Gay and Bi Men

The CDC reports that in 2007 men who have sex with men, including gay and bisexual men, represented 54% of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States.  Young men who have sex with men who identify as black or Latino under age of 30, and white men over the age of 30 are all experiencing increasing rates HIV infection.  However, black men who have sex with men are at greatest relative risk for HIV, followed by Latino MSM. 

New infections among gay and bisexual men 13 to 29 are up 33% since 2001 in New York City. 

Am I at risk for HIV transmission?

If you don’t use condoms for anal or vaginal sex you may be putting yourself at risk for HIV. 

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men represent 2-3% of the US adult population, so using the CDC data about new HIV incidence, gay men have an odds ratio of 19 to 29 of getting HIV compared with other people. 

How is HIV transmitted?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is primarily transmitted during unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex and through the exchange of blood (e.g. when sharing needles or razors).  It may also be transmitted from a mother to a child during pregnancy or through infected breast milk.
HIV cannot be transmitted during casual contact.

Can I get HIV if I don’t use a condom during oral sex?

HIV is primarily transmitted when a person has anal or vaginal sex without using a condom but it is possible that HIV could be transmitted during oral sex.  Other STDs can be transmitted during oral sex including Chlamydia and gonorrhea.