Risk: A guy who is topping is generally at a lesser risk for HIV than the guy who is bottoming, but both topping and bottoming during unprotected anal sex is considered high-risk behavior. Popular Myth: A guy who exclusively tops will never get HIV. In fact, the top’s sexual health is probably the most important, as his status is what could place the bottom at risk for HIV transmission. There is a general misconception that there are few to no health risks associated with topping, but a good top knows that he has to think about his sexual health and safety just like any bottom out there. Overview: There is nothing like a good top. Synonyms: The Knob Handy Man The Unit Tarzan The Muscle In terms of focus and clarity, this discussion will singularly focus on HIV.ĭefinition: The insertive partner in anal sex between cisgender gay men (biological men who identify as men), or transgender gay men, or frontal, vaginal sex with transgender gay men. STIs that spread through skin-to-skin contact (herpes, HPV) can still spread with condom use, especially if either partner has any open sores or lesions. In general, condoms do protect against STIs that are spread through bodily fluids (semen, blood, and anal or vaginal fluids). However, they are not all created equally. Preface: All sexually transmitted infections are bad for your health. But while tops and bottoms are equal, their differing roles do come with different health issues and responsibilities that every gay and bisexual man should be well informed about, regardless of sexual position. And while the “give and receive” of actions and pleasures may ebb and flow during intercourse, most people generally prefer one role or another. In any sexual encounter, gay, straight, or otherwise, one person typically assumes the dominant role while the other takes on a submissive role in the bedroom. The age-old binary relationship between the top and the bottom is as simple as it is complex.