MSM
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Men who have sex with men |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Military |
MSM has two meanings. It stands for Men who have sex with men (infectious disease) or Meritorious Service Medal (military award and decoration).
Meanings of MSM at a glance
| # | MSM stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Men who have sex with men | Medical › Infectious Disease |
| 2 | Meritorious Service Medal | Military › Military Award and Decoration |
1. Men who have sex with men
Medical · Infectious Disease Abbreviations
Epidemiologic term that describes sexual behavior rather than identity, used in HIV and STI surveillance, prevention guidelines and research. It includes men who do not identify as gay or bisexual.
Example: Annual HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing recommended for sexually active MSM, more often with PrEP.
The term came into wide use in the 1990s to focus prevention on behavior regardless of identity. The CDC recommends that sexually active MSM be tested at least yearly, and every three to six months if at higher risk. Equivalent terms include WSW (women who have sex with women). Pronounced as letters.
2. Meritorious Service Medal
Military · Military Award and Decoration Abbreviations
Non-combat decoration for outstanding meritorious achievement or service in the US armed forces, typically awarded to field-grade officers and senior NCOs at the end of a tour or at retirement.
Example: The first sergeant received the MSM for his three years leading the company.
The Meritorious Service Medal was established in 1969. In combat zones the Bronze Star is awarded for comparable achievement. It ranks above the commendation medals. Additional awards are shown with oak leaf clusters or gold stars depending on the service.
Related abbreviations
More infectious disease abbreviations
- MDRO – Multidrug-resistant organism
- MERS – Middle East respiratory syndrome
- MIC – Minimum inhibitory concentration
- MRSA – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- MSSA – Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
- N95 – N95 filtering facepiece respirator
- NHSN – National Healthcare Safety Network
- NSTI – Necrotizing soft tissue infection
See all 92 infectious disease abbreviations →
More military award and decoration abbreviations
- LOM – Legion of Merit
- MC – Military Cross
- MOH – Medal of Honor
- MOVSM – Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- MUC – Meritorious Unit Commendation
- NAM – Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- NDSM – National Defense Service Medal
- OLC – Oak leaf cluster
See all 37 military award and decoration abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.