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Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)

MSM image, courtesy shutterstock

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a socially and culturally diverse group, some of whom may not self-indentify as 'gay'.  MSM remain at greatest risk of acquiring HIV infection within the UK with no evidence of declining infections in this group.

 

 

STIs in MSM 2011 cover

Latest report

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Men who have Sex with Men in the UK: 2011 Report

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HIV and STI specific MSM data

Sexual Health Messages:

Key messages for the prevention of HIV and STIs among MSM include:

  • Have an HIV and STI screen at least annually and more frequently, if you are having unprotected anal intercourse with casual and new sexual partners.
  • Reduce your number of sexual partners and avoid overlapping or concurrent sexual partnerships.
  • Use condoms consistently with all casual and new sexual partners until all partners have been screened.
  • Unprotected sex with casual and new partners who are believed to be of the same HIV status as you (serosorting) is unsafe. For HIV positive men, serosorting poses a risk of acquiring other STIs and hepatitis with serious treatment implications. For HIV negative MSM it carries the risk of HIV transmission (as a quarter of HIV positive MSM are unaware of their infection), as well as acquiring STIs.

Annual Reports and Related Information

 


 
  • MSM HIV Data
    HIV Data for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)
    Added/updated: 17 April 2012