Safer sex or pleasurable sex? Rethinking condom use in the AIDS era
Sharful Islam Khan A B C , Nancy Hudson-Rodd B , Sherry Saggers B , Mahbubul Islam Bhuiyan A and Abbas Bhuiya A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Social and Behavioral Sciences Unit, ICDDR, B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Bangladesh, GPO Box 128, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
B School of International, Cultural and Community Studies, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, WA 6050, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: sikhan@icddrb.org
Sexual Health 1(4) 217-225 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH04009
Submitted: 18 March 2004 Accepted: 12 October 2004 Published: 21 December 2004
Abstract
Background: Condom use in Bangladesh is low despite nationwide family planning initiatives and HIV interventions. Methods: Fifty men aged between 18 and 55 years from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds and five key informants were interviewed in a qualitative male sexuality study. Results: Refusal to use condoms is not only a personal choice, but pertains to relationships. The meanings of reduced bodily pleasure associated with condom use are socially constructed. Men’s emotions and trust expressed through understanding of direct penile–vaginal contact and ejaculation inside the vagina as ‘pure’ and ‘natural’ sex oppose condom use. Sexual prowess in the form of prolonged intercourse without condoms, as depicted in Western pornography, was perceived as a ‘real man’s’ sexual skill. Men sought to preserve a ‘good man’s’ image by avoiding condoms, which symbolised promiscuous men in AIDS educational messages. Conclusion: Social dimensions of masculine sexuality, pleasure, eroticism and the emotional aspect of men’s lives have to be addressed for effective condom promotion.
Additional keywords: HIV/AIDS, condoms, men and masculinity, social constructions of pleasure.
Acknowledgment
This article is based on data of a project conducted at ICDDR, B: Center for Health and Population Research with support from Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia and AusAID research grants. We extend our thanks to Social and Behavioural Sciences Unit (SBSU) of Public Health Sciences Division for various supports to the project. All project staff members are to be thanked for their hard work. Dr Michael Flood is to be thanked for his valuable input. Finally, our gratitude goes to study participants for their generous support and participation throughout the project period.
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