This article deals with the use of scientific arguments that circulate in the day-to-day lives of men who have sex with men (MSM) in casual partnerships, as a strategy for managing the risks relating to sexual practices. The theoretical basis for this investigation was the discursive practices regarding risky lifestyles within the scenario of aids. Through the snowball technique, seven participants were chosen and they gave responses in semi-structured interviews. The results showed that scientific information circulating in the daily lives of the interlocutors of this study had been assimilated and that these individuals interpreted this information as a potential source for risk management. In summary, these men had developed risk management strategies relating to infection by STD and HIV and/or HIV reinfection, without necessarily basing them on the Brazilian government's official preventive policies.
Scientific argumentation; Risk management; Sexual practices among men who have sex with men
