TY - JOUR
T1 - A Pilot Study of HIV/STI Risk among Men Having Sex with Men Using Erectile Dysfunction Medications
T2 - Challenges and Opportunities for Sexual Medicine Physicians
AU - Goltz, Heather Honoré
AU - Coon, David
AU - Catania, Joseph A.
AU - Latini, David M.
N1 - Funding Information:
Funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health—R21 AG20419 (Coon) and supported in part by the Houston VA HSR&D Center of Excellence (HFP90‐020) and a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health—K12‐DK08301 (Lamb). The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Baylor College of Medicine, or NIDDK.
PY - 2012/12
Y1 - 2012/12
N2 - Introduction. A growing literature suggests relationships between erectile dysfunction medications (EDM) and riskier sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Questions remain concerning EDM use and related HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) risk among older MSM, particularly those 40 years and over, for whom EDM may be medically warranted. Aim. This exploratory pilot study explores the relationship between EDM and risky sexual behavior in a convenience sample of MSM using EDM and attending historic sex-on-premises venues. Methods. We examined anonymous surveys from 139 MSM. Bivariate relationships were examined. We then fit a multiple logistic regression model to determine predictors of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) at last EDM, using variables identified as being significantly related to UAI in the bivariate analyses. Potential predictors entered the model in a stepwise fashion. Main Outcome Measures. The primary outcome measure was engaging in UAI at last EDM use. Results. MSM participating in the study ranged from 27 to 77 years and averaged 52.0 years (standard deviation=10.73 years). These participants were primarily older MSM; fewer were younger MSM (12.12%), under age 40. Participants reporting UAI at last EDM use (N=41) were significantly younger (P<0.01). Men visiting bars within the last 6 months reported less UAI (P<0.01). Both variables were independent predictors of UAI in the logistic regression model (P<0.01). Conclusions. Similar to reports from younger MSM, our findings suggest older MSM using EDM and reporting UAI are also recreational drug users. We include recommendations for urologists and other sexual medicine physicians treating MSM who may be at elevated risk for HIV/STI infection because of joint EDM and club drug use. Goltz HH, Coon DW, Catania JA, and Latini DM. A pilot study of HIV/STI risk among men having sex with men using erectile dysfunction medications: Challenges and opportunities for sexual medicine physicians.
AB - Introduction. A growing literature suggests relationships between erectile dysfunction medications (EDM) and riskier sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Questions remain concerning EDM use and related HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) risk among older MSM, particularly those 40 years and over, for whom EDM may be medically warranted. Aim. This exploratory pilot study explores the relationship between EDM and risky sexual behavior in a convenience sample of MSM using EDM and attending historic sex-on-premises venues. Methods. We examined anonymous surveys from 139 MSM. Bivariate relationships were examined. We then fit a multiple logistic regression model to determine predictors of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) at last EDM, using variables identified as being significantly related to UAI in the bivariate analyses. Potential predictors entered the model in a stepwise fashion. Main Outcome Measures. The primary outcome measure was engaging in UAI at last EDM use. Results. MSM participating in the study ranged from 27 to 77 years and averaged 52.0 years (standard deviation=10.73 years). These participants were primarily older MSM; fewer were younger MSM (12.12%), under age 40. Participants reporting UAI at last EDM use (N=41) were significantly younger (P<0.01). Men visiting bars within the last 6 months reported less UAI (P<0.01). Both variables were independent predictors of UAI in the logistic regression model (P<0.01). Conclusions. Similar to reports from younger MSM, our findings suggest older MSM using EDM and reporting UAI are also recreational drug users. We include recommendations for urologists and other sexual medicine physicians treating MSM who may be at elevated risk for HIV/STI infection because of joint EDM and club drug use. Goltz HH, Coon DW, Catania JA, and Latini DM. A pilot study of HIV/STI risk among men having sex with men using erectile dysfunction medications: Challenges and opportunities for sexual medicine physicians.
KW - Erectile dysfunction medications
KW - HIV/STI risk behavior
KW - MSM
KW - Recreational ED drug use
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U2 - 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02943.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02943.x
M3 - Article
C2 - 23035896
AN - SCOPUS:84870616613
SN - 1743-6095
VL - 9
SP - 3189
EP - 3197
JO - Journal of Sexual Medicine
JF - Journal of Sexual Medicine
IS - 12
ER -