Sexual health of heterosexually-identified men who have sex with men

Key take-home messages

• Identifying heterosexually-identified men who have sex with men (heterosexual MSM) is difficult as most studies use sexual behaviour as a proxy for orientation and men engaging in behaviours that do not align with their stated orientation are often hidden and hard-to-reach for support, service and research purposes. While the purpose of this review is to identify the sexual practices and knowledge-base of heterosexually-identified MSM, only a few studies have been done among this population, almost all of which recruited their samples through gay clubs, bathhouses, cruising areas, adult books stores, the internet and newspaper ads.
• Heterosexual MSM are a specific subgroup of men who have sex with men. It is estimated that heterosexual MSM comprise 0.7% to 1.3% of the sexually active male population. One study found that 70% of heterosexual MSM were married to women.
• Heterosexual MSM constitute a “hidden population” that is difficult to locate and reach. However, there is evidence that these men will talk openly about their experiences once they are connected to researchers.
• Since heterosexual MSM do not often disclose their sexual orientation, they are less likely to be screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and therefore less likely to know their HIV status.
• Although heterosexual MSM are less likely than gay men to report unprotected anal intercourse with male partners, rates of unprotected anal intercourse are still high as are rates of unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse with women.

• Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
  • Epidemiology
• Population(s)
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Heterosexual men
• Prevention
  • Sexual risk behaviour
• Testing
  • Testing