Men may be exploited in sexual activity or as a result of it. Sexual feelings are played on by advertising. Unethical business practices may include the offer of a prostitute as an inducement to a prospective buyer or this may be expected on the part of the client. Exploitation also includes the blackmail of men concerning an embarrassing sexual private life or experience (generally in compliance with prostitutes, male or female). This may lead to the leaking of state secrets if the man is in a high governmental position. Male prostitutes will often intimidate or assault their clients. Boys may be sexually exploited by homosexuals. Male prostitutes may be exploited by pimps, and also lose social status through their profession.
Sexual exploitation of men is universal but appears to be particularly widespread in 'Western' countries where homosexuality is taboo and advertising licence and general permissiveness exists.