Sexually transmitted diseases and sexual behavior in men attending an outpatients' clinic for gay men in Gothenburg, Sweden

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) diagnosed in men attending an outpatients' clinic for gay men from 1983 to 1997 and the results from a questionnaire survey concerning sexual behaviour conducted in 1994-96 are reported. The prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia has decreased during the period, although in 1997 there was a micro-epidemic of gonorrhoea in gay men in Gothenburg. The results indicate that the reservoir of syphilis and hepatitis B in the gay population was eradicated during the early 1980s. Of altogether 1,808 HIV tests performed, 3.0% (n=55) were positive. In the questionnaire, the majority claimed they had sufficient knowledge on how HIV is transmitted, while 11.3% stated that they lacked that knowledge. Half of the patients stated that they had a steady sexual partner. Starting a new relationship was the most common reason (69%) for HIV screening. The use of condoms in anal and oral sex was 88% and 31%, respectively. Of those practising anal sex, 4% stated that they never used a condom. The prevalence of STDs has decreased in this period of time and safer sex is fairly well accepted, but the results also tell us that there is still a need for dedicated clinics like ours.