Around the mid-1990’s, the number of syphilis infections came to an all-time low in the United States and plans for the eradication of syphilis were being designed. Hope to eradicate syphilis was aborted with a resurgence around the mid-1990’s.
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It was suggested that with the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy for HIV from 1996 on, HIV was no longer considered a deadly disease. Since then, many MSM view HIV as a chronic rather than a terminal disease, which can be managed effectively with new drug regimens. As fear of infection subsides, so does the perceived need for protected sex.
This phenomenon called “HIV optimism” supposedly led to increased unsafe sexual behavior among MSM.
Growing numbers of MSM infected with HIV also practice “sero-sorting” whereby they have unprotected anal intercourse with partners who are also HIV-positive. Although they may already be infected with HIV, they are still at risk for other STIs.
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