Gay and Bisexual Health

Temple has a strong, trustworthy team of internal medicine and family doctors dedicated to keeping you healthy. We provide a judgment-free zone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

We’re ready to offer you guidance on everything from sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings to heart health. Our doctors help you make good health choices like quitting smoking and maintaining healthy nutrition, diet and exercise.

To support you, several LGBTQ-affirming, gay-friendly Temple doctors are ready to see you. We respect your gender identity and how you define yourself. Our medical staff will respect your preferred pronouns.

Learn more about primary and preventive care at Temple >

We understand some men do not want to reveal to their doctors that they’re gay or bi, or may have sex with other men. Did you have a bad experience with a doctor, or in the emergency room before? Maybe you felt judged because of your sexuality, or your gender identity or expression?

Here at Temple, we provide care in a safe and inclusive environment — an important aspect for your well-being. Because there’s more to your health than STI/HIV testing, we screen for cancers in the head, neck, prostate, rectum and colon — areas you may not realize are important to check if you’re gay, bisexual or a man who has sex with men.

Your primary care doctor will recommend preventive screenings based on your age, overall health and other life factors. Remember, finding cancer early allows treatment to start soon, which could save your life.

Learn more about preventive screenings >

Primary care doctors help you maintain a healthy life. That includes your sexual health and your partner’s health. We keep you healthy through regular sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing and HIV testing.

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published that 31% of approximately 38,000 new HIV cases in the United States were reported in black men.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is also something you should test for. HPV can cause cancers of the head, neck and rectum. Tests would occur once every 3 months or once a month, depending on what your doctor advises.

Find an LGBTQ affirming primary care doctor >

This is another part of our sexual health services. We provide you with education and risk-reduction services or medications. This keeps your status for HIV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and other STIs in check.

The exam is administered by Temple experts. There’s no judgement by us, just good health.

Find an LGBTQ affirming infectious disease specialist >

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Until we find a cure for HIV, PrEP offers a safe medication that blocks nearly 100% of new HIV cases if taken daily.

PrEP might be a good choice for any of the following reasons:

• Multiple sex partners
• Unaware of your partner’s HIV status
• Have a partner living with HIV
• Inject drugs with shared needles or are sexually active with a person who does

You would be tested at Temple once every 3 months to make sure you’re safe from other STIs and that the medicine is working.

See if PrEP is the right choice for your sexual health >

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PEP is a medication that blocks HIV infection after exposure, which you can talk about with your doctor.

Your primary care doctor helps manage chronic conditions like asthma, gastrointestinal (stomach or digestive) issues and other conditions. We help manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and other issues outside of your sexual health. 

Sometimes a condition may require you to seek specialty care, such as cardiology, pulmonology or dermatology. When this is needed, your primary care doctor will help to identify the right specialist at Temple for more complex care.

Get to know our LGBTQ affirming specialists >

A higher percentage of bisexual and gay men are just as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than straight men. But, they often do not get the required testing. Perhaps a previous screening with a doctor caused you to feel uncomfortable. 

Regular prostate, testicular and rectal screenings are important for maintaining your best health. Early detection is the best way to treat cancer and maintain your physical and sexual health. Specialists at Temple will guide you through diagnosis and treatment every step of the way.

Learn more about Temple’s cancer services >

We value our patients who identify as transgender and nonbinary. We provide a variety of services from compassionate LGBT-affirming providers who offer gender-affirming options — including hormone replacement therapy and gender affirming surgeries — to help you meet your goals.

Our qualified team is here to support you throughout your transition. We strive to educate you about the best available therapies and can guide you through the process as you take steps to affirm your gender identity. 

Read more about Temple’s gender-affirming care >

Temple supports healthy choices for both your physical and mental needs. To achieve a healthier, happier you, we match you with the right LGBTQ-affirming mental health doctor, counselor or therapist.

If you haven’t been to therapy before, maybe because of stigma, you can feel safe knowing someone is here to help.

Learn more about mental health services at Temple >

At Temple, your primary care doctor supports you making healthy decisions. This includes helping you to quit smoking, which unfortunately is common among LGBTQ people. Smoking also poses a greater danger to those living with HIV. 

If you, a partner or a loved one are suffering from substance use disorder (such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using crystal meth, ketamine or opioids), we have programs to help. 

Through the Temple TRUST Clinic, our doctors may provide medications to help break the cycle of opioid use and offer you counseling or therapy in your path to healthy choices. At our TRUST Clinic, there are no judgements — just help you can trust.

Learn more about substance use / misuse and the support programs we offer >

Temple Pediatrics is a safe and comfortable space for families with children. All families are treated with equality and respect. We aim to keep you thriving at every stage of life.

Learn more about family support at Temple >