Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

D2
HIV Transmission and Men who Have Sex
with Men (MSM)
Adolescent boys whose skin in the rectum is not fully mature are more likely to
develop cuts during anal sex and are therefore at higher risk of getting HIV.
Insertive anal intercourse is not as risky as receptive anal sex. Why? The skin
on the penis is stronger than the skin in the anus. It is less prone to cuts so it is
less vulnerable to penetration by HIV. However, HIV contained in blood and
rectal fluids can pass through the urethra of the penis or under the foreskin
of someone who is uncircumcised.
Men who are uncircumcised are more likely to become infected with HIV if
exposed during unprotected anal sex than men who are circumcised.
Water based or silicone based lubrication is a must for anal sex. With a
condom and lubricant, anal sex can be practiced and enjoyed safely.
Receptive oral sex is more risky than insertive oral sex. The person sucking is
more at risk than the person whose penis is sucked. Why? Sperm gets into the
mouth of the person sucking and can penetrate the skin around the teeth,
which can easily get cut. The skin is strong in most parts of the mouth except
around the teeth (the gums) so there is a potential for HIV entering the body
through cuts in the gums.
Insertive oral sex is low risk. The skin on the penis, especially if circumcised, is
strong and less vulnerable to cuts. The person sucking may have cuts in the
mouth which produce blood but the saliva, which does not carry HIV, is protecting
the penis. Acid in the saliva neutralizes the blood from the gums.
Oral sex is low risk for HIV but high risk for other STIs such as gonorrhea and
herpes.
Untreated STIs greatly increase one’s risk of getting HIV. Many STIs cause
sores, which make it easier for HIV to enter the body. MSM may not have
symptoms of STIs or cannot see the sores because they are inside the anus or
mouth, which puts them at greater risk.
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