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About Mark Behar
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Almost any question or concern about sexually transmitted infections, abnormal Pap smears, anal cytology (anal "Pap smears"), gay men's health issues. There is no such thing as “d/d free” or “clean” (free of infection), so why do so many of us deceive ourselves into thinking that some people are indeed totally free from a potentially infectious disease, like HIV, herpes, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, warts, gonorrhea, etc., just because they say so? Clinical laboratory tests are not perfect, and having a “negative” or “nonreactive” test does not mean that a person is free from infection. Perhaps at the moment the test was taken, the person was uninfected; or, perhaps, the test wasn’t sensitive enough to detect presence of the infection. There is really no way that anyone can determine that they are truly “disease free,” and there are over a hundred of infectious conditions that can be spread without your knowing anything. Rather than trying to “prescreen” or “serosort” a potential sex-mate with deceptive questions that are impossible to know by today’s technologies, a wiser option may be to consider everyone infected with something, and either use appropriate protective measures (“safer sex”), or accept the responsibility and conseqences of possibly “catching” something from someone who’s hotter than expected (pun intended!). There is much research that supports the contention that an HIV positive person reliably taking HIV medications, and having an undetectable viral load, presents a lower risk for transmission of HIV than people who may think or say they are HIV negative, but are not. Food for thought!

Experience
Family Practice PA since 1981; Volunteer Clinician for Brady East STD (BESTD) Clinic, Milwaukee, since 1977; answer STD questions submitted to their web site. Professionally lectured at national and regional Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner conferences, and at national gay & lesbian health conferences on topics including HIV/AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, STDs, human papilloma virus (the cause of venereal warts), abnormal Pap smears, gay and lesbian health issues, among others.

Organizations
Co-Founder, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Gay Physician Assistant Caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Inc.; Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants; Florida Academy of Physician Assistants; American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP); Board of Directors, National Association of Black and White Men Together: A Gay, Multiracial Organization for All People (NABWMT)

Publications
Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (JAPA)

Education/Credentials
Physician Assistant Certified, since 1982; Masters in Physician Assistant Studies; Colposcopy Recognition Award, American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP);

Awards and Honors
Colposcopy Recognition Award (CRA), from the American Association of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology; Distinguished Fellow, American Academy of Physician Assistants; Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants

Past/Present Clients
Brady East STD Clinic, Milwaukee, WI

   

You are here:  Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Sexually Transmitted Diseases

SubjectDate AskedExpert

urine chlamydia7/9/2009Mark Behar
  Q: Mark Behar, Recently I had a test done on my urine to check if there is infection (I didn't see a ...
  A: White blood cells (WBCs) are an indirect but very accurate indicator for infection in men's lower ...
Herpes Testing and Results7/7/2009Mark Behar
  Q: my name is Shena, I am a 26 year old female living in New York City. I am single and I have ...
  A: Although it seems like you increased your antibody level 2-3x (0.06 to 0.17), it is not thought to ...
herpes7/7/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I do not participate in to many high risk activities for stds, however I did have a condom break on ...
  A: It sounds like you could have an itchy rash from poison ivy, or perhaps jock itch (from the ...
Chlamydia7/2/2009John Thai, MD
  Q: I slept with an ex boyfriend about 6 months ago. 1 week ago he told me he has chlamydia. I got ...
  A: If you slept with your ex six months ago and he was positive for chlamydia, you should have had ...
EBV "Kissing Disease7/1/2009John Thai, MD
  Q: I just got back from the doctors and found out that I have Mono. I was really in a panic because ...
  A: ~ Can I go jet skiing with mono? You should refrain from strenuous physical activity for at least 3 ...
Anal Warts versus Anal skin tags6/29/2009Jordan
  Q: I went for comprehensive STD testing in February, as I test regularly and my most recent partner had ...
  A: This is actually a rather common question. Many people confuse skin tags for HPV warts and vise ...
tiny bumps on the tip of my penis6/28/2009DW
  Q: I'm 17 years old and this has been bothering me for a very long time, I'm a clean fit kid, I play ...
  A: John, The only thing I can tell you is to consult a doctor. You really need to have a checkup to ...
Chance of contracting STD6/24/2009DW
  Q: Sorry for asking this question but I am stressed out of my mind. Last night I stupidly had ...
  A: John, Can't tell you for sure over the internet. You will have to see if you develop any symptoms ...
red spots6/23/2009DW
  Q: i had a question my bf and i just recently noticed he has red spots on the head of the penis and ...
  A: Ilenia, Yes, he definitely should get a checkup. And depending on the results, you might have to ...
vulva itching6/23/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I recently had sex for the first time without using protection, I have taken the pill and am waiting ...
  A: A red, itchy, sore, vulva (external lips and opening of the vagina) is frequently due to a yeast ...
Constant Tingling in Testicles6/23/2009Mark Behar
  Q: Here's my Story. I received unprotected Oral Sex from a woman some time ago and about 5 months ...
  A: The signs and symptoms you are experiencing have absolutely NOTHING to do with herpes. You didn't ...
I need some help...6/23/2009Mark Behar
  Q: hey i need some help so me and my girlfriend want to have sex but were both afraid of something ...
  A: Binh, If you and your partner are totally without any infections, then it is impossible for either ...
I need some help...6/22/2009Mark Behar
  Q: hey i need some help so me and my girlfriend want to have sex but were both afraid of something ...
  A: Since you both live in the US, you may wish to look in a phone book for the nearest Planned ...
Painful, Sore, Bumpy Rash... Herpes??6/22/2009Mark Behar
  Q: hey i had unprotected sexwith a guy on the saturday then on the monday started to get painfull wen i ...
  A: I'm sorry the doctor didn't examine you carefully. However, the clinical syndrome you describe does ...
raised white mark on penis head6/21/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I have a white mark on my penis, im worried about. Its about 8 to 10mm across painless but raised ...
  A: which clearly demonstrates infection by HPV, the wart virus. You may need to seek the services of a ...
Genital Warts6/21/2009Mark Behar
  Q: Last weekend my husband noticed strange bumps on his pubis (right above his penis). I looked and saw ...
  A: Warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). The body's immune system cannot easily detect the ...
HI GOT FINGERED BY GUY hiv RISK6/20/2009Mark Behar
  Q: PLEASE HELP i got fingered by a guy via my butt, HE HAD SOME PRE CUM ON HIS FINGERS did not realise ...
  A: Linda, I am NOT a medical scientist in HIV, and do not keep up with the studies or statistics that ...
Yeast infections and passing it during sex6/19/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I am 17 and have a yeast infection. I have been treating it for 3 days and the only symptoms I ...
  A: Vaginal yeast is not a sexually transmitted condition, although the fungus responsible for yeast, ...
STD Transmission Question6/18/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I had someone perform oral sex on me while I masturbated them. There were no outward signs of an ...
  A: The chances of catching something is low, but not zero. If the person who sucked you off had an ...
HI GOT FINGERED BY GUY hiv RISK6/18/2009Mark Behar
  Q: PLEASE HELP i got fingered by a guy via my butt, HE HAD SOME PRE CUM ON HIS FINGERS did not realise ...
  A: Is there a risk? Yes, but it is very, very low. Precum is a bodily fluid that can be contaminated ...
vagina licking6/18/2009Mark Behar
  Q: chinese ppl have always regarded cunnilingus as an excellent way to absorb elixir(female sexual ...
  A: There are no physical health benefits to eating or injesting female sexual secretions or male sexual ...
vagina licking6/18/2009John Thai, MD
  Q: chinese ppl have always regarded cunnilingus as an excellent way to absorb elixir(female sexual ...
  A: There is no benefit of oral sex except creating a pleasurable and excitable event for the female and ...
Herpes/HPV transmission6/17/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I have tested positive for HPV but dont have any visible warts (only had once several years ago) ...
  A: Are you concerned about transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes simplex (herpes, HSV)? ...
sti6/16/2009DW
  Q: i have tiny pin prick like spots on the head of my penis which are itchy and after i have sex with ...
  A: George, You really need to get a checkup at your doctor or a clinic. You may have an STD or ...
chances of infection..6/16/2009Mark Behar
  Q: i once had drunken fully protected oral sex (only oral) with a sex worker. i would hazard a guess ...
  A: Let me see if I have this straight. We all know (unless living in a cave and not aware of common ...
rash on the penis6/16/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I keep on getting a small rash on my penis. It kinda of looks like a ringworn but it doesn't itch. ...
  A: You haven't given me enough information about yourself, your sexual practices, or this actual ...
Small itchy red spots on penis6/16/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I appreciate you taking time to help me out - I'm an 18 year old male who lives in the United ...
  A: Kel, You have a skin infection causing folliculitis, inflammation of hair follicles. The probably ...
sore testicles and frequent urination6/15/2009Mark Behar
  Q: 6 months ago I had sex with a girl. We used a condom but when I pulled out the condom was missing ...
  A: You could have had a subclinical (no obvious signs or symptoms) chlamydial infection, that could ...
sexually transmitted diseases6/14/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I recently got diagnosed for a second time in three months with chlamydia. Im so afraid to catch ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your chlamydia infection. It is a sexually transmitted infection as you know, ...
chlamydia without symptoms6/14/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I have a boyfriend and usually we have unprotected sex. So far I do not have any abnormal symptoms. ...
  A: Helen, 1) Cervical tests are more accurate than urine tests in women. If you do a urine test, it ...
What could it be?6/14/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I am asking a question for my fiance because he has been shipped out for more Army training. He is ...
  A: It is difficult to address a health problem from your partner, who isn't able to answer questions ...
purple spots in the mouth6/12/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I woke up two days ago and notice a purple spot inside my mouth in the jaw area...two days ago my ...
  A: The purple spot inside your mouth is probably from a mild traumatic event-- like biting your cheek-- ...
Sensitive Red Area of Shaft of Penis - not herpes?6/11/2009Mark Behar
  Q: Over the past two years I have been having trouble with the skin on my penis. There is a spot - ...
  A: Sorry to hear about this skin sensitivity. Does it help (less skin irritation) to use a lubricant ...
risk6/11/2009Mark Behar
  Q: i had touched a guys pe nis and touched his semen with my finger and wiped it off but there ...
  A: Your risk of getting HIV is really, REALLY small. I would stop worrying about it. Virus, if present, ...
Painless white spot.6/10/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I have discovered a painless and a non itiching small white spot at the left corner under my ...
  A: Does this small white spot wash away with gentle rubbing in the bath or shower? How big is it? ...
chlamydia without symptoms6/10/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I have a boyfriend and usually we have unprotected sex. So far I do not have any abnormal symptoms. ...
  A: Chlamydia can infect the throat, the cervix, the anus, the urethra (usually the penis in men), the ...
Small itchy red spots on penis6/9/2009Mark Behar
  Q: I appreciate you taking time to help me out - I'm an 18 year old male who lives in the United ...
  A: These red areas are definitely inflammatory, probably due to a skin infection. If your partner does ...
sperm leaks6/9/2009Mark Behar
  Q: It started a few weeks ago. When I squeeze my penis, a drop of sperm can be seen oozing out at the ...
  A: Alex, Yes, it is possible that the "leakage" is due to an acute (recent) chlamydia infection. If the ...
Swollen and red urethra6/8/2009Mark Behar
  Q: Wondering if you could help me. I have had a red and swollen urethra for a while now. I am cleaning ...
  A: Sorry, no photo was attached. I would stop "cleaning" your penis with warm salt water. Wash yourself ...
Herpes or yeast infection6/8/2009Mark Behar
  Q: About 2 days ago i began having a lot of clear to slightly milky vaginal discharge. I havent had any ...
  A: The sweetish smell to your clear to slightly milky vaginal discharge could very well be due to ...

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