Childhood sexual experiences with an older partner among men who have sex with men in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This study sought to describe childhood sexual experiences with older partners (CSEOP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. MSM were recruited through respondent driven sampling. They responded to a computer administered self-interview with questions on CSEOP, operationalized as manual, oral, genital, or anal contact prior to age 13 with a partner at least 4 years older. Of the 500 respondents, only 25% identified as gay. Eighteen percent of the respondents reported CSEOP, the majority of whom did not feel they were hurt by the experience and did not consider it to be childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Over two-thirds of MSM who reported CSEOP said that their older partner was a female. Only 4% of those with a female partner felt their experience was CSA compared to 44% of those who had a male partner. Among all men reporting CSEOP, those who felt sexually abused were more likely to have been physically forced or threatened, physically hurt, and emotionally hurt than those who did not feel sexually abused. Having CSEOP, being hurt by the experiences, and perceiving the experiences as sexual abuse were not associated with current HIV sexual risk or substance use behavior. In this sample of MSM in Argentina, a substantial minority reported CSEOP. Those who felt they had been sexually abused were much more likely to have had an older male partner than an older female partner, and were more likely to report having been physically forced and threatened by their older partner.Fil: Dolezal, Curtis. Columbia University; Estados UnidosFil: Carballo Diéguez, A.. Columbia University; Estados UnidosFil: Balán, Iván C.. Columbia University; Estados UnidosFil: Pando, María de los Ángeles. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; ArgentinaFil: Mabragaña, Marina. Columbia University; Estados UnidosFil: Marone, Ruben. Nexo Asociación Civil; ArgentinaFil: Barreda, Victoria. Nexo Asociación Civil; ArgentinaFil: Ávila, María Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; Argentin

Sexual Pleasure and Intimacy Among Men Who Engage in "Bareback Sex"

Abstract An ethnically diverse sample of 120 mostly gay-identified men who engaged in "bareback" intercourse was recruited via the Internet in New York City. By study design three quarters of participants were HIV-uninfected and engaged in condomless receptive anal intercourse. In the course of face-to-face in-depth interviews, participants were asked what led them to have their first bareback experience as well as to continue with the behavior. Qualitative analysis identified the pivotal role that sexual pleasure and intimacy have in this population and how drives for sexual satisfaction, adventure, intimacy, and love overpower health concerns and condom use recommendations. Men interested in bareback sex use a variety of defense mechanisms to account for, justify, and exonerate their behavior. HIV-prevention interventions have paid insufficient attention to libidinal drives, a crucial element of psychological functioning.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91268/1/CarballoDieguezetal_2011_AIBE.pd

Reproduction estrategies

Elasmobranchs are an evolutionarily conserved group that has success- fully survived for over 400 million years. The permanence of elasmobranch populations has largely depended on the reproductive strategies of the population, as the primary requirement for successful propagation of any species and their individuals is the ability to reproduce. In vertebrates, reproductive strategies are regulated by the brain-gonadal axis, which controls the synthesis of reproductive hormones triggering all aspects related to reproduction. This chapter details the different reproductive strategies employed by elasmobranchs, from the wider range of reproductive modes including oviparity (egg-laying) and different forms of viviparity (live- bearing); followed by a description of the different reproductive cycles, from seasonal to continuous, displayed by both sexes. Finally, the role of reproductive hormones in both females and males regulating gametogenesis and the different reproductive cycles are discussed. The endocrine control of the elasmobranch reproductive strategies are preserved throughout vertebrate evolution, however they are distinct within this group.Fil: Awruch, Cynthia Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin