Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Some men who have sex with men label themselves as gay, others as bisexual, while a large number -- particularly outside western countries -- simply see themselves as heterosexual males who just happen to have sex with men.
Men may have sex with men for a variety of reasons including: attraction to other men, pleasure or experimentation, societal or cultural norms, environmental reasons, or for financial reasons.
Men may have sex with men for a variety of reasons including: attraction to other men, pleasure or experimentation, societal or cultural norms, environmental reasons, or for financial reasons.
MSM and HIV/AIDS: |
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Historically, AIDS was first discovered among self-identified young gay men in the USA. Throughout the course of the global epidemic, consistently high levels of HIV infection have been found among men who have sex with men.
MSM represent only about 4% of the male population. In 2011 however, this demographic accounts for 54% of all the people living with the HIV infection. In the context of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, sex between men is significant because it can involve anal sex -- the highest risk sexual behavior for contracting HIV. In many countries, however, sex between men is stigmatized, which makes it nearly impossible to carry out relevant HIV prevention and awareness campaigns in some countries. |
Challenges Responding to HIV Among MSM:
Criminalization Many countries have laws banning same sex relations, many of which were first implemented during the colonial era and still remain today. In five of these countries, it is punishable by the death penalty. It is difficult to provide resources to MSM when such sexual relations are criminalized.
Discrimination from Authorities Discrimination from authorities is sometimes apparent when men who have sex with men who are already living with HIV try to access testing or treatment facilities. This can make it very difficult to reach them with HIV prevention campaigns.
Lack of Research There is a lack of awareness, knowledge, and impact of HIV in many regions around the world. More research on the impact of HIV on MSM -- particularly in developing countries -- will lead to a greater understanding of the situation and make it much easier to take appropriate action.
Discrimination from Authorities Discrimination from authorities is sometimes apparent when men who have sex with men who are already living with HIV try to access testing or treatment facilities. This can make it very difficult to reach them with HIV prevention campaigns.
Lack of Research There is a lack of awareness, knowledge, and impact of HIV in many regions around the world. More research on the impact of HIV on MSM -- particularly in developing countries -- will lead to a greater understanding of the situation and make it much easier to take appropriate action.
HIV Prevention That Works:
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One of the most important prevention responses is to make high-quality condoms, along with water-based lubricants, available and accessible to men who have sex with men. If suitably strong condoms are not used, they may break, and if oil-based lubricants are used, they can damage condoms.
Many of the most successful programs aimed at men who have sex with men empower this group and actively involve them. These programs help to:
The internet can be another effective means of reaching out to men who have sex with men, as increasing numbers of gay people are meeting online. Some websites used by men who have sex with men place health advisors in chatrooms, display animated characters to educate people about HIV, and encourage users to be open about their HIV-status. |
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The Way Forward:
Evidence and experience shows that providing HIV and AIDS services to those who are most at risk can be hugely beneficial to a whole country’s approach to HIV and AIDS. Governments and international donors must therefore cease to neglect the HIV epidemic among men who have sex men.
Now You Know
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Data collected from:
Data collected from:
