Genital piercing may increase risk of HIV infection

Genital piercing may increase the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex, according to a recent study from Australia. "Seventy-five homosexual men with recently acquired HIV were interviewed about their risk behavior," according to J. Richters, coauthor of the study at the University of New South Wales. "Fifty-nine reported unprotected anal intercourse, and one shared injecting equipment, with a partner not known to be HIV-negative. Of the remaining 15, 11 reported protected anal intercourse. In five of the 15 we judged oral sex to be the most likely source of infection, including three men who had a genital piercing. The possible transmission risk from genital piercing should be investigated."