Crystal Clear? The Relationship Between Methamphetamine Use and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

Public health officials have cited methamphetamine control as a tool with which to decrease HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, based on previous research that finds a strong positive correlation between methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior. However, the observed correlation may not be causal, as both methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior could be driven by a third factor, such as a preference for risky behavior. We estimate the effect of methamphetamine use on risky sexual behavior using monthly data on syphilis diagnoses in California and quarterly data on syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia diagnoses across all states. To circumvent possible endogeneity, we use a large exogenous supply shock in the US methamphetamine market that occurred in May 1995 and a later shock stemming from the Methamphetamine Control Act, which went into effect in October 1997. While the supply shocks had large negative effects on methamphetamine use, we find no evidence that they decreased syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia rates. Our results have broad implications for public policies designed to decrease sexually transmitted infection rates.

Shortened leukocyte telomere length in young adults who use methamphetamine

“…METH use causes systemic toxicity, affecting immune function [10] and impairing the function of multiple organs [2]. A variety of medical complications have been related to METH use, such as tooth decay ('meth mouth') [11], pulmonary hypertension [12], hepatotoxicity [13], cardiovascular diseases and strokes [14,15], and blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections [16]. These complications may indicate physiological characteristics of premature aging process in METH users.…”

Associations of Sleep Deficiency With Sexual Risk Behaviors and HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With or at High Risk of Acquiring HIV

“…18 In particular, among those who report methamphetamine use during sexual activity, there is an association with increased reports of risk behaviors such as increased number of sex partners, concurrent partnerships, transactional sex, and engaging in condomless anal intercourse with a partner who has unknown or discordant HIV status. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Sleep deficiency is also common among MSM living with HIV, who are more likely to report sleep deficiency and use of sleep medication than their counterparts who are not living with HIV. [25][26][27][28][29][30] This disparity may be partially due to sleep disturbances caused by medications used to treat HIV.…”

“…18 In particular, among those who report methamphetamine use during sexual activity, there is an association with increased reports of risk behaviors such as increased number of sex partners, concurrent partnerships, transactional sex, and engaging in condomless anal intercourse with a partner who has unknown or discordant HIV status. 18–24…”