Some guys prefer either topping or bottoming, and may choose their sexual health strategies based on their preference. Other guys choose to top or bottom as a way of reducing the chance of HIV transmission, because the guy who is topping is less likely to acquire HIV.
Though better than doing nothing, this kind of “strategic positioning” on its own is not as effective as other sexual health strategies like condoms, PrEP or undetectable viral load. A lot of guys choose to top or bottom in combination with one or more of these strategies, which can make this approach highly effective.
Here’s what you need to know about bottoming and topping as sexual health strategies.