Saturday, November 24, 2007

Link Between Poppers & HIV

Poppers usage could increase a gay mans susceptibility to HIV transmission during unprotected sex, a new UK study has found.
The use of the drug facilitates longer and rougher sex, as well as increasing the body's uptake of fluids.
The research, published in the online edition of Sexually Transmitted Infections, shows gay men are still the highest risk group in terms of UK HIV infection.

Poppers is the street term for various alkyl nitrites taken for recreational purposes through direct inhalation, particularly amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite.

Amyl nitrite has a centuries-long history of use in treating angina,as well as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.

Amyl nitrite and several other alkyl nitrites which are used in over-the-counter products, such as air fresheners and video head cleaners, may be inhaled to enhance sexual pleasure.

Use is particularly prominent among gay urban men. These products have long been part of the club culture from the 1970s disco scene to the 1980s and 1990s rave scene.

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