(c)In summary, findings from this nationwide online survey
reveal strong links between age at first anal intercourse and
future sexual health and behaviour. In the sample presented in
this paper, those who became HIV positive, engaged in higher
risk sexual behaviour and reported other poorer sexual health
outcomes tended to have had their first anal intercourse at
a younger age than other men. With the median age of sexual
debut continuing to decline, clinicians and other health service
providers, as well as researchers, need to pay particular attention
to gay men’s earliest sexual experiences. In particular, men who
report having anal intercourse at a young age are likely to be at
heightened HIV vulnerability and therefore require additional
education and support for ensuring a healthier sex life. Further
education around safer sex practices that specifically targets gay identified
youth may also be required to ensure their sexual
debut does not lead to poorer sexual health outcomes.