Bareback (sexual act)
Bareback sex is physical sexual activity, especially sexual penetration, without the use of a condom.[1] The topic primarily concerns anal sex between men without the use of a condom, and may be distinguished from unprotected sex because bareback sex denotes the deliberate act of forgoing condom use.[2][3]
Etymology[edit]
An LGBT slang term, bareback sex comes from the equestrian term bareback, which is the practice of riding a horse without a saddle.
It is not known when the term (as sexual slang) was first used, although its use did gain momentum in the 1960s with the first appearance in print (as analogous reference) occurring in 1968.[4] The term was used by G.I.s during the Vietnam War when sex without the use of a condom was known as "going in" or "riding" bareback.[5] The term was included in the 1972 publication, Playboy's Book of Forbidden Words: A Liberated Dictionary of Improper English.[6]
The term appeared occasionally in print until the 1980s and then in context to the AIDS epidemic and the discussion of sexual practices. It did not have widespread use in LGBT culture until 1997, when there was an increase of discussion regarding condomless sex (as reflected in print publications).[7]
The term bareback sex is now used less frequently among heterosexuals.[8] A 2009 survey by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that heterosexual women are more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse than gay and bisexual men.[9][10]
Health risks[edit]
In addition to sexually transmitted infections, mechanical trauma are the same as in anal sex. Unprotected anal sex is a risk factor for formation of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the recipient. In some people, ASA may cause autoimmune infertility. Antisperm antibodies can impair fertilization, negatively affect the implantation process, and impair growth and development of the embryo.[21][22]