypox infection through the nucleic acid test.
The patient had never been tested for sexually transmitted diseases before and in subsequent related tests, the doctors found that the patient had it too.AIDS[4]。
Statistics show that 35.5% of monkeypox patients are infectedAIDS. About a third of monkeypox patients also have other sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, trachoma, herpes, and syphilis.
Monkeypox and HIV share the same high-risk group
Indeed, sexual minorities are actually exposed to greater health risks.
As previously mentioned, more than a third of monkeypox sufferers also suffer from AIDS – and AIDS is also a huge threat.
According to CDC statistics, in 2020 the main route of HIV infection is also MSM, which accounts for 68%[5]。
Another high risk group for HIV are transgender women. Transgender women are 49 times more likely to have or live with HIV[6]. This could be because some conversion surgeries impact the body’s immune system, making people more vulnerable to the virus.
There are many people who have questioned that raising these phenomena would result in discrimination against sexual minorities. But in fact, only by objectively understanding these potential health risks can the public know how to best protect their health, which is responsible for public health.
We have an obligation to remind the public, especially young people, of these risks, just as we remind children of the importance of washing their hands before meals.
Men who have sex with men are at a higher risk for these diseases
In addition to monkeypox and HIV, there are some diseases that are also at a higher risk of transmission among men who have sex with men.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
There are many types of HPV, some of which are difficult to cure. Although there are now drugs and vaccines to control it, protection rates are limited and there is no magic bullet.
It is common for people with HIV to have HPV at the same time. Among gay men, 95% of HIV-positive men and 65% of HIV-negative men both have anal HPV[7]。
Statistics also found that HIV-negative men who have sex with men are also more likely to be infected with HPV than women.[8]。
hepatitis
Furthermore, hepatitis is a disease worthy of attention. According to the CDC, about 20% of hepatitis B infections in the United States each year are men who have sex with men. The CDC warns that men who have sex with men have a higher risk of hepatitis A and B infection and should be vaccinated[9]。
gonorrhea and syphilis
In addition to this, men who have sex with men also have a higher risk of developing gonorrhea and syphilis, two diseases whose risk of transmission increases dramatically when mucous membranes are damaged.
According to statistics, the number of people who have sex with men is significantly more infected with syphilis each year than the rest of the population, and the number is still increasing.[10]。
anal cancer
Anal cancer is also a big risk for men who have sex with men that require more attention.According to statistics, men who have sex with men with HIV are also at an increased risk of anal cancer.[11]。
Gays have mental health risks
In addition to gay men, lesbians also have health risks that require special attention, including cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, high blood pressure, HIV, mental health problems, and substance abuse.[12]。
Among them, seriousmental diseaseit’s a common problem. According to the survey statistics, up to 75% of lesbians received psychological counseling in the past year and 50% were unable to complete daily activities due to psychological problems in the past year. More than 33% of lesbians have problems with depression and 21% are suicidal[13]。
And psychological problems can exacerbate other health risks, such as smoking, alcoholism, and drug abuse. On the other hand, psychological problems can also cause patients not to cooperate in time with the treatment of other diseases, resulting in the deterioration of diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
Is sexual orientation genetically determined?
The mental and physical health problems of sexual minorities are more serious than the public realizes. Many sexually transmitted diseases or mental problems can accompany you throughout your life.
Some teens feel confused about their sexuality and make choices and behaviors without knowing the risks they run.
Only by addressing these issues and telling people about these risks truthfully can we truly respect people’s lives. From this point of view, adolescent health and safety education is still lacking.
So what exactly determines a person’s sexual orientation?
There are many people who believe that sexual orientation is an uncontrollable factor determined by genes. But a report in Science magazine takes a different view.
The report analyzed three studies and found that although there are five chromosomal loci in people’s genes associated with sexual orientation, there is no single gene capable of determining human sexual orientation, and there is no evidence to show that the A person’s sexual orientation is determined by a specific set of genes[14]。
Furthermore, in many cases, the choices, habits and behaviors acquired by people can also influence gene expression. It is undeniable that a person’s sexual orientation can also be influenced by the day after tomorrow, perhaps to some extent it can be chosen by the person’s will.
Furthermore, a person’s sexual orientation is determined by more complex factors than simple innate genes. There are many media reports that ignore this, as well as ignore the enormous health risks facing the gay community.
For the general public, especially teenagers, it is important to understand the corresponding dangers before making important life choices. Therefore, the media have an obligation to objectively report the health risks to which sexual minorities are exposed.
Living in a chaotic world, with a healthy mind, just seeHealth 1 + 1！
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Responsible editor: Li Qingfeng ◇
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