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Medical Care for Adolescent Males Who Have Sex with Males

Current Pediatrics Reports volume 9, pages 30–36 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of review

This paper reviews the most recent literature describing the bio-psycho-social challenges that may be faced by adolescent males who have sex with males (AMSM) and outlines recommendations for screening, medical and psychosocial concerns, and prevention for this population.

Recent findings

Emerging research has demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) disproportionately affect AMSM, which can impact lifelong psychosocial functioning. In addition, significant medical advances in HIV prevention should be incorporated into primary care for adolescents and young adults at risk for HIV.

Summary

Pediatricians need to understand the psychological and physical health risks which may be unique to AMSM. Screening and referral for depression, anxiety, substance use, and/or high-risk sexual behavior is especially important for this sub-group of adolescents and young adults. For sexually active AMSM, HIV and STI screening (including screening of extragenital sites) should be performed regularly, and providers should encourage the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis for patients at risk for HIV.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adolescent Medicine, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Veenod Chulani

  2. Pediatrics Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center/Children’s Health Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA

    M. Brett Cooper

  3. Department of Pediatrics - Section of Adolescent Medicine, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA

    David Reitman

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jonathan Warus

Authors
  1. Veenod Chulani
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  2. M. Brett Cooper
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  3. David Reitman
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  4. Jonathan Warus
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Correspondence to David Reitman.

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Chulani, V., Cooper, M.B., Reitman, D. et al. Medical Care for Adolescent Males Who Have Sex with Males. Curr Pediatr Rep 9, 30–36 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-021-00237-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-021-00237-w

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Gay
  • Health disparities
  • STI screening
  • HIV prevention