There’s a New STI Among Gay Men That Has Arrived in the US

June 7, 2024
ALEXANDER

A New STI Among Gay Men Has Arrived in the US

Welp, we know that with Pride Month comes more shenanigans in regard to hookups. We love celebrating by copulating. LOL. But before you go crazy with that hot guy from across the dance floor, you should know that there's a new STI out there, prevalent among gay men, that has made its way to the US.

The New York Post reported a new case study authored by Dr. Avrom S. Caplan, an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s dermatology department. In the report, Dr. Caplan shares data that a man in New York City (in his 30s) developed the first reported US case of a sexually transmitted form of ringworm. Scientifically called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII [TMVII], it manifested itself as a rash on the patient's butt, penis, and limbs.

This form of STI comes across the pond from Europe and is prevalent in men who have engaged in gay sex. The patient in the case study had traveled to England and Greece and engaged in homosexual sex. A doctor on the case study team stated that patients are reluctant to discuss issues with their genitals, but in cases like these, doctors should be more proactive in asking about rashes, especially if the patient has been traveling abroad. TMVII can be taken care of with antifungal treatments but may take months to be fully eradicated.

There is another rash-related infection that entered the US last year. Trichophyton indotineae has been widespread in India, and now there are 11 cases, again, centered around NYC. This strain is more resistant to antifungal treatment.

More research is being done on these two strains in order to better treat them. So, be careful out there. If you notice any type of unusual rash, check with your doctor, especially if you have been traveling overseas. Also, you should always be aware of any signs of STI or rash on your potential sex mate. There's no harm in giving each other the once over, especially if you are strangers or not familiar with your sex mate's prior sexual activity. Hookups are fun, but STIs are not. While Doxy can take care of most of the other STIs (with HIV/AIDS being the exception), these rash-related infections are different. Happy Pride, but take precautions!