Best References for Gay Male Health and Wellness

When talk turns to physical health and wellness issues among my family friends and acquaintances, I find that my needs as a lesbian woman vary little from the needs of straight women. My lifestyle, habits and practices do not differ to any great degree from women who are not gay. That said, I’ve made sure my primary care physician and my OBGYN are both aware that I’m gay. There’s no advantage to be gained by hiding that fact from either of them and, quite the contrary, their knowing has proven worthwhile as they both feel comfortable with my wife and comfortable relaying my care information to her.

My male family physician is a carry-over from my “straight” married days. He witnessed my search for my true self and he was helpful and understanding through the process. I’ve stuck with him because I’m comfortable with him and happy with his service. My OBGYN is female. Quite frankly, lesbian or straight, most women prefer a female OBGYN for many reasons and I’m one of them. I was referred to her by a lesbian friend after I came out. I was open with her from the word go and she was both unfazed and supportive, as I was told by my friend that she would be.

It’s important to be open about who you really are with your doctor. It’s equally important that your doctor know the types of sexual activities you engage in and the sorts of things you’ve been exposed to or that you might be at risk for. That’s true whether you’re gay or straight but, when you’re a gay male, it’s especially vital. Finding a physician who understands a gay lifestyle or, at least is gay friendly, and who will take your lifestyle into consideration when advising you about your care and treatment is just as important as finding a physician that you’re comfortable with and who will treat you with respect.

As a gay man, just as important as having an understanding doctor, is knowing all you can about yourself and you own health. Frank Spinelli, MD has written an excellent book titled, The Advocate Guide to Gay Men’s Health and Wellness that covers all of the basics that you really need to know. As a gay man himself, he relates well between the medical world and the gay male lifestyle. His guide gets high marks especially among younger gay men and those newly out of the closet.

For my more advanced gay brothers, there’s the comprehensive, “encyclopedic” even book, Men Like Us : The Gmhc Complete Guide to Gay Men’s Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Well-Being by the team of Daniel Wolf and the New York based Gay Men’s Health Crisis. This book, of course, covers HIV but it also covers much, much more. The book is divided into four parts that cover sex basics, body basics, major medical separately and a combined section on mental health, friendships and spirituality.

Both books would be excellent additions to any health conscious gay males library.