Why did aids spread among gay men

Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app. Just under 1. Some people contract the virus when they have sex without a condom or other barrier method. The virus can be transmitted when someone with HIV shares needles, syringes, or other drug equipment with another person.

Some people have contracted HIV after a blood transfusion or organ transplant that contained the virus. But because donor blood and organs have been routinely tested for HIV sincethe chance of this happening today is very low. This may be because, according to a reportBlack and Hispanic gay and bisexual men are less likely to take preventive medication.

The reasons for this include the stigma surrounding same-sex experiences and the stress of enduring racism, discrimination, and racist systems that play a part in healthcare inequities. Today, while many nations have more progressive policies, some areas across Africa, Russia, and the Middle East continue to enforce laws against same-sex activity.

This cuts off access to preventive HIV care for these individuals. Stigma plays a significant role in HIV transmission, despite advances in prevention and treatment. Even in areas where same-sex activity is legal, the fear of stigma and discrimination that comes along with it can drive men to hide their sexual identity from healthcare professionals.

This creates a barrier to testing and preventive treatment. The stigma attached to HIV may also prevent people aware of their HIV-positive status from accessing and maintaining treatment to suppress their viral load and help stop the spread. The chance of transmission is higher during anal sex without a condom or other barrier method than vaginal sex without why did aids spread among gay men condom or other barrier method.

This is because the skin around the anus is thinner than the skin around the vagina, so small tears are more likely to occur during anal sex. Early diagnosis and treatment for HIV are important. Treatment with antiretroviral therapy prevents progression to AIDS.

People at higher risk of HIV may benefit from more frequent testing, such as every 3 to 6 months. Not all MSM follow these recommendations. As a result, some may have HIV without realizing it. This can lead to delays in treatment and increase the chances of transmission. If someone without HIV is at a higher risk of contracting the virus, taking PrEP daily significantly lowers that risk.

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This greatly reduces the risk of transmission. Despite the availability of these medications, usage remains low among gay and bisexual men, particularly Black or Hispanic men, according to the CDC. Medical care can be limited for some people as not everyone has access.

Even for those who do, not all medical professionals are comfortable prescribing these medications. If you have HIV or another STI, getting treatment and using a condom or other barrier method every time you have sex can reduce the risk of transmission.

People who have sex with multiple partners or partners of unknown HIV status should consider getting tested more frequently, such as every 3 to 6 months. Taking antiretroviral medication will lower the risk of complications and help prevent HIV transmission.

You must take PEP within 72 hours of possible exposure and continue taking it for 28 days. Reduce your chances of contracting or transmitting the virus by using a condom or other barrier method during sex. Antiretroviral medications are available to treat HIV.