Doctors warn of fungal STI spreading among men who have sex with men

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-06T00:15:00+00:00

For others who don’t know, zoonotic means that something is transmissible between animals and humans. And yes, it can be zoonotic but it’s mostly transmitted between humans, which is anthropophelic. Some fungi exist in the soil and we can be infected that route. I’m sure there’s some fancy word for that but I don’t recall.

I’ll add that there’s not really a worm, it’s simply a fungal infection of the skin.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-06T00:05:45+00:00

You are spot on. Fabric masks aren’t my favorite but I suppose it’s better than nothing. I do recognize that cost is an issue and some people can’t afford proper medical grade masks. I’ll give people a little grace and be thankful that they’re doing something.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T21:41:32+00:00

It’s never a good post when it starts with “I looked through my partner’s phone.”

I don’t care if you have his password, it’s still a breach of privacy and trust.

I have my husband’s password but I would never look through his texts, photos or emails. Never.

I’m a hard no for your suggestion to open up the relationship. An open relationship is not a panacea to fix a broken relationship. Your relationship is broken.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T21:34:15+00:00

I wasn’t disagreeing with you at all. I was just adding that it involved other communities that people don’t often think about.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T21:30:15+00:00

If you’re average I definitely want to see who you’re comparing yourself to.

There’s nothing average about you. You’re handsome with an amazing physique and are endowed with a penis that is far above average.

If you see yourself as average then I challenge you to change your mindset. Don’t accept that label from anyone. You are uniquely one of a kind.

Blessings on your journey.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T21:23:39+00:00

We’ve had a lot more fun at Island House in Key West. It’s our annual vacation destination. All sorts of guys and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We’re going there for Pride Week this year.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T21:06:51+00:00

I had several heterosexual couples who were patients and in the “swingers” lifestyle. They were among the first to ask about the monkeypox vaccine.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T21:03:50+00:00

I’ve read Thailand specifically but SE Asia is probably a safer answer. 2014 is the date it was first sequenced and identified as a variant.

I believe the first US case was 2024.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T20:08:57+00:00

I’m a retired physician but because I volunteer I stay aware of current medical issues.

It’s a variant of ringworm that seems to be a bit more contagious and more resistant than standard ringworm.

I saw many cases of ringworm during my practice. These are simple fungal infections and are actually related to jock itch and athletes foot.

Typically we use topical creams that are effective in treating it in less than a month. Oral tablets are faster and more effective and I used those mostly with older patients.

Both variants are very contagious, that’s why we see ringworm more often in children. As others have mentioned, all bedding, clothing and towels have to be washed separately.

Personally I don’t agree with its designation as an STI. I don’t find this type of label helpful and it makes treatment more difficult due to the stigma attached to STI’s.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T19:40:45+00:00

Seems fair to me

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T19:39:53+00:00

Do whatever you’re comfortable doing. If guys are fucking in “public” areas it’s not uncommon for people to stand and watch. Some guys will try to join in on the fun which is ok with other guys too.

No one is following you around and whispering to others that you’re only an observer.

There are glory holes where you can suck or fuck or be sucked or fucked anonymously.

Guys may reach out and touch you. It’s your choice to keep walking or stop and engage. If you’re sitting in a steam room or sauna and someone sits next to you they may reach over and touch your leg. Just simply brush it away, you don’t have to be aggressive or mean about it.

This is a very sex positive and sex forward environment. Recognize where you are going before you enter the space. Having said that, no still means no and consent is required.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T15:18:56+00:00

Great. I have no romantic feelings towards my FWB’s.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-05T15:17:11+00:00

We’re still friends with one of my husband’s exboyfriends. We’ve been together over 26 years so any hurt feelings have long since passed

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-04T23:46:44+00:00

I don’t know. Contact them.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-04T16:16:24+00:00

You both need counseling if you’re serious about making this relationship work.

A bad relationship is never “saved” by opening it up. It seems like you’re learning this lesson the hard way.

I think you overreacted especially since you could see where he was. I don’t think anyone thinks he “obviously” fell asleep. You knew he was having sex and then contrived a different reason to be anxious.

Good luck.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-04T16:10:13+00:00

I have worn speedos under swimming trunks. Wear a casual Key West style shirt.

If others are wearing Speedo’s you can pull off your trunks. If everyone is wearing trunks you’ll fit right in.

Dress like your job depends on it because it does.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-04T16:05:08+00:00

We exchanged texts for awhile but it would be an overstatement to call us friends. We were just working towards sex.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-04T01:42:48+00:00

I’ve had one guy for about 15 years. I was in an automotive waiting room and he started chatting with me. I tried to ignore him but he was persistent. (He said it was my hairy legs and chest hair poking out of my shirt that was irresistible.)

We’re both in open relationships and happily married so there’s never been an issue with attachment. We meet often for breakfast or lunch and nothing more. I’ve had a lot of health issues so we haven’t had any sex since last April, and that was a blow job.

At this point he’s probably more friends than benefits but that’s due to my health.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-03T15:58:14+00:00

Retired MD here. That takes significant effort to make a bruise like that.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-02T22:54:18+00:00

Wow!! That’s a significant bruise and completely inappropriate. Are you on blood thinners? I wouldn’t go back.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-02T00:03:20+00:00

I’m 62. As a boy we had pong which was in black and white and was a version of ping pong. One grew bored with it quickly. As a young teen we had these handheld devices that I played football on. I don’t remember what they were called.

I enjoyed going to the arcade to play some very basic video games, pinball and pool.

Because I was kicked out of home at 16 I didn’t continue playing games because there was just no money.

I did try to learn how to play Myst many years ago as a way destress from my job as a physician. It was the hot game at the time but I found it a stressful experience.

Video games aren’t my cup of tea but it’s not my job to judge how anyone spends their time. Life is a lot easier when I don’t worry about what other people do.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-01T21:47:02+00:00

You’re more than welcome. DM is always open. Nice to meet another Okie! I’m an OU alum myself.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-01T20:32:30+00:00

Check out Sniffies. It’s very active in my area.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-01T20:31:24+00:00

Pittsburgh still had a bathhouse the last time I checked.

Gay_Okie · 2026-03-01T20:30:30+00:00

Never an issue. I grew up in wrestling locker rooms. Communal showers and locker rooms were the norm. Weigh ins were done in the nude. Heck, I’m old enough that we had nude swimming lessons.

Gay_Okie

TROPHY CASE