Sexual risk behaviors account for most HIV
infections in gay and bisexual men. Most gay and bisexual men acquire
HIV through anal sex, which is the riskiest type of sex for getting or
transmitting HIV. For sexually active gay and bisexual men, the most
effective ways to prevent transmitting or becoming infected with HIV
are to be on antiretroviral medications (to either treat or prevent
infection) and to correctly use a condom every time for anal or vaginal
sex. Gay men are at increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Having more sex partners compared to other men means
gay and bisexual men have more opportunities to have sex with someone
who can transmit HIV or another STD. Similarly, among gay men, those
who have more partners are more likely to acquire HIV.
