The Importance of Discreet Use of the Diaphragm to Zimbabwean Women and their Partners

We conducted a 6-month acceptability study of diaphragms as a potential HIV/STI prevention method among Zimbabwean women. We examined partner involvement in diaphragm use, and importance of discreet use (use without partner awareness). Of the 181 women who completed the study, 45% said discreet use was “very or extremely important” and in multivariate logistic regression, women were more likely to value discretion if their partners: had other partners; drank alcohol; or were believed to prefer condoms to diaphragms. Qualitative data confirmed these findings. Both women and their partners reported that diaphragms can be used discreetly and saw this as advantageous, for both sexual pleasure and female control. However, many were concerned that use without partner approval could lead to marital problems. Discreet use should be considered in development of barrier methods and in diaphragm promotion, if proven effective against HIV/STI.     

Condom 'turn offs' among adults: an exploratory study

An exploratory study compared the prevalence of multiple types of condom-associated 'turn offs' in men and women. Nearly 2000 people completed a web-based questionnaire. Data were analysed from 464 men and women who reported that condoms had turned them off the last time they were used. Gender differences were not observed for the majority (9) of 15 turn offs. The most common turn offs related to loss of pleasure. For example, more than three-quarters of the men and nearly 40% of the women reported decreased sexual sensation (P = 0.0001). Putting on condoms was reported by 43.2% of the men versus 30.2% of the women (P = 0.02). Smell was a relatively frequent turn off, with about one-third indicating this issue and no significant gender difference (P = 0.32). Turn offs pertaining to arousal and orgasm were also common. Findings suggest that numerous physical and psychological condom turn offs may be experienced by men and women while using male condoms. Although some turn offs differed as a function of gender, there was remarkable similarity between men and women.     

Changes in sexual behavior during a safety and feasibility trial of a microbicide/diaphragm combination: an integrated qualitative and quantitative analysis.

If proven effective, vaginal microbicides and diaphragms will likely be part of a larger HIV prevention model that includes condoms and other prevention strategies. It is, therefore, important to understand how introducing new prevention methods may affect overall patterns of sexual risk behavior. Data presented were collected as part of a safety and feasibility study of ACIDFORM gel with a diaphragm among 120 women in South Africa. Interviews were administered at enrollment and months 1, 3, 5, and 6 of the trial. Focus groups were conducted at trial exit. Frequency of sex increased significantly after enrollment. This increase appears to be owing to perceived protection from HIV and greater sexual pleasure afforded by the gel. Male condom use was high overall but increased significantly from enrollment. Data suggest this is because of increased partner involvement, increased negotiating power afforded by study participation, and provision of free condoms perceived to be of high quality.     

The pleasure principle: the effect of perceived pleasure loss associated with condoms on unprotected anal intercourse among immigrant Latino men who have sex with men

Sexual pleasure has been identified as an important consideration in decision-making surrounding condom use. We examined the impact of perceived pleasure loss associated with condom use on recent history of insertive and receptive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the United States. A total of 482 Dominican, Colombian, and Brazilian immigrant MSM were surveyed regarding sexual attitudes and practices via computer-assisted self-interviewing technology with audio enhancement (ACASI). Participants rated the pleasure they derived from protected and unprotected anal intercourse in each position (insertive and receptive) and also reported their HIV status, relationship status, and recent sexual history. Men who had engaged in both positions, with and without condoms (n=268), perceived a greater pleasure loss associated with condoms during anal intercourse in the insertive versus receptive position. Logistic regression analyses controlling for HIV status, relationship status, and age revealed that men who perceived greater pleasure loss from condoms were more likely to have engaged in UAI over the past 3 months (n[insertive]=297; n[receptive]=284). Findings indicate that the pleasure loss associated with condoms may be a key deterrent for their use in either sex position among Latino MSM. Therefore, pleasure needs to be prioritized in the development of condoms and other sexual safety measures as well as in the promotion of their use.     

Perspectives Related to the Potential Use of Vaginal Microbicides Among Drug-Involved Women: Focus Groups in Three Cities in the United States and Puerto Rico

HIV transmission through heterosexual contact remains the greatest risk factor for women globally. Topical microbicides applied intravaginally may offer a female-initiated HIV prevention option for many who are unable or unwilling to use male condoms or who would want additional protection. This article presents results of focus groups in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with women who use crack or heroin or have male partners who inject illegal drugs. Participants revealed motivation for and openness to using microbicides effective against HIV should they become available. Additional lubrication during intercourse was one of several expected positive features of microbicides; women saw lubrication as a means of enhancing pleasure and reducing condom irritation and breakage while also protecting them from infection. Conversely, some women feared that their male partners would interpret excessive lubrication as an indication of infection, improper hygiene, or evidence of sex with another man. Focus groups also provided insight into how aspects of different women's sexual lives, including partner type, might influence the issues that would concern them if and when they tried out new microbicidal products in the future.     

Women’s role in male circumcision promotion in Rakai,Uganda

Medical male circumcision (MMC) has expanded in sub-Saharan Africa, yet uptake remains sub-optimal. We sought to understand women’s perceptions of and influence on MMC in Rakai, Uganda. We conducted in-depth interviews with 27 women in fishing and trading communities, including women married to circumcised and uncircumcised men, single women, and sex workers. Data analysis followed a team-based framework approach. All female participants preferred circumcised men because of perceived reduced HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk, improved penile hygiene, and increased sexual pleasure. Perceived negative aspects included abstinence during wound healing, potentially increased male sexual risk behaviors, fear of being blamed for HIV acquisition, and economic insecurity due to time off work. Participants felt women could persuade their partners to be circumcised, accompany them to the clinic, refuse sex with uncircumcised men, and participate in community MMC activities. Findings support women’s important role in MMC acceptance.     

Sexual partner types and related sexual health risk among out-of-school adolescents in rural south-west Uganda

This paper defines the range of sexual partners chosen by out-of-school adolescents from Masaka District in rural south-west Uganda, and implications for sexual and reproductive health discussed. Data are drawn from a sexual health needs assessment using applied anthropological techniques with 31 adolescents, their parents, guardians and community leaders. Data were analysed using inductive thematic methods. Out-of-school adolescents are exposed to risk both stable and casual sexual relationships. Young men and women want a stable relationship with one reliable partner. Young men seek a "steady" relationship with younger schoolgirls; some also seek multiple "casual" relationships with young women easily convinced with gifts. Young women accept "permanent" partnerships with traders or transport workers one-three years older than themselves; some accept "casual" relationship with age mates, others have "casual" relationships with older men. All relationships involve the exchange of gifts and money. Older partners, or "sugar daddies", are valued, despite the knowledge they are more likely to be HIV positive, because they offer greater financial rewards than age mates. Though far less common, some older women seek relationships with younger men, but are treated with suspicion by young men, who believe they are seeking to "infect" them "maliciously" with AIDS. The community sees these relationships as a source of AIDS in adolescents, and condemn older men, whom they believe to be "killing" the younger generation. Both young men and women are exposure to sexual health risk in their primary partnerships; young men in partnerships with schoolgirls who have concurrent partnerships with older men, unlikely to use condoms and young women with partners who work, and have casual relationships in urban trading centres. Health promotion encouraging partnership with age mates, discouraging sex with older partners and 100% condom use before marriage are most appropriate for out-of-school adolescents in this context.     

Evaluating the sexual behaviour, barriers to condom use and its actual use by university students in Nigeria

This research quantified the barriers to condom use of a sample of university students in Nigeria. It further analyzed association between condom use at last intercourse and the barriers, in addition to HIV risk sexual practices. A total of 96 women and 128 men were randomly selected, and they completed a survey. Results indicated both men and women reported that condoms hindered their sexual satisfaction, caused health problems for them and reduced their sexual interest. The findings also showed that obtaining condoms from clinics and perception that condoms do not cause health problems predicted the likelihood of condom use for both sexes. In addition, the results indicated that obtaining first time information from family members or relatives predicted the likelihood of condom use for women. It was recommended that intervention efforts should make condoms freely available in tertiary institutions, and such interventions should be tailored to overcome the relevant barriers that interfere with condom use for both the women and men.     

Sexual risk behaviour among HIV-positive patients at an urban clinic in Santiago, Dominican Republic

More than one percent of adults in the Dominican Republic are HIV-infected and most infections are acquired sexually. We studied sexual risk behaviours in a group of HIV-positive patients treated in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Interviews were conducted with 129 participants seen in May 2006 at one of the country's largest public hospital HIV clinics. Questions included demographics, sexual history, condom use and focused on patients' last sexual encounter. Most patients (72.4%) had been sexually active since their HIV diagnosis. Following their diagnosis, 72.8% of sexually active patients used condoms more frequently, 21.7% used condoms with the same frequency and 5.4% used condoms less often. The most common reason cited for not using a condom after HIV diagnosis differed by gender; men cited decreased sexual pleasure (70.0%) and women reported that their partner had refused to use a condom (71.8%). Sexually active patients who believed that their partner did not have HIV were much more likely to report using a condom at their last sexual encounter than those who did not know their partner's HIV status (OR=16.9). HIV-positive patients reported using condoms more frequently following their HIV diagnosis and were more likely to use a condom if they believed their partner did not have HIV. Increased HIV testing may lead to reduced sexual risk behaviour in the Dominican Republic.     

Sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive patients at an urban clinic in Santiago, Dominican Republic

More than 1% of adults in the Dominican Republic are HIV-infected and most infections are acquired sexually. We studied sexual risk behaviors in a group of HIV-positive patients treated in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Interviews were conducted with 129 participants seen in May 2006 at one of the country's largest public hospital HIV clinics. Questions included demographics, sexual history, condom use, and focused on patients' last sexual encounter. Most patients (72.4%) had been sexually active since their HIV diagnosis. Following their diagnosis, 72.8% of sexually active patients used condoms more frequently, 21.7% used condoms with the same frequency, and 5.4% used condoms less often. The most common reason cited for not using a condom after HIV diagnosis differed by gender; men cited decreased sexual pleasure (70.0%) and women reported that their partner had refused to use a condom (71.8%). Sexually active patients who believed that their partner did not have HIV were much more likely to report using a condom at their last sexual encounter than those who did not know their partner's HIV status (odds ratio [OR] = 16.9). HIV-positive patients reported using condoms more frequently following their HIV diagnosis and were more likely to use a condom if they believed their partner did not have HIV. Increased HIV testing may lead to reduced sexual risk behavior in the Dominican Republic.     

Long-term Female Condom Use Among Vulnerable Populations in Brazil

We carried out an evaluative study on factors associated with long-term use of female condoms for STI/HIV prevention. A total of 255 women and 29 men who were using female condoms for at least 4 months participated in qualitative/quantitative interviews. The study was conducted in six Brazilian cities. Four primary themes were identified as influencing acceptability and adoption of the female condom: (1) personal “assistance” (counseling) during the early adoption phase; (2) safety; (3) pleasure; and (4) increased sense of power for safer sex negotiation. Alternate use of male and female condoms was the norm among participants, but for approximately one third of the sample, the female condom was the preferred option for safer sex. The study findings suggest that providing clients with explicit and sustained intervention strategies may have a decisive influence on long-term adoption of female condoms.     

High levels of unprotected sex with men and women among men who have sex with men: a potential bridge of HIV transmission in Beijing, China.

China is experiencing an emerging HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). We investigated sexual risk, risk perception, HIV and condom knowledge, and utilization of prevention services in the first large sample of MSM recruited in Beijing. Four hundred eighty-two MSM were sampled from September 2001 to January 2002. Forty-nine percent of participants reported unprotected anal intercourse with men during the previous 6 months. However, only 15% perceived they are at risk for HIV and many had misconceptions about HIV transmission routes and limited knowledge about condoms. Less than one quarter obtained free condoms (24%) and condom lubricants (19%) in the past 2 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that unprotected insertive anal intercourse was associated with not having a Beijing residence card, having six or more male sexual partners, not having sex with women, having a lifetime history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and having never tested for HIV. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse was independently associated with having six or more male sexual partners, not having sex with women, having a lifetime history of STDs, having never tested for HIV, and having less exposure to HIV prevention services. In addition, 28% reported having sex with both men and women during the previous 6 months, and 11% had unprotected intercourse with both men and women. This finding suggests that MSM are a potential bridge of HIV transmission to heterosexual women (or vice versa) and that addressing the HIV prevention needs of MSM may benefit the wider population.     

Relationship dynamics and sexual risk behaviour of male partners of female sex workers in Kampala,Uganda

Regular male partners of female sex workers (FSWs) represent an important population to reach with HIV-prevention interventions. This paper discusses the relationship dynamics and HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk behaviour of men involved with self-identified FSWs in Kampala. Between 2011 and 2014 we conducted repeat in-depth interviews with 42 male partners of FSWs attending a clinic for women at high risk of HIV-infection in Kampala. Men publicly struggled with the stigma of dating women who are considered to be engaged in a shamed profession, but privately saw meaning in these relationships. In coping with the stigma, some described the work of their partners in terms that distanced them from sex work, while others struggled to have the control that “being a man” demanded since they could not monitor all movements of their partners. Dealing with HIV disclosure was hard and seeking support was difficult for some of the men, leading to missed opportunities and guilt. Despite challenges, relationships with sex workers offered men some benefits such as access to much needed care and treatment. A few men also admitted to being motivated by material and financial benefits from sex workers who they perceived as being rich and this was one factor that helped them sustain the relationships. These findings offer insights into the complex relationship dynamics within high risk sexual partnerships. However, the findings suggest that effective interventions that are couple centred can be established to promote better health.     

Relationship Violence and Women's Reactions to Male- and Female-Controlled HIV Prevention Methods

This study examined the association of relationship violence and preference for three HIV prevention methods among 104 African American and Hispanic women who were at some risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women completed a brief questionnaire on sexual behaviors and history of relationship violence. All women then watched a video describing three HIV/STD prevention methods (male condoms, female condoms, and vaginal spermicide) that included a discussion of method effectiveness, how to use each method, and their benefits and limitations. Participants then completed a questionnaire assessing their reactions to each of the three HIV prevention methods discussed in the video. Women in violent relationships indicated less likelihood of using male condoms and greater likelihood of using female-controlled methods, particularly vaginal spermicide, than women in nonviolent relationships. In addition, a higher percentage of women in violent compared to nonviolent relationships expected their partners to prefer the vaginal spermicide and a lower percentage expected partners to prefer male condoms. These data suggest that the current focus on finding alternative HIV prevention methods for women in violent relationships is warranted and that a vaginal microbicidal product may be the preferred alternative for this group of women and their male partners.     

Factors associated with sexual problems in HIV-positive gay men

Our objective was to determine factors associated with sexual problems in a sample of HIV-seropositive gay male clinic patients. Using a cross-sectional survey design a volunteer sample of 78 outpatient HIV-seropositive gay male service users completed a self-report questionnaire. This examined sexual problems, their perceived causes and associated factors including demographics, health status, sexual behaviour, self-justifications for sexual risk-taking and mood state (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Fifty (69%) of 78 HIV-positive gay men reported one or more sexual problems. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was reported by 38% rising to 51% in the context of trying to use condoms. Loss of interest in sex was reported by 41% and 24% experienced delayed ejaculation. The presence of sexual problems affected condom use in that 33 (90%) of the 37 gay men who had ED associated with condom use were inconsistent condom users in insertive sex compared to 28% of those not having this type of ED (P < 0.001). The presence of ED did not reduce the frequency of anal intercourse but those with ED associated with condoms were significantly more likely to have had receptive anal sex in the past three months (62%) compared to men without ED with condoms (38%) (P = 0.05). Risk cognitions such as wanting to lose oneself in sex, leaving responsibility for condom use to the active partner and perceptions that condoms interfere with pleasure were significantly more likely to be endorsed by those who report ED with condoms. Other factors associated with sexual problems included low T-cell counts (i.e. < 200). Psychological explanations were the most frequently cited causes of sexual problems, whether alone or in interaction with HIV disease itself, and combination therapy. A high incidence of sexual problems was found amongst this sample of HIV-positive gay men. Untreated sexual dysfunctions may contribute to sexual risk-taking and therefore HIV clinics need to address both issues. Further research is required to better understand the role of psychological factors, HIV disease itself and combination therapy in the incidence and treatment of sexual problems.     

Unmarried Latino Men who Report Sex with Men: Psychocultural and Demographic Characteristics

Latino men who have sex with other men are disproportionately affected by AIDS/HIV. We describe sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics of a probability sample of 744 unmarried Latino men, comparing men reporting at least one sexual encounter with another man (MSM; 5.5% of sample) with men reporting sex exclusively with women (MSW) or reporting they were not sexually active (NSA). MSM were significantly older, more acculturated, and more educated than others. MSM were more comfortable with sexuality and reported over twice as many sexual partners in the previous year as MSW. MSM always used condoms with 83% of their multiple partners, compared to 50% of MSW. Homophobia and sexual discomfort among MSM may decrease self-efficacy to use condoms.     

Introducing Diaphragms into the Mix: What Happens to Male Condom Use Patterns?

The objective of this analysis was to assess the effect of introducing the diaphragm on condom use patterns. Participants included One hundred eighty nine women attending family planning clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe who reported less than 100% condom use. The proportion of acts where at least one method was used significantly increased over using follow-up; male condom use remained stable. A diaphragm was used with 50% to 54% of acts; male condoms were also used about 50% of the time. The proportion of acts where a female condom was used decreased. Women who used both male and female condoms were more likely to use diaphragms than those who reported not using female condoms. Introducing the diaphragm increased the overall proportion of protected acts. The proportion of acts where a male condom was used did not change. Female condoms use declined because concurrent use with the diaphragm is not possible.     

Sexual risk behavior among heterosexual intravenous drug users: ethnic and gender variations

We analyzed the relationship of ethnicity and gender to high-risk sexual behavior among 457 male and female heterosexual intravenous drug users (IVDUs) interviewed in street and clinic settings in San Francisco. Over two-thirds said they never used condoms. More of the black respondents had not been enrolled in treatment. White IVDUs were more likely to report 10 or more partners, anal sex, and a steady drug-injecting partner; black respondents more often reported prostitution. More men said they never used condoms, and more women said they engaged in prostitution. These high-risk sexual behaviors were significantly and independently associated with ethnicity or gender when other sociodemographic variables were held constant. Sexual risk reduction for IVDUs, focusing on condom use, needs to be expanded to reach non-injecting partners. Intervention is critical for the black community, where a high proportion of IVDUs have steady non-injecting partners.     

中国大陆男同性性接触者的艾滋病高危行为及影响因素研究(一)

目的本文描述了中国大陆男同性性接触者(MSM)与HIV/AIDS/STD相关的高危行为、认识和某些影响因素.方法通过自我填写问卷和当面访谈填写问卷两种形式,对426位男性进行了调查.结果本组主要生活在大中城市、接受过较好教育、较为年轻的MSM,平均约18岁开始与同性性交.4/5以上有口-生殖器性交,半数以上有肛门性交行为.累计性伴中位数9人.2/5以上在近一年内有偶遇性性伴.约半数人在调查时有固定性伴,但仅少数人与性伴保持闭合性性关系.约1/3已婚,近半数人与女性性交过.1/4曾患性传播疾病,近一年患病率为6.81%.仅1/10进行过HIV抗体检测,1人阳性.约1/3使用过安全套,通常在少数情况下使用,只有2人坚持使用.不用安全套的原因主要是认为安全套能降低快感、自己无感染HIV的可能和性伴健康,虽然他们已普遍具有关于HIV传播的一般知识.结论中国大陆部分MSM在性方面相当活跃,存在HIV在MSM中高水平流行的可能性.HIV在中国MSM中的流行速度高于90年代初中期在西方国家MSM中的流行速度,而且流行还会直接蔓延到妇女人群.由于社会文化等因素的阻力,对中国MSM的AIDS干预面临重大困难.     

Body mass index, sexual difficulties and sexual satisfaction among people in regular heterosexual relationships: a population-based study

Background/Aims: The aims of this study were to clarify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual difficulties and to investigate if BMI influenced sexual satisfaction, over and above the effects of sexual difficulties. Methods: Cross‐sectional analyses of a nationally representative computer‐assisted telephone interview. Eight thousand, six hundred and fifty‐six respondents were recruited by random digit dialling in 2004–2005. Only those in a sexually active, heterosexual relationship were included in the current analyses. Results: After adjustments for demographic factors, both overweight and obese male and female participants were more likely to report worrying during sex about whether their body was unattractive. Among women, associations were also found between higher BMI and lack of interest in sex. No other significant associations between BMI and sexual difficulties were evident. There was an association between BMI and extreme physical pleasure for women but not men over and above the effects of sexual difficulties, with obese women being more likely than normal weight women to report extreme physical pleasure. No associations were found for either men or women between BMI and whether or not they reported extreme emotional or sexual satisfaction with their relationship. Conclusions: With the exception of body image difficulties, there is little association between BMI and self‐reported sexual difficulties. Furthermore, extreme sexual and emotional satisfaction appeared to be associated with the presence or absence of sexual difficulties and not overly influenced by BMI. Overall, clinicians and patients should be aware that being overweight is not necessarily detrimental to sexual functioning.