February 25, 2014 | Sex Life

Bareback sex? Sure, if you're good looking

According to a study by the University of Westminster, in London, 94% of men they interviewed said they were more likely to have unprotected sex with a good looking guy, 70% of young gay men believe that sex without condoms is more pleasurable and exciting, and 8 out of 10 young men in London have had unprotected sex with a stranger.

The numbers are concerning, especially when you consider that approximately two people are newly infected with HIV in London every day.

The study suggests that apps like Grindr are part of the issue, as they make anonymous hook-ups easier. 

“I was constantly checking it meeting guys to have sex with," said one HIV+ survey taker. "It became a habit and I spent all my free time and days off meeting and having sex, then going to group sex parties where I tried drugs and had long sessions of unprotected sex with guys often not aware of what was happening. I was recently diagnosed with HIV and I blame my lifestyle for it.” 

The study is part of the “AIDS IS NOT DEAD” campaign at the University of Westminster. Students are hoping to raise awareness that the disease is still out there and carries with it very real consequences. 

Last year, Public Health England announced that HIV infections among gay and bisexual men were at a record high.

The survey is only a small sampling of London gays, with 160 men being interviewed, but the results are sure to open many eyes. The question is: are the right eyes being opened?

Exclusive: 70% of gay men believe that sex without condoms is more pleasurable [PinkNews]