Why Do Gay People Contract AIDS?

Why Do Gay People Contract AIDS?

Why males who have sex with other men are more at risk for contracting the virus

A board-certified physician with expertise in public health, infectious diseases, diabetes, and health policy is Anju Goel, MD, MPH.

Gay men are more likely than other groups to contract the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States for a variety of reasons. For instance, anal sex is more conducive to virus transmission than vaginal sex like in phim sex. Additionally, there are other risk factors for gay men, particularly gay men of color, such as less access to healthcare.

There are numerous strategies to lower your risk of contracting HIV, including using condoms properly and taking HIV preventive drugs.

In comparison to all other groups, gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest risk of contracting HIV. This article looks more closely at four important risk variables.

Infections with HIV in Gay Men

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that gay or bisexual men constituted 70% of all new HIV infections in 2019. More over one-third of these were gay or bisexual Black men.

But it's crucial to keep in mind that not all guys who have sex with other men are gay when talking about HIV infections in gay men. MSM truly refers to any guy who engages in male-to-male sexual activity, regardless of his sexual orientation—gay, bisexual, heterosexual, or any other.

The likelihood of contracting an infection can be increased by a number of MSM-specific risk factors, such as:

condom-free sex and HIV

Unprotected anal intercourse, sometimes referred to as condomless anal sex, is one of the main risk factors for virus transmission.

Gay men and other MSM don't always participate in anal sex. However, one of the primary methods for MSM to contract HIV is condom-free anal sex. In actuality, condom-free anal sex poses an even higher risk of HIV transmission than condom-free vaginal sex. Regardless of the sex of the receptive ("bottom") partner, this is accurate.

The rectum's internal anatomy is one of the main causes of this. The rectum only contains a single column of these cells, in contrast to the vagina, which is lined with a thick layer of these cells that serves as a barrier.

As a result, HIV can swiftly induce an infection. HIV can infiltrate the body's frontline immune defenses within an hour of rectal exposure, according to studies employing animal models. The virus can spread throughout the entire body in just 24 hours.

Economic and Social Risk Factors

HIV infection is more likely to occur in specific homosexual men and other males who have sex with other men. This specifically refers to MSM that is Black or Latinx.

The high incidence of HIV in persons of color are a result of a number of factors, including poverty, racism, high unemployment, a lack of government support, and inadequate access to healthcare.

stigma and the effects of a positive test

HIV transmission may also be influenced by stigma. Not only because of their HIV status, but also occasionally because of their race and sexual orientation, people with HIV are frequently the focus of stigma. This may have a variety of negative effects on their health.

Some people mistakenly think that the high HIV prevalence among gay men and the mainstream media proves that homosexuals and bisexuals are "promiscuous," "diseased," or "immoral." This mentality may cause many MSM to go into hiding.

Some men may postpone HIV testing and treatment until the condition is more advanced and difficult to treat rather than expose themselves to embarrassment or discrimination.

A positive test may also oblige them to disclose how they contracted the infection, which they might not want to do or be prepared to do.

Isolation and a lack of support can lead to depression, alcohol or drug misuse, sexual risk-taking, inconsistent treatment, and care if they are tested and find out they have HIV.

Many people who start HIV treatment do not finish it.

HIV prevention

The ideal strategy to prevent HIV infection is obviously to choose not to have sex, but for most people, this is neither desired nor reasonable.

So, the key to HIV prevention is making your own decisions.

Using a condom each time you have sex is one of the best methods to lower your risk of contracting HIV. Make careful you select and properly put on one that fits.

It has long been advised that those who also engage in anal intercourse use condoms that have been cleared for use during vaginal sex. While you can still use those, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now officially certified a condom for anal intercourse. In March 200, ONE condoms received this marketing authorisation.

Other effective ways to lower your risk include limiting the number of sexual partners you have and/or engaging in alternative forms of sex, such oral sex.

Gay men and MSM are tested for HIV

If you are an MSM, it is crucial to get tested frequently. At least once a year, get tested. Consider being tested every three to six months if you had several partners but don't know whether they are HIV positive.

Not everyone becomes sick when they have HIV in its early stages. This is why, if you suspect you've been exposed to the virus, you should be tested.

Inform your sexual partner(s) and seek treatment if you test positive. The danger of spreading the infection to others can be decreased with treatment.

Describe PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug that significantly lowers the risk of HIV transmission. However, only approximately a third of MSM reported using PrEP in 2017 due to a lack of access and knowledge. pornsexzone.com