Researchers in the Netherlands found that - contrary to popular belief - young gay men are more likely to contract HIV from a steady partner than from casual sex, reported by a gay news website. The majority of previous studies have suggested that gay men are more likely to contract HIV from casual sex.

The 17-year study conducted by the Department of Public Health and Environment in Amsterdam cites a higher rate of unprotected sex among young gay men in long-term relationships as the main reason.

The researchers followed the sexual behaviour and HIV infection among gay men in Amsterdam discovered a growing risk pattern amongst those with steady partners.

They believe that gay men in long-term relationships may have decided against using condoms when both partners have the same HIV status and "reach agreements regarding sexual practice outside the relationship."

The study found that men aged 30 and younger increasingly said that they had contracted HIV through sex with a steady partner.

The percentage of young HIV-positive men in the study infected by a steady partner rose from 15% between 1984 and 1987 to 67% between 1994 and 2000.

However, casual sex partners remained the main route of HIV infection for gay men older than 30, according to the report.

"It appears that young gay men have adopted, over time, safer sex practices with casual partners but to a lesser extent with steady partners." Says the report.

The study concludes that the route of steady partners as a source of HIV infection should be looked at in prevention strategies.