AskDocQ: With outbreaks across the world, don’t hesitate… vaccinate
There’s currently a spate of infectious disease outbreaks around the world, so now is the perfect time for a reminder about the benefits of vaccination, writes Dr Fiona Bisshop. Measles is making the headlines after a series of outbreaks across the world, including a string of cases in Brisbane. Most local cases involved returning travellers. …
AskDocQ: Some helpful chest binding tips for trans masculine folk
Chest dysphoria is one of the most significant contributors to depression in transgender men. Most trans masculine people would prefer flat chests, not surprising in a world where people’s brains automatically gender someone based on physical outline. Many trans guys have such strong dysphoria regarding their chests that they cannot stand to look in the …
AskDocQ: U=U means if a person with HIV is undetectable, they can’t pass it on
A person with HIV who is on treatment and is undetectable cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partner. There is no risk. Zero. Brisbane LGBTIQ health specialist Dr Fiona Bisshop explains why. I need to have a rant about U=U and HIV. I’ve written about this before, and sorry for repeating myself, but every time I think …
AskDocQ: Keep calm and stay PrEP’d
Australian Steve Spencer has become the seventh person worldwide known to have contracted HIV while taking prevention drug PrEP, out of an estimated 450,000 users around the globe. The medication has proved to be a highly effective HIV prevention strategy and has dramatically reduced rates of infection, writes Brisbane LGBTIQ health specialist Dr Fiona Bisshop. …
AskDocQ: Beyond the headlines, the truth about HIV ‘cure’ case
You might have heard about the story that broke last week — a second person “cured” of HIV. Nicknamed the “London patient,” he underwent a cancer treatment which prevented the virus from re-infecting his donor cells, thus effectively clearing his immune system of all trace of HIV. Newspaper front pages loudly proclaimed that he is …
AskDocQ: Here’s your survival guide for your Mardi Gras weekend
It’s Mardi Gras season, when the eastern seaboard of Australia is inundated with rainbow-festooned tourists, and there’s a mad rush for tickets to the parties and after-parties and pool parties and recovery parties. If you’ve spent the last few months working on your abs and butt to show off those new shorty shorts you’ve bought, …
AskDocQ: When Things Go Wrong During Chemsex, Getting Urgent Help May Save Your Life
If you or someone you know uses drugs such as crystal meth, mephedrone or GHB, especially in group situations with strangers, then it’s important to understand how to manage common emergencies in this environment. Things can go seriously wrong, and urgent help may be life-saving. People have died due to the seriousness of their condition …
AskDocQ: Here’s The Facts About Poppers, As TGA Considers Ban
Recently there has been talk of changing the laws on poppers, rescheduling them as a serious illicit drug and criminalizing their possession. But banning them would criminalise the normal sexual practice of many thousands of gay men. Thankfully, a public outcry has prompted a reconsideration. So, what’s all the fuss about? Poppers are a group …
AskDocQ: Are Trans Women On HRT At Increased Risk Of Breast Cancer?
I recently received some questions about the risk of breast cancer for transgender women on HRT, so I thought I would try to present the current most up-to-date knowledge in this area. We simply don’t have enough population data to be able to give an accurate risk, but we can look at cohort data. The …
DocQ: Merry Christmas & Say ‘No’ To GHB
Silly season is in full swing again, and it’s all office parties, Christmas parties, NYE parties and big club events. Whilst it’s wonderful to be able to let your hair down and enjoy your hard-earned fun, it’s important not to let your health take a back seat. Sometimes at such events you might end up …