The 411 on Young Straight Black Men and HIV/AIDS

Why HIV needs to be on heterosexual Black men's radar.

Why HIV Matters to You - When it comes to news about HIV/AIDS in Black America, most of it is centered on Black gay and bisexual men and Black women. But that doesn’t mean that HIV/AIDS is not an issue for heterosexual Black men. Read more about why you are not exempt from the virus. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) 

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Why HIV Matters to You - When it comes to news about HIV/AIDS in Black America, most of it is centered on Black gay and bisexual men and Black women. But that doesn’t mean that HIV/AIDS is not an issue for heterosexual Black men. Read more about why you are not exempt from the virus. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) 

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It Ain’t the DL, Boo - Regardless of what pop culture keeps telling us, there are mounds of research that has said repeatedly that “sinister down-low brothas” are not fueling HIV/AIDS among Black women. Not to mention, a recent study found that bisexual men’s risk for HIV is no higher than men who only sleep with women. (Photo: Lionsgate Films, Tyler Perry Productions)

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Heterosexual Sex and HIV Infections - Eighty-seven percent of Black women who are newly diagnosed contract HIV through heterosexual sex with men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If it’s not the DL, then it’s clear that heterosexual Black men can get HIV too and are helping fuel these numbers among Black women. (Photo: Simon Watson/Getty Images)

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The Actual Numbers - Heterosexual Black men are the fifth largest group impacted by HIV in the U.S. (Black women are fourth), says the CDC. In 2010, 2,700 heterosexual Black men were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. This number does not include the 1,100 Black male IV drug users who were diagnosed with HIV that same year.   (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Get Yours! - Characters in movies may have picture-perfect sex every time without saying a word, but in real life, having a love connection doesn’t mean you can read each other’s minds. So if you’re not getting everything you want in bed, it’s your right — no, your duty — to speak up. Try one of these strategies to have the best sex of your life. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel   (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

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What’s the Real Risk? - While the risk for a woman to contract HIV from a man during unprotected sex is higher than a man contracting it from a woman, it’s still very possible and happens more often that we might think, the CDC confirms. You are at risk too and need to take the proper precautions to protect yourself. (Photo: GettyImages)

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What Makes Straight Men Vulnerable to HIV Infection? - There are many factors, which include: high rates of undiagnosed and untreated STDs; higher rates of undiagnosed and untreated HIV that makes people more infectious; lack of access to health care for testing and treatment; disproportionate poverty and other reasons.  (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Photo By Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

What Is Bipolar Disease? - Also referred to as “manic depressive illness,” bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that shifts a person’s mood from states of mania (happiness) to feeling very low and depressed. This disorder also impacts one’s energy level and makes it hard for people to do everyday activities like go to work or school.  (Photo: Richard Flood/Getty Images)

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Why Do Straight Men Get Ignored? - Stigma and homophobia play a large role in why we tend to believe that only gay men have HIV. But also aren’t enough campaigns, prevention programs and research on a federal and HIV organizational level that are specifically geared toward straight Black men either. This lack of awareness impacts your own ability to look at the epidemic as your own problem. (Photo: Richard Flood/Getty Images)

Demand an STD and HIV Test - Just because you are getting a pap smear doesn’t mean that you are getting tested for STDs or HIV. Demand that you are screened for everything from HIV to HPV and herpes. And do not take no for an answer. For numerous reasons, sometimes doctors will talk you out of getting tested for HIV. Remember, this is your health and you have to be empowered to stand up for yourself.   (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Why Getting Tested Yearly Is Important - Some of you try to test through your partners. “Well if she ain’t positive, I know I’m not.” This is not a reliable way of knowing your status. Get tested every year to take control of your health. Learn where you can get tested at hivtest.gov. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

My Man Isn’t on the Low, So We Don’t Need Condoms - Study after study has shown that down-low men are not fueling the AIDS epidemic among Black women. So why do we still believe it? Think: If heterosexual sex is how we are being infected, that means straight Black men have this disease, too. So rap it up, regardless of who you’re with.(Photo: Touchlife Images/Getty Images)

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Using Condoms Is Key - Fellas: In many cases, you control whether or not condoms get used. Protect yourself, and her, by using condoms. Have an honest conversation about your relationship, testing and safe sex history. (Photo: GettyImages)

African-Americans Accessing Care - It’s estimated that 6.8 million uninsured Blacks will have the opportunity to purchase a plan through the open marketplace. A whopping 56 percent of that 6.8 million comprise of Black men. (Photo: REUTERS/Larry Downing) 

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Take Control of Your Health - With Obamacare in full effect, use this opportunity to enroll in a health care plan, so you can stay on top of HIV testing, STD screening and your overall health. Remember that your health is important to you and the entire community. (Photo: REUTERS/Larry Downing)

Photo By Photo: REUTERS/Larry Downing