A comparison of condom use errors and problems for heterosexual anal and vaginal intercourse

via International Journal of STD and AIDS

Abstract

Condom use errors and problems were compared for anal and vaginal intercourse among a convenience sample of heterosexual men aged 18–66 years (n = 757). Men completed an online questionnaire for the last male condom use event for penile–anal (10.4%) or penile–vaginal (89.6%) intercourse. The prevalence of condom use errors and problems was similar regardless of intercourse type with a few exceptions; those reporting anal intercourse were significantly more likely to report using water-based (P < 0.001) and oil-based (P = 0.037) lubricant and to remove condoms before sex was finished (P < 0.001). The large majority of the sample (93.8%) reported at least one of the nine errors assessed and almost half (46.2%) reported at least one of the seven problems, indicating that many adults may need assistance with these issues. Condom use promotion programmes designed for heterosexual adults are needed that address condom use errors and problems for penile–anal as well as penile–vaginal intercourse.

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Heterosexual Anal Sex Experiences Among Puerto Rican and Black Young Adults

Heterosexual Anal Sex Experiences Among Puerto Rican and Black Young Adults

Health providers should address it openly and, when appropriate, as a positive sexual and emotional experience.

Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health Vol. 42; No. 4: doi:10.1363    (12..10):: Marion Carter; Dare Henry-Moss; Linda Hock-Long; Anna Bergdall; Karen Andes

Summary via U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The authors introduced the study by noting that heterosexual anal sex, which poses risks for STDs, "is not uncommon in the United States." "However, who engages in it and why are not well understood, particularly among young adults."

In Hartford, Conn., and Philadelphia from 2006 to 2008, data on topics related to sexual health were collected via survey (483 respondents) and qualitative interviews (70 individuals) from black and Puerto Rican persons ages 18 to 25. Predictors of anal sex with the most recent serious heterosexual partner were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. The team analyzed interview transcripts to assess experiences with anal sex and reasons for engaging or abstaining.

Anal sex was reported by 34 percent of survey respondents. It was more common with serious (22 percent) as opposed to casual (8 percent) partners. Black participants were less likely than Puerto Rican respondents to report anal sex (odds ratio, 0.3); women were more likely than men to report anal sex (2.9).

The qualitative cohort found perceptions of anal sex as painful and unappealing were the predominant reasons for abstaining. Sexual pleasure and, in serious relationships, intimacy were the main reasons cited for engaging in it. During anal sex, condom use "was rare and was motivated by STD or hygiene concerns."

"Heterosexual anal sex is not an infrequent behavior and should be considered in a broad sexual health context, not simply as an indicator of STD risk," the authors concluded. "Health providers should address it openly and, when appropriate, as a positive sexual and emotional experience."


[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Heterosexual anal sex reported by women receiving HIV prevention services in Los Angeles County

Womens Health Issues. 2010 Nov-Dec;20(6):414-9.

Heterosexual anal sex reported by women receiving HIV prevention services in Los Angeles County.

Reynolds GL, Fisher DG, Napper LE, Fremming BW, Jansen MA.

California State University, Long Beach, Center for Behavioral Research and Services, Long Beach, California 90813, USA. greynol2@csulb.edu

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examined reported heterosexual receptive anal intercourse (HRAI) in a sample of women recruited from HIV prevention providers in Los Angeles County.

METHODS: The majority of women surveyed were Latina and the modal age was 19 years. Women reporting HRAI were more likely to use both injected and non injected drugs and to have sexual partners who injected drugs.

RESULTS: Factors associated with HRAI in a multivariate regression model included use of methamphetamine; use of alcohol before, during, or after sex; and use of dental services at the interview agency. Factors inversely associated with heterosexual anal sex were being African American (compared with Latina) and endorsing the use of condoms for episodes of vaginal sex from start to finish.

CONCLUSION: HIV prevention providers in Los Angeles County should be aware of the need for basic prevention messages concerning condom use and injection behavior in young Latina women.



[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Age-Specific Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Anal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among Men Who Have Sex with Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men

via The Journal of Infectious Diseases

Background

An increasing incidence of anal cancer among men suggests a need to better understand anal canal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus–negative men.

Methods

Genotyping for HPV was conducted on cells from the anal canal among men who have sex with women (MSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM), aged 18–70 years, from Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. Factors associated with anal HPV infection were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of any HPV type and oncogenic HPV types did not differ by city. Anal canal HPV prevalence was 12.2% among 1305 MSW and 47.2% among 176 MSM. Among MSW, reporting a lifetime number of ≥10 female sex partners, a primary sexual relationship <1 year in duration, and a prior hepatitis B diagnosis were independently associated with detection of any anal HPV in multivariable analysis. Among MSM, a younger age, reporting ≥2 male anal sex partners in the past 3 months, and never using a condom for anal sex in the past 6 months were independently associated with detection of any anal HPV in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Number of sex partners was associated with anal HPV infection in both MSW and MSM. Anal HPV infection in men may be mediated by age, duration of sexual relationship, and condom use.

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[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

External Genital Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Heterosexual Men on 5 Continents

via The Journal of Infectious Diseases

Background

We examined the baseline prevalence of penile, scrotal, and perineal/perianal human papillomavirus (HPV) in heterosexual men (HM). We also evaluated baseline characteristics of HM to assess factors associated with prevalent HPV detection.

Methods

We tested serum samples from 3463 HM aged 16–24 years with 1–5 lifetime female sexual partners for antibodies to HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18. We collected baseline swab specimens for the detection of DNA of HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59 from 3 areas: penile, scrotal, and perineal/perianal. Risk factors for prevalent HPV DNA detection were evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of any tested HPV type was 18.7% at the penis, 13.1% at the scrotum, 7.9% at the perineal/perianal region, and 21.0% at any site. Having >3 lifetime female sexual partners had the greatest impact on HPV prevalence: odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–4.9) for HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18; and OR 4.5 (95% CI 3.3–6.1) for all HPV types tested. HPV DNA detection was highest in Africa. Neither condom usage nor circumcision was associated with HPV DNA prevalence.

Conclusion

Genital-HPV DNA detection is common in young, sexually active HM. We found HPV to be most prevalent in African men and least prevalent in men from the Asia-Pacific region. Increased numbers of sexual partners was an important risk factor for HPV DNA prevalence.

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[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]