Pushy Bottoms: Power Dynamics, HIV Prevention & the Reality Condom

HIV prevention options for gay and bisexual men have relied exclusively on the insertive partner.  Options which allow the receptive partner to assume greater control in HIV prevention may increase consistent condom use and reduce new infections.

The STOP AIDS Project recently conducted a convenience sample study of 100 gay and bisexual men to gain information on their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward using the Reality "female" condom during anal sex. Overall, acceptability was high, with 86% of respondents reporting that they would use Reality again.  Among HIV-positive men, 63% indicated their desire to use Reality over conventional condoms.

HIV prevention strategies must provide many options.  The fact that a large proportion of men in this study preferred the Reality condom over conventional condoms may increase consistent condom use for anal sex.