This review provides an analysis of the position of men in relation to the HIV epidemic and suggests that involving them more fully in HIV prevention work is essential if rates of transmission are to be reduced. It raises questions and provides a discussion of men and masculinities in relation to the epidemic, and offers some useful leads for future programme development. The review includes an introduction of gender and the HIV epidemic; a discussion on working with men; some key lessons learned; and concludes with ideas for future work.