Do All Gay Men Have Unprotected or Bareback Anal Sex?

By Ramon Johnson

Question: Do All Gay Men Have Unprotected or Bareback Anal Sex?

Answer: No. Barebacking or engaging in unprotected anal sex is an individual activity and cannot be applied to all gay men. Each gay man is their own individual.

There are a number of reasons some gay men may bareback, but often the circumstance, the individual and the situation play a large role in protected or unprotected encounters.

Many gay men practice safer sex. As with any group of individuals or community, safer sex practices should always be practiced and encouraged.

Why some gay men bareback?

1. Increased Apathy Over the Transmission of HIV. Some believe the myth that, as a gay man, contracting HIV is nevitable or unavoidable or that the virus can been controlled with advanced HIV medications. HIV is still alive and well and should not be thought of as a long-term illness. Remember, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS and HIV medications do not protect you from the virus.
   
   
2. Anxiety Over Contracting HIV. There are instances of some men either deliberately transmitting the virus or willingly receiving HIV. The terms gift giver and bug chaser are sometimes used to describe these men, respectively. It's theorized that bug chasers willingly attempt to contract HIV due to an overwhelming anxiety over catching the virus. A bug chaser may believe it is just a matter of time before they are infected. This is a false belief. Many gay men live long and healthy lives without contracting HIV.
   
   
3. Both Partners Are Already HIV Positive. Some HIV positive men believe that since they already have the virus there is no need to have protected sex with another HIV positive man. However, HIV positive men run the risk of reinfection, which occurs when a person living with HIV gets infected a second time while having unprotected sex with another HIV infected person.
   
   
4. Some "Live for the Moment." There are always those that either adopt or already possess fearless "live for the moment" mentalities–accepting whatever consequences may result from their actions. Sure, sex without a condom may increase sensation or be more spontaneous, but the benefits far outweigh the risk of contracting an STD or HIV. A moment of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of illness. It's also important to note that one medication in a HIV med regimen (which usually includes more than one pill) can cost in excess of $800 a month.
   
   
5. Low Self-Esteem. A person with lower self-esteem can often run the risk of following the direction of a more confident sex partner. Protect your health, even if your partner claims that he can't get erect with a condom on or urges you to have unprotected sex for just a while. Also, keep your own self-confidence in perspective. Thinking you may lose a chance to be with a great guy or that you'll ruin a sensual moment will only put you at increased risk of contracting an STD or HIV. Part of him respecting you and part of you respecting yourself is protecting your health.
   
   
6. Drug Use. Using drugs like ecstasy, viagra or crystal meth can impair judgment and has been shown to increase the chances of having unprotected sex. The moment of a drug high may seem unforgettable, but majority of men remember little, including the sex, after coming down. Don't be caught in a situation where you have to remember an encounter that may have given you an unforgettable disease.
   

What are the negative effects of barebacking?

1. You Can Contract STDs. Barebacking can dramatically increase the chances of contracting HIV and other STDs like syphilis. Some STD's can lead to live changing conditions and eventually death. Protect yourself, even if a guy tells you he's HIV and STD negative.
2. You Can Infect Your Partner. It's never the season for giving when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases. If you do have an STD, you can play a great part in efforts to control viruses and diseases by playing safe.
3. You Put Your Life in the Hands of Another Person. And sometimes that other person is a stranger. Your body is your temple. A few moments of pleasure is not worth a lifetime of pain or suffering. Play safe!

With sex comes the responsibility to protect yourself and others. Discuss your sexual history and HIV status and get tested before having sex. Safer sex should still be practiced even after this discussion.