Monkey Pox is not a sexually transmitted infection. Misinformation has undermined public health efforts, and has hit the LGBTQ+ community hard.
Health Officials around the world are struggling to raise awareness about the virus, sadly, too little too late. The LGBTQ+ community has already been stigmatised and Monkey Pox has been filtered through the gay community as a sexually transmitted infection.
Monkey Pox has been around since the 1970’s and was not regarded as a sexually transmitted infection.
The global case counts hovered at around 26 000 infections in 80 countries. In July 2022, the World Health Organisation “recommended that gay and bisexual men limit their numbers of sexual partners to protect themselves from monkey and slow the the rate of transmission” – we find that deplorable.
Sexual contact is NOT the only way that this virus is spread. Close contact, via unwashed clothes and linen, working with infected animals (hunting etc) and self limiting outbreaks within a household.
The primary spread is human to human. Via direct contact with infectious sores, bodily fluids and respiratory secretions, like any face to face infections.
Scientists have yet do discover if the virus is spread via semen or vaginal fluids, evidence exists that the virus DNA is found in semen. Some experts say that although sex is a perfect conduit for monkey pox to be transmitted, the virus in NOT exclusively a sexually transmitted disease, therefor cannot be deemed a sexually transmitted disease. That is it is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it is a disease that can be transmitted through sexual contact. That goes for herpes, HPV and syphilis which are not exclusively transmittable through sexual behaviour but also contracted through skin to skin contact.
Therefor. Deeming it a sexually transmitted disease, is very misleading.
It is important that we as sexual health service providers are accurately informed. We have an enormous role to play in the LGBTQ+ community. We are here to keep our customers informed and offer a safe haven to shop and discuss any level of intimate health issues.
WHO has targeted MSM and put the agency at odds with health officials and activists who have insisted on a sex positive approach. Or one that does not blame the outbreak on the sexual behaviour of gay men.
Conversely, underplaying the risk of sexual transmission from monkeypox could inadvertently overplay the risk from other modes of exposure.
Directing resources away from those who need them most and likely propagating the very stigma health officials have sought to avoid via unfounded fears of contagion from gay and bisexual men.
As with all adult and sexual behaviour, we have a social responsibility to educate ourselves. To be aware.
We cannot suddenly now scurry around looking for condoms and or suddenly decide to practise safe sex?
To practise safe sex is each persons responsibility, regardless of sexual orientation.
We came through HIV being a, “Gay Disease” , despite the MRSA strain was already being transmitted via asexual contact and locker rooms. Rather, gay men were singled out as the perpetuators of this disease.
Be Wise and Condom Up
We have come through so much in terms of health issues and lockdowns and we slammed our way through HIV, by educating our peers, taking responsibility for our personal sexuality and sexual conduct.
We are not here to judge or to say what is wrong or right.
But we are here to advise you on sexual safety. Protection is by far better than cure.
Educate yourself. Be socially aware and keep informed. Prevention is better than Cure.
