Young men's stories of sexual initiation in the absence of relevant sexual health information

A growing body of research is investigating the effectiveness of abstinence only sexual education. There remains a dearth of research on the relevant sexual health information available to young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Drawing on a mixed-methods study with 526 YMSM, this study explores how and where YMSM receive relevant information on sexual health/behavior. Findings indicate that information related to gay men's sexuality is not readily available from family, friends or schools. At initiation of anal intercourse, respondents generally had limited information about HIV and STIs. In some cases, this resulted in the perception that activities such as unprotected sex were "low risk". Many mentioned they first learned about anal sex during their sexual debut, describing painful and/or unpleasant experiences. Some relied on older/more experienced partners, the internet and pornography for information. Findings are discussed in relation to how providers can help YMSM build solid foundations of sexual education to protect them from STI and HIV infection. [...]

"Many of the respondents reported that their growing awareness of their sexuality led them to explore the possibilities at a young age. It was not unusual for young men to describe early sexual experiences such as mutual masturbation, oral sex, and “grinding” at the age of 7 or 8."

source: Article 'In the dark: young men's stories of sexual initiation in the absence of relevant sexual health information' by Katrina Kubicek (PhDc), William Beyer (MPH), George Weiss, Ellen Iverson, Michele D. Kipke; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866104/; Health Education & Behavior, 37 (2) 243-263; April 2010; Epub: 2 July 2009