Gay and bisexual men engaging in more risky sex in France

Unprotected anal intercourse is on the rise among gay and bisexual men in France, putting them at an increased risk of HIV infection and of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases, according to a survey given to gay men during the past year, Agence France-Presse reports. About 6,200 gay or bisexual men completed the survey. More than three quarters reported at least one episode of casual sex in the previous year, and half had 10 or more casual sex partners during that time. More than one third reported having unprotected anal sex with a casual partner; 56% of the men who knew they are HIV-positive reported having unprotected anal sex with a casual partner during the previous year. Health experts called the survey's findings "catastrophic" and said the success of anti-HIV drugs in controlling HIV disease may be leading to safer-sex complacency among gay and bisexual men. The president of the Paris chapter of ACT UP called on gay men in France to be more vigilant about safer sex.