Gay men fall into different groups that are at radically different risk for acquiring HIV, Canadian research presented at the 11th International AIDS Impact Conference last week has found.
Reports reveal that MSM globally are faced with high levels of homophobia, stigma and discrimination, which are significantly associated with difficulties in accessing condoms and lubricant, HIV and STI testing, and HIV treatment.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was approved in the US in July 2012, following trials showing its efficacy in preventing sexual transmission of HIV. But, as Gus Cairns finds out, it remains a controversial addition to the HIV prevention options available to gay men in the US.
An analysis of an online and gay-venue survey of white, British-born, gay and bisexual men in the UK has found no association between whether they were circumcised and whether they had HIV, even among men who were mainly or exclusively ‘tops’ (who take the insertive role in anal intercourse).
In the last two years, three internet surveys in Europe, the USA and Asia asked over 200,000 gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) about sex, safety and stigma. Gus Cairns looks at some of the data, and finds a mix of the expected and unexpected and some challenging findings for HIV prevention.
A large, randomised sample of 21-year-old Thai men has found that by far the largest risk factor for HIV infection is gay identity. Scientists found that compared with exclusive 'tops', 'versatile' gay men were 6.8 times more likely to have HIV and exclusive 'bottoms' 8.6 times more likely.
Anal cancer is around 50 times more common in gay men with HIV than it is in the general population. Should we be demanding screening and vaccinations? Gus Cairns investigates.
Researchers found that the use of some rectal lubricant products might increase susceptibility to rectal STIs and make users more vulnerable to HIV. Four (out of six) Astroglide lubricants which appear to increase viral replication were the only ones containing a compound called polyquaternium-15 which, when tested, was found to be the cause.
A survey of lubricant use amongst a group of gay men and women found that those who used lubricants for anal sex were three times more likely to acquire gonorrhoea, chlamydia or syphilis than those who used none.
Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Interested in Men for Anything
Online: 2 hours ago
Davidla
Hi, I’m David. I'm a nice guy, interested mostly in friends, and more
Male | 66 | 5' 6"168cm / 160lbs73kg | Caucasian
Los Angeles, California, United States
Interested in Men for Friendship, Relationship, Chat
Online: 10 minutes ago
mroreo
:) twitter: oreoh91
Male | 35 | 5' 3"160cm / 114lbs52kg
New York City, New York, United States
Interested in Men for Friendship, Relationship, Chat
Online: 6 days ago
warmheartiii
I'm a relationship oriented guy. Versatile, HIV-, no drugs, no drama. Love to laugh. Live right on a lake and enjoy the water. Love to explore, and the DC area has lots of interesting things to see and do. Looking for a decent looking guy, 24 - 39, whose mind is working, has a decent sense of humor and some adventure in him. Someone who says what he means and means what he says.
Male | 80 | 5' 11"181cm / 176lbs80kg | Caucasian
Reston, Virginia, United States
Interested in Men for Action
Online: 49 minutes ago
alley23
Male | 46 | 5' 9"174cm / 149lbs68kg | Filipino
Boca Raton, Florida, United States
Interested in Men for Friendship, Chat
Online: 1 day ago
bludude06
Ready to make friends here....
Male | 6' 2"187cm / 174lbs79kg | Caucasian
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Interested in Men for Friendship, Relationship
Online: 14 hours ago
markie222
It's SPRING!!! Let's be like nature, and the two of us "bud" forth into a loving long-term relationship.