Understanding Gay Sexual Health: A Paid Research Opportunity to Share Your Voice
- Jaime P. Morales
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
There have been major advances in medicine and gay sexual health research, though there is still a long way to go. You can read more here HIV Vaccine Study to learn about another research opportunity for a vaccine aimed at helping prevent HIV.
Sexual Health in the Gay Community
Knowledge is power, and it's important to understand the data and know what resources are available to help protect yourself and your community. Right now, there are medications like PrEP and Doxy-PEP that can help prevent HIV and reduce the risk of certain, though not all, sexually transmitted infections. These tools are designed to stop the spread and protect your health.
It’s important to understand that while HIV rates may be higher in the gay and queer community, that doesn’t mean straight people are not affected, or that HIV is a 'gay man’s disease.'
Through education, access to resources, and opportunities to learn, we can create space and support for everyone.
What Is Doxy-Pep?
Doxy-PEP, or doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, is used to help prevent certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the CDC. It’s one way to protect yourself and others from specific bacterial infections and involves taking the medication after sex.
The best approach is to talk with your healthcare provider to determine what prevention methods are right for you and your needs.
What is Prep?
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication taken before sexual activity on a regular basis to help reduce the risk of getting HIV.
While it’s not 100% effective, consistent use, combined with other prevention strategies, can greatly lower your chances of exposure.
The best approach is to practice safe sex by using condoms, taking PrEP or Doxy-PEP when appropriate, and getting tested regularly.
Always talk to your healthcare provider to find out what prevention methods are best for you.
Study Closed as of 25 June 2025
Looking for young Latino/e/x cisgender men and gender nonbinary people (assigned male at birth) who have sex with men to take part in a study called HPTN 113-01/DUO.
What’s Involved?
3 focus group discussions (small group conversations)
Each group will have 5–10 people
Discussions will be in English or Spanish
Audio will be recorded (no video)
You will use a code name to help protect your privacy
What Will We Talk About?
Mobile apps and handouts that teach about HIV prevention
PrEP – medicine taken before sex to lower the chance of getting HIV
Doxy-PEP – an antibiotic taken after sex that may help prevent some STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
Your opinions and feedback will help us improve these tools for a future study
Important Notes:
Some topics may be sensitive, such as sexuality or sexual activity
We’ll set ground rules for respect and confidentiality, but there's always a small risk that participants may know each other or not fully respect privacy
We hope you'll join all 3 sessions, but you can stop at any time
You’ll be paid for each group you attend
Blog Disclaimer
This blog is an independent platform created to share publicly available information about ongoing research studies, primarily sourced from the official NIH (National Institutes of Health) website and other publicly accessible databases. Our goal is to hold space for individuals to explore research opportunities that may align with their interests or health profiles.
We do not work directly with the research teams or institutions conducting these studies, nor are we involved in participant selection, communication, or study oversight. All decisions regarding participation are determined solely by the research teams based on their specific study requirements and eligibility criteria.
We do not receive funding or compensation from research programs or from individuals who choose to participate. This platform is informational only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice or the official study pages.
If you choose to provide your email address, it will be used solely to share information about current or future research studies that may be of interest. Your email will never be sold, shared, or provided to research teams or third partieswithout your explicit permission.
For detailed information or to apply to a study, please contact the listed study coordinators directly through the links provided.
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