HIV risk for gay and bisexual men 'has grown significantly'

MicraBoy · 09-06-2013 06:23PM #1

www.breakingnews.ie wrote:

Young gay and bisexual Irish men have been warned the risk of contracting HIV has grown significantly.

As new figures revealed a four-fold increase in new diagnoses among those aged between 25 and 34, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen) said sexual health education and targeting HIV prevention measures were critical.

Director of Gay HIV Strategies at the network Tiernan Brady insisted raising awareness and promoting testing among gay and bisexual men can lead to a reduction in infection rates.

“For a new generation of young gay and bisexual men, the risk of contracting HIV has grown significantly,” Mr Brady said.

“Between 2005 and 2012 there has been a four-fold increase in the number of new diagnoses among those aged between 25-34 years.

“There is a critical need to educate young gay and bisexual men about good sexual health and about HIV and how they can protect themselves from contracting the condition.”

He insisted that HIV is a preventable condition and that Glen’s goal is to eventually achieve zero infections.

Figures released on Friday by the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Health Protection Surveillance Centre showed there were 166 newly diagnosed cases of HIV among gay and bisexual men last year.

These are the highest diagnosis rates recorded in Ireland to date.

“Implementation of sexual health education and HIV prevention strategies and campaigns targeting groups which are most at risk are critical in effectively responding to the ongoing high levels of HIV diagnosis amongst gay and bisexual men,” Mr Brady added.

“Such campaigns, working in conjunction with wider strategies addressing the need for testing and tackling the discrimination and stigma which is experienced by people living with HIV would represent an effective focussing and marshalling of the available resources.”

The HSE figures also showed that diagnosis rates increased by 160% between 2005 and 2012.

This represents 48% of all new HIV diagnoses.

The age group most at risk of HIV is also getting younger, with the average age of those contracting the virus falling to 32 in 2012.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/hiv-risk-for-gay-and-bisexual-men-has-grown-significantly-597013.html

syklops · 09-06-2013 06:25PM

If the risk has increased for bisexual men, then surely the risk has increased for bi-sexual and gay women also?

Locker10a · 09-06-2013 06:40PM

I came across this article today myself, and I was shocked and sickened, the careless attitude of people my age when it comes to sex shocks and annoys me sometimes. And I include gay and straight people, so many of my friends dislike using condoms and regularly don't use them, and some never do at all anymore, particularly girls on the pill! Is it any wonder when we have this attitude that STI's and HIV are on the rise! People need a slap to wake them up to reality.

LegacyUser · 09-06-2013 08:36PM

I seen that news story on the news,most media outlets are reporting it and I was shocked.Im a gay men myself..why is it that msm account for such a high percentage of HIV cases yet we represent a minority...suppose answer is obvious not using contraception..but why is not using condoms more prevalent among msm???

Annasopra · 09-06-2013 10:33PM

newtothis1990 wrote: »

I seen that news story on the news,most media outlets are reporting it and I was shocked.Im a gay men myself..why is it that msm account for such a high percentage of HIV cases yet we represent a minority...suppose answer is obvious not using contraception..but why is not using condoms more prevalent among msm???

There are various reasons including:

1 - not as much targeted education
2 - a change in cultural attitudes because - HIV no longer seen as a death sentence

howdoyado2 · 10-06-2013 10:57AM

newtothis1990 wrote: »

I seen that news story on the news,most media outlets are reporting it and I was shocked.Im a gay men myself..why is it that msm account for such a high percentage of HIV cases yet we represent a minority...suppose answer is obvious not using contraception..but why is not using condoms more prevalent among msm???

Probably because there is no risk of pregnancy yet it doesn't excuse reckless behaviour.Also gay men are more sexually active than straight men.Furthermore,the anal area has no natural lubricant so its more prone to tearing so HIV spreads alot easier.

mango salsa wrote: »

There are various reasons including:

1 - not as much targeted education
2 - a change in cultural attitudes because - HIV no longer seen as a death sentence

HIV is no longer seen as a death sentence but that would apply to everyone yet there is no increase in HIV in the other sexually orientated groups.As for education I think most people if not every adult in this country is aware of the risk of contracting HIV by not using contraception.

syklops wrote: »

If the risk has increased for bisexual men, then surely the risk has increased for bi-sexual and gay women also?

Risk wouldn't have increased for gay women because they wouldn't be having sex with gay or bi men.In fact lesbian women are the group least likely to have HIV as they cant have penetrative sex using body parts where there would be exchange of bodily fluids,thats why gay women can donate blood and gay men cant.

Annasopra · 10-06-2013 11:19AM

howdoyado2 wrote: »

Probably because there is no risk of pregnancy yet it doesn't excuse reckless behaviour.Also gay men are more sexually active than straight men.Furthermore,the anal area has no natural lubricant so its more prone to tearing so HIV spreads alot easier.

Are they? how do you know this?

By the way this data refers to MSMs (Men who have sex with men) which includes gay, bi and straight men

HIV is no longer seen as a death sentence but that would apply to everyone yet there is no increase in HIV in the other sexually orientated groups.As for education I think most people if not every adult in this country is aware of the risk of contracting HIV by not using contraception.

I'm sorry - what are you talking about?

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/HIVSTIs/HIVandAIDS/SurveillanceReports/File,14126,en.pdf

MSM accounted for the highest number of new diagnoses in 2012
(49%) as has been the case since 2009. Heterosexual contact accounted for 130 new diagnoses (38%) and there were 13 new diagnoses among IDU
(4%).

Risk wouldn't have increased for gay women because they wouldn't be having sex with gay or bi men.In fact lesbian women are the group least likely to have HIV as they cant have penetrative sex using body parts where there would be exchange of bodily fluids,thats why gay women can donate blood and gay men cant.

They can use their hand or fingers or tongue or indeed sex toys. So your statement there is not quite correct - certainly there is a lower risk of STIs for women but that doesn't mean no risk

howdoyado2 · 10-06-2013 11:31AM

mango salsa wrote: »

Are they? how do you know this?

By the way this data refers to MSMs (Men who have sex with men) which includes gay, bi and straight men

I'm sorry - what are you talking about?

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/HIVSTIs/HIVandAIDS/SurveillanceReports/File,14126,en.pdf

They can use their hand or fingers or tongue or indeed sex toys. So your statement there is not quite correct - certainly there is a lower risk of STIs for women but that doesn't mean no risk

Apologies,there has been an increase in other groups but not as dramatic as those of gay or bi men.MSM doesn't include straight men, men are labelled 'straight' because they exclusively have sex with women.
There is always risk for women but HIV cant be transmitted via tongue or finger.
Gay men imo must stress opinion and not fact are more sexually active because its readily available-apps,gaydar,saunas etc.
All men have a reputation for been more promiscous than women,if true,it stands to reason gay and bi men are more active than straight men.

Annasopra · 10-06-2013 01:08PM

howdoyado2 wrote: »

Apologies,there has been an increase in other groups but not as dramatic as those of gay or bi men.MSM doesn't include straight men,

MSM does include men who identify as heterosexual

http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/dataimport/pub/briefingnote/2006/20060801_policy_brief_msm_en.pdf

Sex between men occurs in diverse circumstances and among men whose experiences, lifestyles, behaviours and associated risks for HIV vary greatly. It encompasses a range of sexual and gender identities among people in various sociocultural contexts. It may involve men who identify as homosexual, gay, bisexual, transgendered or heterosexual. Men who have sex with men are often married, particularly where discriminatory laws
or social stigma of male sexual relations exist. Sex between adolescent males can also be a part of sexual experimentation.

In places where men spend long periods in all-male environments, such as prisons or boarding schools, sex between men can be common regardless of sexual identity and may be coerced.

There is always risk for women but HIV cant be transmitted via tongue or finger.

Really?

http://www.aidsmap.com/Cunnilingus/page/1323978/

Biologically, there is a potential for transmission of HIV by performing cunnilingus (using the mouth, lips and tongue to stimulate the female genitals) because vaginal fluid and menstrual blood (both of which can contain significant amounts of virus) can get into the mouth. There have only been a very small number of case reports of HIV transmission attributed to performing cunnilingus (some of which have turned out to be based on false reports), and no large studies. Performing cunnilingus is therefore classified as a low-risk activity. Any minimal risk that might be present can be further reduced by using latex barriers such as dental dams.

howdoyado2 · 10-06-2013 01:31PM

To my mind any man who has sex with another man shouldn't identify as straight,the same way a gay man who has sex with women shouldn't identify as gay.It's like identifying as a Man Utd fan yet celebrating everytime Liverpool win.
There is perhaps a risk of HIV transmission through oral but there is no doubt lesbians represent the lowest at risk group.
The fact remains that msm are a minority group even allowing for 'straight' men yet account for 48% of new HIV cases,in reality,its possibly a higher percentage as some men would lie about their sexual orientation/experience to medical staff because of social stigma etc

Annasopra · 10-06-2013 02:22PM

howdoyado2 wrote: »

To my mind any man who has sex with another man shouldn't identify as straight

at the end of the day what you think isn't really relevant because health authorities and researchers specifically use the term MSM for reasons of accuracy

Rothmans · 10-06-2013 11:17PM

mango salsa wrote: »

at the end of the day what you think isn't really relevant because health authorities and researchers specifically use the term MSM for reasons of accuracy

So as not to stigmatise such 'straight' men, and to appear less discriminatory.

Annasopra · 10-06-2013 11:26PM

Rothmans wrote: »

So as not to stigmatise such 'straight' men, and to appear less discriminatory.

Its actually more about recognising that if you use the strict category of gay or bi that actually that you don't get an accurate picture

wonderfulname · 11-06-2013 12:22AM

howdoyado2 wrote: »

Apologies,there has been an increase in other groups but not as dramatic as those of gay or bi men.MSM doesn't include straight men, men are labelled 'straight' because they exclusively have sex with women.
There is always risk for women but HIV cant be transmitted via tongue or finger.
Gay men imo must stress opinion and not fact are more sexually active because its readily available-apps,gaydar,saunas etc.
All men have a reputation for been more promiscous than women,if true,it stands to reason gay and bi men are more active than straight men.

The only accurate statement in here is the initial apology.

MSM has been explained, on top of that explanation I'd like to add sexuality is complex, you really don't get to decide others based on rigid criteria, is a gay man not gay if he slept with a woman in his teens?

Women can spread STDs, including HIV, to other women, in a variety of interesting manners you seem not to be aware of, perpetrating the myth they can't is dangerous in my opinion, it's low risk, but it's not zero.

Men cannot be more promiscuous than women, it's mathematically impossible, the majority of the population are sleeping with the opposite sex, for every one man that sleeps with 20 women, 20 women have slept with that man, the averages will always balance unless the entire gay male population are having sex at a completely unreasonable rate, men claim higher numbers than women, that doesn't make it true. The rest of the population also has pretty decent access to casual sex by the way, although I'll agree by less direct means.

Readytojump · 11-09-2013 12:20AM

Please help

I'm after making a terrible terrible mistake. I'm not out and have been in a relationship with my girlfriend for a number of years.

On Monday I had sex with a transsexual escort. Performed unprotected oral on each other and she performed protected anal sex on me. The condom broke. She stopped and did not orgasm. I panicked and still am.

I'm so ashamed, I don't know what to do. The ts said she was tested 3months ago and was clean. I find it hard to believe. Should I test now? Wait? Jump off a cliff???

Losing the will here.

TerrorFirmer · 11-09-2013 12:24AM

At the very least you owe it to your girlfriend to call a break on your relationship. I'm not judging you, but someone with sexuality issues of this nature that leads to an instance like this behind their girlfriends back needs some time to works things out for themselves. You know its the right thing to do, so do it.

Readytojump · 11-09-2013 12:32AM

I've never felt such a level of despair. When is the best time for me to test. I've made this mistake 3 times in a relationship that lasted twice as many years. I was drunk and stupid. I'm so totally lost.

TerrorFirmer · 11-09-2013 02:09AM

If you're worried about HIV, the minimum accepted window is 3 months. As I said. Before any further interaction with your girlfriend, you should break it off.

SimonQuinlank · 11-09-2013 02:27AM

First things first,go get tested.If you're in Dublin here's info for the clinic in James:

http://guideclinic.ie/sti-clinic

Obviously stop all sexual contact with anyone until you are in the clear.

Readytojump · 11-09-2013 08:44AM

Ok thanks. Even being able speak about this is helping me come to terms with what I need to do. I know I was fully clear before hand and that its hanging on this incident. There is possibility that I'm ok so might need to change my username. Obviously avoiding sexual contact for 3 months minimum. Man-up and get my head sorted out / decide what kind of person I want to be.

Vojera · 11-09-2013 09:36AM

According to the Guide Clinic website you can start a prophylactic course of medicine to reduce your chances of infection if you've been exposed to HIV. However, you must start them within 72 hours so you need to get motoring on it.

According to this page if you can't get to the clinic within the 72 hours then you can get a 4-day course to start you off from your local A&E, but you do need to follow up by going to the clinic.

If you don't get to the clinic until after the 72 hour window, they still advise you to come in so they can assess you for other STIs and can get a baseline of your health, so that when you're able for the proper HIV test in three months time they'll have a fuller picture of any changes.

Slang_Tang · 11-09-2013 10:48AM

Like Vojera said, if you are that worried then a course of PEP is your best bet, but you only have until 72 hours after the sexual contact.

PucaMama · 12-09-2013 07:31PM

Readytojump wrote: »

Please help

I'm after making a terrible terrible mistake. I'm not out and have been in a relationship with my girlfriend for a number of years.

On Monday I had sex with a transsexual escort. Performed unprotected oral on each other and she performed protected anal sex on me. The condom broke. She stopped and did not orgasm. I panicked and still am.

I'm so ashamed, I don't know what to do. The ts said she was tested 3months ago and was clean. I find it hard to believe. Should I test now? Wait? Jump off a cliff???

Losing the will here.

id suggest not cheating on your girlfriend then you wont be at risk in the first place. get tested asap and do the decent thing. break up with your gf so she can find a man who will treat her right. you disgust me.

Cody Pomeray · 12-09-2013 10:45PM

Very depressing to hear this.

In addition to mango salsa's points about educational complacency and the mortality perception of HIV, I would add one more category: alcohol and the scene. With the mainstreaming of the gay scene, the increase in participation and increasing alcohol consumption regarding young single people, I suspect this is also a significant contributor.

The increase in transmission risk is so significant that there must be an absolutely enormous number of people engaging in un-protected sex.

I say that because a lot of people don't realize how "difficult" HIV is to contract. Out of 10,000 sexual encounters with HIV + men, "only" 50 submissive anal sex partners will contract HIV.

It's about 4 times more rare for active partners with infected submissive partners.

So I don't believe that unprotected sex is a marginal, fringe activity. For the kind of transmission rates we're seeing it has to be absolutely rampant out there.

_Redzer_ · 15-09-2013 01:36PM

mango salsa wrote: »

There are various reasons including:

1 - not as much targeted education
2 - a change in cultural attitudes because - HIV no longer seen as a death sentence

Nope. The biggest reason is no risk of pregnancy, so when you're drunk and horny you'd be more likely to take the chance.

I know so many straight people that have unprotected sex if she's on the pill and can't get pregnant. Sad, but true.

Annasopra · 15-09-2013 02:34PM

_Redzer_ wrote: »

Nope. The biggest reason is no risk of pregnancy, so when you're drunk and horny you'd be more likely to take the chance.

I know so many straight people that have unprotected sex if she's on the pill and can't get pregnant. Sad, but true.

I think as I said that there are various reasons including the ones that you put forward and that I put forward. It is very difficult to say the main reason or biggest reason is x, y or z without some empirical research.

LookingFor · 05-10-2013 02:47PM

Sorry to bump this, but this article seemed to be published in mid September around the same time as these new statistics, and one comment jumped out at me:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/healthandlife/yourhealth/why-unprotected-sex-is-just-too-risky-242826.html

“For too many, the message isn’t getting through,” says Goulding. “One in four gay men in Ireland is HIV positive and doesn’t know it.

The Goulding in question is "Jimmy Goulding, spokesperson for lobby group, Positive Now".

My question is....where on earth did that statistic come from? And why is he not being challenged on that?

The HSE reports less than 4,000 people accessing care for HIV in Ireland. Let's assume half are gay men. Let's assume the Dublin AIDs Alliance is correct in their estimate that 30% of people with HIV are undiagnosed. That would mean there are about 1,000 gay men undiagnosed.

There are only 4,000 gay men in Ireland? :rolleyes:

Seriously, that statistic seems crazy, and for someone in a role that sees him in contact with the media it seems highly irresponsible to throw it about!

Dr. Shrike · 05-10-2013 03:51PM

It's possible he was misquoted and what he really said was one in four gay men with HIV in Ireland doesn't know it. A vastly more likely statistic.

LookingFor · 06-10-2013 09:20AM

Dr. Shrike wrote: »

It's possible he was misquoted and what he really said was one in four gay men with HIV in Ireland doesn't know it. A vastly more likely statistic.

Yeah, that strikes me as the probable explanation, and would be roughly in line with the Dublin AIDS alliance statistic on undiagnosed.

Very poor that it wasn't picked up on and corrected, though. Mammies of gay men all across the country probably had a heart attack reading that.

Antianara · 06-10-2013 01:40PM

Readytojump wrote: »

Please help

I'm after making a terrible terrible mistake. I'm not out and have been in a relationship with my girlfriend for a number of years.

On Monday I had sex with a transsexual escort. Performed unprotected oral on each other and she performed protected anal sex on me. The condom broke. She stopped and did not orgasm. I panicked and still am.
.

Sorry how did you make a terrible mistake? Did you book this escort? If so how can you claim the cheating was a mistake?

Either way you need to get tested, probably reevaluate your sexuality and certainly either tell your girlfriend, let her go or both. DO NOT subject her to anything you may have picked up.

There is nothing wrong with exploring your sexuality you really should be more careful about how you do that.

There is everything wrong with being a sly, cheating pig however so don't expect any sympathy on that score.

Walkingleys · 10-10-2013 06:09PM

howdoyado2 wrote: »

HIV is no longer seen as a death sentence but that would apply to everyone yet there is no increase in HIV in the other sexually orientated groups.As for education I think most people if not every adult in this country is aware of the risk of contracting HIV by not using contraception.

Risk wouldn't have increased for gay women because they wouldn't be having sex with gay or bi men.In fact lesbian women are the group least likely to have HIV as they cant have penetrative sex using body parts where there would be exchange of bodily fluids,thats why gay women can donate blood and gay men cant.

I am HIV positive, something that I picked up from my former lifestyle. It was a huge shock to me at the time however things have changed in my lifestyle for the good, I eat better, gave up drink, smoking, recreational drugs and have taken up exercise.

The earlier it is detected the better, you may notice a nasty flu like symptom, you also feel week. This will come possibly a week or two after it has been contacted. It will go away again. This is when I knew something was wrong and did a diagnosis on line, and went in for testing days later. Most important thing with HIV is to take your meds on time and don't miss days and keep doctors appointments.

There is also a responsibility for those with HIV, l am under a legal obligation to tell my status to any sexual partners. There is great support and counseling in Dublin for those that have being recently diagnosed. Open Heart House, LGBT on Capel St and of course staff at St James St.

HIV risk for gay and bisexual men 'has grown significantly'

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