Due to ignorance about safe sex Indian heterosexual male, who visit sex workers (prostitutes/call girls), seek anal sex believing they would not catch HIV/AIDS.

This kind of behaviour among Indian male came out in a nationwide survey conducted by Naz Foundation Internationalis, an Indian NGO based in Britain which specialises in sexual and reproductive health of homosexuals and their partners in South Asia.

“The survey was conducted in 56 cities. We surveyed sex workers, who told us that their client demand anal sex. Most men think that it is a safe way of not contracting HIV/AIDS. But they don’t know that it is ten times more dangerous and risky,” Arif Jafar, the foundation Executive Director, said.

“In most cases, they don’t want to use condom or in situation where they don’t have one, they feel this is the best way not to catch an infection. But this unprotected sex is dangerous for both of them,” said Jafar.

“The issue is not just restricted to homosexual men. Many men, who are heterosexuals, sometimes prefer to have sex with men when they are travelling. But they do not consider sex with other men risky,” said Jafar.

The survey was conducted to find out understanding, risks and behaviours prevailing in the country, especially among gays, he said adding sex education was absent among majority of the people covered in the survey.

“Knowledge of male and female bodies, of reproduction, of the sex organs was almost non-existent. This led to a variety of myths, beliefs and practices, which were accepted as true and helpful,” he said.

What adds to the problem is that there were no appropriate condoms for anal sex available, he added.

“Condom use was determined primarily in terms of access, knowledge, shame, and sickness. With the condom equated with disease prevention, many participants either felt stigmatised through condom usage, or felt that their was no need to use condoms because either they or their sex partners were not sick,” he said.

Editor’s Note:- Did you also think that anal sex was safe and hence you would not catch HIV/AIDS. No matter with whom you have sex just make sure you use a condom. Remember, you have only life (and one cock!). Post your thoughts in the comments.