 BUDDING BICEPS
Over the past few years I’ve worked out regularly and have noticed my body get in pretty good shape (especially since I’m almost 30!), but for some reason I can’t seem to build the mass of my arms, particularly my biceps. Why is this and what other exercises can I do?
Julian
via Internet
Try adding weight and reducing your reps. When you add weight you’ll tear up more muscle, which will result in more muscle growth during the repair phase. You may not be able to get as many reps in, and that’s okay. Just work the muscle until you can’t do any more reps—which will come faster with more weight. Here’s one of my favorite bicep exercises: Using one side of the tower cables, attach the rope pulls and set your weight. Using the ropes, do a regular hammerhead-style bicep curl. Do a set to exhaustion, then rest. Then take the ropes and at the top of your curl, pull the ropes out to the side and complete a set. Repeat both exercises until you’ve completed each one for three sets to exhaustion. Also, get enough nutrients! If you aren’t feeding your body, you won’t be able to regain your losses during your workouts. Make sure to replenish soon after a workout. —PK
RUBBER REBELLION
I’ve heard there are ways to prevent HIV infection by taking HIV drugs before or after risky sex. If I do that, can I toss out the condoms?
David
Cincinnati, OH
The only way not to get an STD is abstinence. The next best way to protect yourself and your partner is to wrap it up. What you’re referring to in your query is known as PEP, which stands for “pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.” Prophylaxis or prophylactic is your dad’s name for a condom. Using HIV medicines before (pre-exposure) unsafe sex is not a medically approved way to prevent HIV infection. PEP is used in the workplace when exposure to HIV is suspected. For example, when nurses, firefighters or police officers fear they may have been exposed to HIV through a needle stick or a bloody punch in the nose, they may take post-exposure prophylaxis. In that situation, an experienced professional prescribes HIV medicines with close follow-up over a specified period of time. You may have heard from a play bud that he hit an ER to ask for PEP after a weekend of humping at the baths. That’s not a way to practice safer sex. Condoms are. ERs may not offer the medicines just because you show up and ask. Your exposure wasn’t “occupational.” If they do offer you help once but you show up again, Mr. or Ms. Nurse On Duty will likely counsel you to get an HIV test instead. Worldwide, many research projects on pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis have been abandoned. There are too many variables to control and understand. A better way to avoid HIV infection is chanting a simple mantra: If I gotta have it, I gotta wrap it. —FP
STINKY SITUATION
I’ve been very sick lately: nausea, cramping stomach and constant diarrhea. In explaining my symptoms to a friend, he explained I may have picked up a parasite from the guy I’m dating. Is this true? If so, what can I do?
Geo
West Hollywood, CA
Unfortunately, your friend may be correct. One of the most common intestinal parasites is Giardia lamblia. These creepy critters colonize and reproduce in the small intestine, causing giardiasis, which is marked by your symptoms—stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and bouts of watery diarrhea and gas. This parasite is found worldwide, most commonly in countries with poor sanitation and unsafe water. The parasite, which is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, is also common among gay men who practice anilingus (rimming). Most cases last from two to six weeks. The good news is there are several effective drug therapies. Before you can be treated, you must be properly diagnosed. Now the bad news: You must get a stool analysis to confirm this parasite and the possible presence of other parasites. Once this is done, your doctor may prescribe medication or direct you towards herbal remedies. There are common herbal remedies for parasites, including wormwood, black walnut oil and cloves. The herbal remedies don’t taste too yummy but will usually do the trick. If you are positively diagnosed, be sure to let your partner know so you both can get treated and get back to your proper health. —PF
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