Would An HIV-Killing Sex Gel Encourage Widespread Barebacking?

Medical researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles had 36 HIV-negative male and females treat their anuses with a topical microbicide gel containing a potent anti-HIV drug and then had them provide rectal tissue samples to researchers who quickly exposed the samples to HIV in the laboratory. The results were encouraging, but would they encourage folks to stop using condoms?

The researchers found that the gel significantly reduced infection even though it was originally developed for vaginal use. They’ll formulate a rectal version and start testing it in January.

Medical writer Enrique Rivero notes that “anal-receptive intercourse is known to be the main route for new HIV infections in men who have sex with men.” So… once the anal gel is on the market, will it provide an excuse for everyone to start barebacking again? Or would it be used with condoms as a way to make sex extra extra safe?