AIDS and heterosexual anal intercourse
Voeller, B.
Archives of Sexual Behavior 20(3): 233-276
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0002 PMID: 2059146 DOI: 10.1007/bf01541846Document Number: 317618
Since the route of transmission of HIV was mapped, the Centers for Disease Control and other authorities have discounted receptive and intercourse in heterosexuals as a significant risk factor: this review concludes that greater numbers of heterosexuals engage in anal coitus than do homosexual men, and that anal coitus carries a greater risk to women than does vaginal intercourse. Several recent studies conclude that the frequency of this behavior is a significant independent predictor of HIV seropositivity. It is probable but unknown whether women having receptive anal intercourse with bisexual men are at a greater risk than those with heterosexual partners. Reading the literature reveals a distinct ethnocentrism in the western medical profession that relegates this practice to homosexuals. A review o anecdotal data, survey data, and magazine and popular surveys indicates that the behavior is common. There are problems with ambiguous terminology, distinguishing receptive sex from anorectal stimulation or rear entry vaginal intercourse. Data on rectal STDs, usually thought to be due to poor hygiene in women, suggest as high as 20-29% solely rectal infections. The conservative conclusion is that 10% of American women engage in anal intercourse regularly. Although the number of women in this risk group of HIV transmission to other partnersis high, female-to-male transmission of HIV is not considered as likely in Western countries as is male-to-male transmission.
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