An alarming number of New York City women have a high risk of contracting HIV, as heterosexual females are less likely to use condoms during anal intercourse in comparison to gay men, according to a recent report by the New York City Department of Health.
More than 100,000 women in the city engaged in anal sex each year and only 23 percent wore condoms. However, more than half of men – 61 percent who have sex with men – wore protection, the study highlighted. Additionally, these women were less likely to get tested for HIV, leaving them with a dramatically higher risk of infection.
“Tens of thousands of New Yorkers are engaging in sexual behavior that is especially risky,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “For both men and women, the overall message is clear: Never engage in unprotected anal sex. Use a condom every time.”
In 2008, 90 percent HIV infections in women arose from heterosexual intercourse, though it is unknown how many were infected through unprotected anal sex.
Due to the sensitivity of anal tissue in comparison to vaginal and oral, there are greater dangers of the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Unprotected anal sex poses the risks of anal cancer, warts, Chlamydia and rectal gonorrhea, and women who participate in such are 30 times more likely to contract HIV compared to unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Women with multiple sexual partners are more likely to have anal sex, highlighting the need for protection. Each year in New York City, 3,800 people are diagnosed with HIV, with an additional 74,000 affected by STIs, according to the report.
The report emphasized the importance of health care providers in the prevention of several infections. Only 11 percent of women engaging in this unprotected activity reported that their medical provider recommended an HIV test. The DOH encourages the provision of testing regardless of a patient’s stated sexual history.
