Currently,monkeypoxThe virus is still breaking out in many countries. Numerous media and health agencies had earlier reported that monkeypox was mainly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, but new research has found that this is not the case. The main mode of transmission of this monkeypox epidemic is likely to be sexual transmission.
New discovery:monkeypoxMainly spread through sexual activity
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) counted monkeypox cases in 16 countries and found that 98 percent of the patients were gay or bisexual men.Study says 95% of cases are suspected of being sexually transmitted[1]。
The UK Health Security Agency also said gay and bisexual men, especially those who have sex with most partners, are currently at greatest 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 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 pains, a large proportion of patients developed rectal pain, penile edema and oral lesions – all common STD symptoms[3]。
Secondly, some monkeypox patients also suffer from other sexually transmitted diseases.
for example. 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 deteriorated dramatically: the nose wound had darkened and necrotic skin, leaving behind painful, swollen knots; and pustules of white fluid appeared all over his body—especially on his lower body and around his mouth. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with monkeypox infection through nucleic acid testing.
The patient had never been tested for sexually transmitted diseases before, and in subsequent related tests, doctors found that the patient also hadAIDS[4]。
Statistics show that 35.5% of monkeypox patients are infected withAIDS. About one-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
In fact, sexual minorities are indeed exposed to greater health risks.
As mentioned earlier, more than one-third of monkeypox patients 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, accounting for 68%[5]。
Another high-risk group for HIV is transgender women.Transgender women are 49 times more likely to have or live with HIV[6]. This may be because some conversion surgeries have an impact on the body’s immune system, making people more vulnerable to the virus.
There are many people who 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 better protect their own health, which is responsible for public health.
We have an obligation to remind the public, especially young people, of these risks – just like reminding children of the importance of washing their hands before meals.
Men who have sex with men are at higher risk for these diseases
In addition to monkeypox and HIV, there are certain diseases that are also at higher risk of transmission among men who have sex with men.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
There are many types of HPV, some of which are difficult to cure. While 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 and 65% of HIV-negative men have both anal HPV[7]。
Statistics also found that even HIV-negative men who have sex with men are more likely to be infected with HPV than women[8]。
hepatitis
In addition, hepatitis is a disease worthy of vigilance. According to the CDC, about 20% of the hepatitis B infections in the United States each year are men who have sex with men. CDC warns that men who have sex with men have higher risk of hepatitis A and B infection, and need to 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 transmission risk is greatly increased when the 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 requires extra attention.Men who have sex with men with HIV are also at the greatest risk of anal cancer, according to statistics[11]。
Gay people 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 illnessis a common problem. According to questionnaire statistics, up to 75% of lesbians have received psychological counseling in the past year, and 50% have been unable to complete daily activities due to psychological problems in the past year.More than 33% of lesbians have depression problems 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 may also cause patients to fail to cooperate with the treatment of other diseases on time, 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 face.
Only by facing up to these problems and telling people these risks truthfully can we truly respect people’s lives. From this point of view, health and safety education for adolescents 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 the journal Science takes a different view.
The report analyzed three studies and found that although there are five chromosomal loci in people’s genes that are associated with sexual orientation, there is no single gene that can determine human sexual orientation — and there is no evidence that Prove that a person’s sexual orientation is determined by a specific set of genes[14]。
Moreover, in many cases, people’s acquired choices, habits, and behaviors may also affect gene expression. It is undeniable that a person’s sexual orientation may also be influenced by the day after tomorrow, perhaps to a certain extent, it can be chosen by the will of the person.
Furthermore, a person’s sexual orientation is determined by more complex factors, not simply determined by innate genes. There are many media reports that ignore this, just as they also ignore the huge health risks facing the gay community.
For the general public, especially teenagers, it is important to understand the corresponding dangers before making major life choices. Therefore, the media has an obligation to objectively report the health risks faced by sexual minorities.
Living in a chaotic world, with a healthy mind, just seeHealth 1+1！
· Nipah virus high fatality rate expert warns of next pandemic threat
· Experts on monkeypox outbreaks in Europe and the United States: it may spread through a new way
· Virus brings terrible mental illness?4 reasons why psychiatrists
Responsible editor: Li Qingfeng◇