Unprotected sex may be more common in committed relationships than casual ones

Although some people refrain from engaging in intercourse with multiple partners because this has been associated with an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), many young gay men have unprotected sex if they are in long-term relationships, which may equally contribute to their odds of being exposed to the disease.

According to a recent study published in the journal Health Psychology, young gay men between the ages of 16 and 20 are six times more likely to have unprotected sex if they are in a committed relationship, compared to those who have casual sexual encounters.

The researchers said that this finding indicated a need for expanded HIV prevention programs that target the young, homosexual male demographic, since these individuals account for nearly 70 percent of all new HIV and AIDS diagnoses among adolescents in the United States, and who also have the fastest growing rate of new infections.

"Men who believe a relationship is serious mistakenly think they don't need to protect themselves. Instead, both people in a serious, monogamous couple relationship should go and receive at least two HIV tests before deciding to stop using condoms," said lead researcher Brian Mustanski.