EDGE Chicago

Five years ago, experts would have scoffed at the idea of a cure for HIV. Today, it may be closer than ever.

Ask the Doc looks at vaccines for people living with HIV/AIDS, including the recent meningitis vaccines, for pneumococcal pneumonia, for HPV, or even just a yearly flu shot.

This week, we take a look at at-home testing as a prophylaxis method for barebacking, and drug resistance and salvage therapy, with EDGE Media Network’s resident HIV expert, Dr. Joel Gallant.

This week, we take a look at Truvada and PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, with EDGE Media Network’s resident HIV expert, Dr. Joel Gallant, associate director of the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Fresh from his Q&A forum on the Johns Hopkins website is EDGE’s new resident HIV expert, Dr. Joel Gallant, associate director of the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

How risky is fisting?

I’ve read a lot about the initial symptoms of HIV infection, but everyone seems to have a different list. Can you clear up this confusion?

When I have sex, I like to douche/enema before. What are the risks involved with this?

I have a lot of sexual partners, and I’m wondering what to do about PrEP.

There’s a lot of talk going around about anal cancer and HPV. Can a condom prevent against HPV? And when/how should I start worrying about anal cancer and getting tested?

Can you help solve the mystery on anabolic supplements? I walk into GNC and it seems that there are 5,000 products screaming at me at once. Help!

I used to be so energetic - going out dancing, active in sports, always happy and awake. Lately, it’s all I can do to keep my eyes open past 9pm. What’s your advice?

My Dad had a heart attack at the age of 42. That seems pretty young to me - what steps should I take to make sure I’m not at risk? Or should I get tested for blood pressure or something? I’m only 29 but worried.

OK, once and for all: what is normal penis size?

Can you answer the barebacking question once and for all? A guy I was with wanted to do this, and told me that since he’s the bottom there’s really no risk for me. What’s true and what’s not?

I’ve had the Hepatitis B series twice now, and my primary care physician says it still didn’t take. He wants me to have another three shots. Apart from the fact that I’m tired of running to his office to get stuck with needles, why isn’t this working?

What’s your advice on losing weight? I’m just sort of a stocky guy, but it seems that every gay man out there wants the same body type. And it isn’t mine.

I recently tricked with someone - I think about two weeks ago. A friend of a friend now tells me that he has syphilis. So I’m kicking myself bigtime. So how do I know if I’ve caught it? And if I have, what’s the bad news?

Let’s talk smoking, Doc! I’ve read that the risks for gay guys for cancer is higher. Is this some sort of risk associated with our lifestyle? Or is it about the clubs? How bad is my exposure?

My mother keeps pushing this Acai berry drink on me. OK, so what gives. Is this a miracle drug? Or some sort of scam? Help!

I went to the bathroom yesterday (#2) and noticed there was blood in the bowl - freaked me out. The blood was bright red - and I noticed that my bowel movement hurt coming out. Today there’s no blood at all. Is this cause for concern?

I need to choose a new primary care provider, but I want one who understands gay men. I know they all SAY they understand our unique health issues, but how can I find a doctor who truly does?

When it gets cold, I can’t stand the fact that my body goes all white (I live in the northwest US). I want to try tanning, but I’ve heard it’s really bad for you. Is it really all that unhealthy?

I recently had sex with another guy, and discovered that the condom ripped - help!

What’s the difference between Levitra and Viagra? Are they really the same?

I have had HIV for just a few months, and I’m wondering whether any vitamins or supplements can help keep me healthy.

My boyfriend and I are in the habit of sharing sex toys with each other. Can you tell me the health risks involved?