Experiences of Stealth Breeding and Associated Factors to HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Seek Among Gay Men in Brazil

Objectives: Stealth breeding is the act in which a man, without the consent of their partner,removes the condom during sexual intercourse, breaking the previously established agreementand configuring an unprotected sexual relationship. The evolution of cases of infection by theHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains worrying for public health, with preventionconsidered the only strategy for its control, especially with emphasis on Post-ExposureProphylaxis (PEP) after an episode of sexual violence. Method: Our goal was to analyze thestealth breeding experiences from the victims’ perspectives and the associated factors withseeking PEP among gay men who experienced stealth breeding in Brazil. This quantitativestudy followed the conceptual references of intersectionality, health care, and masculinities.Results: In total, 601 gay cisgender men from all regions of Brazil responded to an onlinesurvey in 2023. From this sample, 421 sought PEP after the act, and 180 did not. The datareinforces the silence and solitude of the experience of seeking, which highlights a supposedshame and/or stigma to these men that have been victims of sexual violence. Conclusions:Stealth breeding is a reality in Brazil among gay men, which should generate more discussionsabout sexual violence among gay men and reduce the overall societal stigma against gay menpeople that prevents them from seeking help and more emotional support after an episode ofsexual violence.