Need Free STD Testing?

The Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project is a community-focused research project on men’s health. Our goal is to improve men’s health by better understanding sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates and sexual behaviors of 17-24 year old males in Bloomington communities. The Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project’s community and campus outreach focus means that results can directly inform and improve public health screening and prevention programs for adolescent boys.

Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project staff will work with community members to identify Monroe County locations for screening. At each community location, men 17-24 years old will be approached and informed of the project, and, if interested, enrolled. They will sign a consent form, take a brief survey on a tablet computer, give a specimen for STD testing, and provide contact information for results. The S.T.R.O.N.G. Project will test for three common STDs: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas. All participants will be called with results. Any men with positive STD tests will be referred for treatment, and Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project staff will help with this referral. At the conclusion of the project, results from the Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project will be provided to collaborating community organizations.

What is it called the Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project?

S.T.R.O.N.G. stands for Sexually TRansmitted infections Occurring in our NeiGhborhoods. The S.T.R.O.N.G. project would like to strengthen men’s health through STD screening and referrals to treatment.

Who can participate in the Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project?

Men between the ages 17-24 years old can participate. Parental permission is not required – young men can sign their own consent form. Participation is voluntary.

Why is the study being done?

The project is being done to find out the rates of 3 common STI’s among young men 17-24 years old at community locations in Monroe County and to find relationships between populations and STI rates. The information will be used to strengthen screening and prevention programs for college age men.

What are the benefits to men?

All Participants will receive free STD testing and a $20 gift card. Participants testing positive for an STD will receive counseling information and a referral for STD treatment.

How long will the project take?

The project takes about 25 minutes.

Is the project safe?

The Bloomington Men S.T.R.O.N.G. Project has been approved by the Indiana University Institutional Review Board. The project has special protections for privacy and confidentiality (for example, password protection and encryption of data, using study numbers instead of names, and not sharing an individual’s information). If a participant feels uncomfortable answering questions, they can choose not to answer that question or to stop. If a man needs help, Project staff will refer to an appropriate community provider. All participant information and involvement is kept confidential.

What are the benefits to community and campus organizations?

There are several benefits:

· The S.T.R.O.N.G. project will provide project results back to community organizations to be used for grants, education, and program planning.

· The S.T.R.O.N.G. project will help familiarize and inform men of the community to aspects of sexual health and available resources.

Who is responsible for the study?

This principal investigator is Dr. Mary A. Ott from the Section of Adolescent Medicine in the Indiana University School of Medicine (317-274-8812/ maott@iupui.edu).

How do I get more information about the S.T.R.O.N.G. Project?

Call: (812) 266-1978 or (812) 266-1983

Email: bloomingtonstrong@gmail.com

Illumenation

Come Out. Have Fun. Get Turned On.

September 14th, 2011 7-10pm

Illumenate

333 East Miller Drive

Bloomington, IN 47401

This is a fun and safe environment to make new friends and to discuss sex, relationships, friendships & a lot more! We will provide the education, fun, FREE FOOD, and a free T-shirt...you bring yourself!

Questions? Contact Patrick at pbattani@iuhealth.org or 812/3533276

Why do men love boobs?

Dear Concerned,

Querido, that’s like asking “How many licks does it take to get to the center of tootsie roll pop?”  “The world may never know!”   However, here is one explanation.

Thanks for the “Mammary’s”,

Argenta

Not all men have penises. Statements like, “I know that men do not have vaginas” makes me feel sad and erased. ): just sayin’…would be nice if your language was more trans inclusive.”

Dear Sad,

The article in question is Bad Bottoms and not an Ask Argenta post.  However, I do want to address this issue.  The phrasing that was used “I know that men do not have vaginas” was used to illustrate a point.  Prior to that statement the article talked about the use of feminine hygiene products for anal cleanliness. It was a statement that was used to bridge the two discussions. 

It is not in any way intended to single out or erase the transgender community.  We would love to have someone write for the Illumenate blog about Transgender issues, if you are interested please email illumenate.

With that said, I would like everyone to remember one thing.  One of our ground rule here at Illumenate is to speak from our own experience and to try not generalizing for the whole community.  If you have a story to tell or something to say from your experience, the Men of Illumenate welcome you to voice that opinion at the weekly core group meeting or here on the blog.

Un Abrazo fuerte y un beso grande,

Argenta.

BAD Bottoms!

Before I start this blog, I want to make sure that everyone understands that this is strictly about information and prevention of disease.  (i.e. HIV/STD).  No information on this blog can replace the advice of a Doctor. 

Today’s post is about the Bottom! In the public health world we refer to bottoms as the “Anal Receptive Partner”. There are some things that bottoms should know about having a healthy…well, bottom. I want you all to be B.A.D. Bottoms!  That means that you have to take care of yourself Before, After, and During sexual intercourse. 

Before

Let’s start at the beginning…a very good place to start. There is an enormous pressure on the bottom to be immaculate. This has caused some discourse in the community and some major miscommunications. This has also lead to the misuse of hygiene products.

There is a lot of debate on whether enemas and douches are safe. Here is some information that I found about the health of using these products. I do not endorse or condone the use of these products.  Again, ask your Doctor if these things are right for you. 

Many men have turned to using Feminine hygienic products or “Douche”.  These are products that force a stream of water or other chemicals into the vagina to “clean”.  There is a lot of debates about douching.  Here is the reality, vaginal douching is actually not a healthy practice.  The American Journal of Public Health has shown studies that say it reduces the chance of pregnancy and can also change the Ph levels leading to infection. 

Now, I know that men do not have vaginas; but, if it isn’t healthy for the vagina it isn’t healthy for the anus.  The anus has mucous membranes which tears easily.  Where there is tearing there is a chance of infection; not to mention the chemicals in douche can actually leave the anus in an unhealthy state. 

Enemas of any kind can irritate the lining of the bowel. The bowel contains bacteria, which help digest food. The bowel lining keeps bacteria out of the bloodstream. After an enema or douche, these bacteria, which are not harmful when they stay inside the colon, can be released into your bloodstream and can cause serious illness.

Enemas have other risks as well. Using enemas more than once a week can interfere with the chemical balance of the body and cause dangerous changes of potassium and sodium in the blood stream. In severe cases, these imbalances can cause seizures. Over time, people who use enemas can become so constipated that they cannot move their bowels at all without an enema. Let’s be real, nobody likes a cranky bottom!

Discuss this issue with your partner. You may be more concerned about cleanliness than he is. He may not be bothered by a small amount of feces. Using a towel will protect the sheets, and a condom (which you are using every time, right?) will keep his penis clean and protect you from infections.

Generally, people move their bowels more easily after eating. This is because eating causes the intestines to contract, moving feces towards the rectum. So (assuming you are not constipated), if you have moved your bowels that day and avoid eating for a few hours before sex, there should not be much feces in your rectum. Before sex, wipe your anal area with a moist cloth to remove any residue. It’s better to clean with a cloth rather than toilet tissue, which tends to shred and leave bits attached to the skin.

During

Is this your first time? Using the anus for sex can be very pleasurable.  There are millions of nerve endings in the anus and for men the act of anal sex could stimulate the prostate.  I know that you are eager to find out what feels good for you…but slow down there turbo.  Let’s talk about anal sex. 

First, a penis is far too large (or at least some hope), to just go in the anus right away.  You may want to start with something smaller.  Using a finger or a small sex toy can teach a bottom how to relax and ease your way into the bigger things.

During sexual intercourse there are many ways to protect the bottom.  The obvious way is to use a condom and water-based lubricant.  This will protect you and your partner if used correctly.  The water-based lube will help avoid damaging the anal opening and walls. 

Many people ask how much lube should I use?  Well the answer is simple…A LOT!  I am not saying you have to set up a lube wrestling ring in your bedroom, but the more lube you have the easier things slide.  As the bottom, you know when it is too dry or hurts too much!  You’d betta tell somebody!  Communication is not only a key to a healthy relationship but a healthy sex life.   Just remember to use something that is safe to use with latex condoms.  The lube should not be petroleum based or contain nonoxynol-9.

If you choose to have bareback sex, make sure that you both know your HIV/STD status.  Once again make sure that you are using enough lube.  This will cut down on the tearing, which decreases your risk for HIV/STD.

After

Now that you are all done…that doesn’t mean you can forget about you bottom.  Anal health is very important.  You need to make sure that you are getting a regular anal exam.  Some STDs do not have symptoms that show in the anus.  I would also recommend that you talk to your Dr. about “Anal Pap Smears”. 

Anal Papilloma is a concern among Gay and Bi men. Anal Papilloma is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).   This could cause warts, and may cause cancer in the anus or on the penis.   Here is some more information that you can take to your Dr. about Anal Paps.  

There are some other issues related to sexual health such as Anal Fissures and Hemorrhoids. Fissures are small tears in the skin or tissue of the anus.  Hemorrhoids are inflamed enlarged veins.  These are things that if you engage in anal sex you need to make sure are getting checked. 

Just make sure to make a bottom check up part of your regular testing routine.

So that’s it Bois!  Make sure that you are regularly checked for HIV, Syphilis and other STDs.   If you haven’t already, go out and get your Hepatitis Vaccines for A & B to avoid the spread of those diseases.  Remember, be a BAD Bottom!

Bottoms Up!