CARNAL NATION

In the United States, gay men remain the population most affected by HIV/AIDS. Mounting evidence also suggests that new HIV infections have been on the rise in this group since 2000. New epidemiological research reveals some alarming statistics on the transmission of HIV among gay men, who account for more than 50% of new HIV infections. The findings of P.S. Sullivan and colleagues indicate that over 50% of HIV transmissions in American gays are from a primary or main partner. Furthermore, 46% of HIV infections among gays were transmitted by partners who thought they were negative, while 38% of infections were from partners who did not know their status. The main mode of transmission was receptive anal intercourse (i.e., bottoming), accounting for 69% of infections. Insertive anal intercourse (topping) led to an estimated 28% of infections, and 3% of infections could be traced to oral sex.

These statistics, according to the researchers, indicate a shift in the need for the type of HIV prevention strategies as well a new target audience. Though these gay men may have multiple partners, a main or primary one plus casual partners, the evidence suggests that the men will engage in riskier behavior with their primary partner and that they are more likely to contract HIV from their primary or main partner. A significant number of these primary or main partners are either mistaken about their actual status or don't know. Lead researcher Dr. Sullivan wrote, “Our data suggest that the development and testing of HIV prevention interventions for [non-monogamous gay couples], a historically understudied area of HIV prevention, may be important as we approach the fourth decade of the U.S. HIV epidemic.” It is important to note that one can only be sure of one's HIV-negative status as of the last negative test result. Any sexual activity subsequent to a negative test result can lead to infection. Get tested. Often.