“You can smell the freedom”: a qualitative study on perceptions and experiences of sex among Swedish men who have sex with men in Berlin

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of sex among Swedish Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Berlin.BackgroundMSM are disproportionally affected by HIV.Berlin is also a key destination when looking into where Swedish MSM sero-convert, while travelling.MethodA qualitative study with semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions with participants recruited through network sampling. Data were analysed with content analysis.Participants15 Swedish cis-men (as in non-transgender) who have sex with men aged 25–44 years, who travelled to or were living in Berlin. To be included in the study, the participants had to be cis-MSM, Swedish citizens, spending time in Berlin and having sex in both settings.ResultsFor a majority of the participants, sex was the main reason for going to Berlin but cultural aspects like art and the techno scene were also important. Berlin was perceived as a sex-oriented city providing venues where respondents did not have to care about reputation and status and where social and sexual spaces co-existed side by side. This in sharp contrast to Sweden, which represented a limiting environment both in culture and what was available culturally and sexually.ConclusionThe men interviewed experienced multiple partners and had a broad sexual repertoire both abroad and at home. However, the behaviour was amplified in Berlin. The men did not alter their safer sex practice depending on if they had sex in Sweden or Berlin. The high mobility and vulnerability for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) among these men highlights the need of increased access to antiretroviral treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and low-threshold HIV/STI testing services in Europe.

HIV self-testing for men who have sex with men in Sweden. A cross-sectional study concerning interest to use HIV self-tests

“…In a statement from 2016, the Public Health Agency of Sweden advised against the use of HIVST, based on the argument that testing opportunities in the country are adequate and that HIVST leads to missed opportunities for counseling and testing for other STIs [ 27 ]. While previous studies and reports have investigated the prevention needs and preferences among Swedish MSM [ 15 , 28–33 ], no previous studies concerning self-test in the Swedish setting have been identified by the authors. A greater understanding of prevention preferences enables decision makers to make informed policy decisions.…”

Reshaping the narrative: Tracing the historical trajectory of HIV/AIDS, gay men, and public health in Sweden

“…However, while cases of persons who intentionally infected others with HIV made the news in several Western European countries [ 94 , 95 ] it has never been examined whether these reports have influenced people’s attitudes about others with HIV. Moreover, in Sweden specifically, these cases have tended to revolve around heterosexual men [ 7 , 67 , 71 , 96 , 97 ] spreading the virus to women, while HIV is predominantly found in gay men and other MSM. As such, while intentional transmission of HIV has been deemed a criminal act without bias, at large such policies have mostly come to affect the MSM population—or even persons completely unaware of their HIV status [ 64 ].…”

Conceptualizing safer sex in a new era: Risk perception and decision-making process among highly sexually active men who have sex with men

“…This research is part of a larger qualitative project exploring travel, drug use and sexual health among highly sexually active Swedish MSM who spend time in both Sweden and Berlin [64,65].…”