Why are gay men at high risk for contracting hiv

Learn why gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men are more likely than average to contract HIV. Find strategies for reducing the risk. Gay men get human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections at higher rates than any other group in the United States, with 67% of new cases in occurring in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Certain biological factors increase the risk. Social, cultural, and economic factors—such as stigma. The LGBTQ+ community remains at heightened risk of contracting HIV because of this discrimination. Gay men are 28 times more likely to contract HIV than heterosexual men and transgender women are 14 times more likely to contract HIV than other adult women.

What's behind the higher rates of infection among gay men? Dr. David debunks myths and explains why some groups are and areas are more affected by HIV/AIDS than others. However, some sexually active gay and bisexual men who have multiple sex partners or casual sex with people whose status is unknown may benefit from getting tested more often (for example, every 3 to 6 months). Gay and bisexual men who are HIV negative but at risk of getting HIV should consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

IE 11 is not supported. This is by far the best way to protect yourself from HIV transmission, in addition to safer practices to lower your risk. Not sure where to start? Profile My News Sign Out. Conclusion No matter your sexual orientation or preferred position, if you are at risk of HIV transmission, you should consider taking PrEP. A quarter of Latino gay and bisexual men will be infected over their lifetimes, the new analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds.

Why is hiv more easily transmitted anally

Skip to content. It's been on the market since and has been recommended by the CDC since It is also important to note that uncircumcised males are at a slightly higher risk of contracting HIV — since they are more prone to bacteria and infections. Never sharing needles or syringes with others. However, this does not mean that tops are not at risk as the insertive partner may also contract HIV through anal intercourse.

This gives the bottom less control over protection. NBC News Logo. The content of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used to treat or diagnose any disease or condition. People who know they are infected can take drug cocktails that will not only keep them healthy, but greatly reduce the risk that they will infect someone else.

However, the notable difference between these medications is that Descovy is currently only approved for use in cisgender males and transgender females, while Truvada is approved for all genders. About FAQ. States where risk is greatest include Maryland, where one 1 in 49 people will become infected, Georgia, with a one in 51 HIV infection rate, Florida 1 in 54 , and Louisiana 1 in And when someone's black and gay, the risk skyrockets.

If you are committed to improving sexual health, it is important to help everyone understand what HIV prevention and treatment options are available to them, without judgement. Sign In Create your free profile. PrEP must be taken daily for at least seven days before it is effective at preventing HIV transmission through anal sex. In addition, people at high risk can take a once-a-day pill in a regimen called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP can reduce the risk of catching HIV by 90 percent if people use it consistently.

PrEP can only be prescribed by a doctor, so you will need to talk to a physician about taking it. Still can't find what you're looking for? Keep up-to-date with all our latest news stories and blogs by signing up to the Be in the KNOW news digest. PrEP does not have any significant health effects even with long-term use, but you may experience some side effects, such as: Rash Headaches Diarrhea Vomiting or nausea Loss of appetite Abdominal pain Changes in weight Some more severe side effects that may occur can be kidney issues, liver problems, or bone density loss.

By Maggie Fox.