HIV and MSM

The correlation between HIV and MSM (Men who have sex with men or gay sexual relationships), was one of the first HIV oriented discoveries. Indeed, these kinds of relationships are treated as highly risky, especially when multiple sexual partners and unsafe sex is involved.

HIV and MSM have the strongest correlation in South East Asia:

• 25% to 30% of the HIV cases arise from this factor in South East Asia.
• Even in the Sub Saharan Africa, it has enough prevalence.
• 43% in Kenya,
• 20% in Malawi and Botswana,
• 12% in Namibia and
• 25% in Ghana.

Though there are many other factors that contribute to HIV, MSM seems to be the biggest problem. In the developed nations, where homosexual relationships are openly accepted, in the underdeveloped nations, they are still kept concealed, and hence it contributes in making the matter worse. This is because:

• The Social stigma is attached to homosexuality: They might get scared thinking about the consequences they might have to face if others come to know about their HIV and MSM status. They often have to face the same from the health care workers in some underdeveloped nations.
• The shame and unacceptability of a gay sexual alliance: In many nations, HIV and MSM are treated as abnormal, immoral and against the law of nature. The man is considered as feminine. The further skepticism associated with HIV can make their social survival even more difficult.
• Social pressure to have family and children: Having a family is an important economic and social aspect in most developing and underdeveloped nations. It assures economic help and social support in the future. That is the reason why most people conceal their actual sexual orientation.

Some Important fact related to HIV and MSM:

• Black gay men are more likely to face worse consequences due to HIV. Because of the social factors revolving around the blacks, they fail to report after indulging in any risky homosexual activity.
• One third of the gays indulge in unprotected sex, with more than one partners.
• In USA, HIV affects MSM much more than it does to heterosexuals. More than half of the new HIV cases in USA are gays.

Why MSM is riskier than male- female sex?

Most of the gay men indulge in anal sex. Anal sex without protection increases the chances of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV many folds more than unprotected anal sex. This is because the lubricants that are used during anal sex, backs up the smooth transmission of the virus from the infected partner to the other partner.

World wide, homosexuality is a crime in more than 80 nations. They are subjected to various social, physical and verbal harassments and humiliations in the society. Therefore, in these places only 9% of the MSM HIV patients come to the health care centers for treatment. The rest 91% prefer to worsen their health rather than going for a check up and face the harsh social consequences.

The 'hush hush' associated with HIV and MSM, therefore does not facilitate diagnosis and treatment of the disease in many underdeveloped nations.