In the United States, HIV and AIDS have taken a heavy toll among men who have sex with men
(MSM).

AIDS has been diagnosed for more than half a million MSM.
Almost 300,000 MSM with AIDS have died during the past 20 years.
In the 35 areas with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting, half of all HIV
infections (in men, women, and children) diagnosed during 2004 were in MSM.
In the 35 areas with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting, almost 70% of HIV
infections diagnosed for males during 2004 were in MSM.
Risk Factors
MSM are at high risk for HIV infection. The main ways MSM get HIV are by

having sex partners who are HIV-positive
not using a condom during anal sex
sharing needles to inject drugs
Prevention
MSM can help stop the spread of HIV.

MSM should get tested. Knowing their HIV status will protect their health and the health of
others. Sexually active MSM should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
The surest way for MSM not to get HIV is not to have sex or to be in a long-term mutually
monogamous relationship in which both partners have been tested and are not infected.
If MSM choose to have sex outside a steady relationship, they should always use a condom. These
MSM should know their HIV status and that of their partner(s).
If both partners are HIV-positive, they should use condoms to prevent other sexually
transmitted infections and possible infection with a different strain of HIV.
If MSM inject drugs, they should use clean needles and never share needles or works.

Source: CDC - "A Glance at HIV/AIDS among Men Who Have Sex with Men"; January, 2006

Suggested Reading
HIV Data & Statistics