Advertisement
Professionals >> Visit The Body PRO
The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Safe Sex and HIV Prevention
  • E-mail E-Mail
  • Glossary Glossary
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

Barebacking
Jun 11, 1998

What is the phrase "barebacking" referred to? I have heard the phrase in t.v. shows, magazines, and newspapers and would like to know the definition of it. Thanks!

Advertisement
   Response from Mr. Sowadsky

Hi. Thank you for your question. The term "barebacking" generally refers to Gay men engaging in unprotected anal intercourse, despite the risks for HIV and other STDs. Nicolas Sheon and Aaron Plant have written an online review article on barebacking, entitled Protease Dis-Inhibitors? The Gay Bareback Phenomenon. After reading this article, you may also want to read the following posts on this website that deal with issues related to barebacking.

Regarding Gay men having unprotected sex:

Studies of Gay Discordant Couples

90s seroconversion rates

Regarding HIV reinfection (re-exposure to HIV):

HIV POSITIVE COUPLE CONTINUING SEX

Regarding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis after Sexual Exposures to HIV:

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) For Sexual Exposures

Barebacking is an extremely controversial and complicated issue, especially since it is dealing with human behavior. Not all Gay men engage in barebacking. Many Gay men use condoms every time they have anal sex with every partner. But some Gay men prefer to have unprotected anal sex and they are willing to take the risks. For some Gay men, the benefits of unprotected anal intercourse (intimacy, pleasure, etc.) outweigh the risks (HIV and other STDs). On the other hand, if two Gay men have unprotected anal intercourse, and neither of them is infected with HIV, nor any other STD, then barebacking would be completely safe as far as infectious diseases are concerned. But if either partner has HIV or another STD, then there are significant risks of infection for these diseases through barebacking. Future HIV and STD prevention efforts targeted toward the Gay community must incorporate the issue of barebacking.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call the Centers for Disease Control at 1.800.232.4636 (Nationwide).



Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.

Advertisement