Study finds that gay men favor couples-based HIV testing and therapy

New methods for HIV prevention that promote testing and counseling for gay couples as a unit may help increase the number of homosexual men who seek these services, according to a new study published in the journal AIDS and Behavior.

Researchers said they believe that more men within this population will be tested if they have access to a support network at the time when their results are revealed. More instances of testing may aid in slowing the spread of HIV.

The investigators surveyed gay men from Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle to determine whether or not they believed the prevention strategy would be effective. The majority of participants agreed that the method would reveal more cases of HIV before the infections were unintentionally spread. Furthermore, the poll findings indicated that men who have sex with men would be more likely to discuss unprotected sex and risky behaviors with their partners in the presence of a counselor.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay men account for only 2 percent of the U.S. population but represent 53 percent of new HIV infections each year.

Anyone who would like to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, may consider using online testing services.