Sexually Transmitted Diseases by Paul Quinn

Author:Paul Quinn [Paul Quinn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781440853173
Publisher: ABC-CLIO

Prevention

The only absolute way to avoid contracting HIV is to avoid any and all circumstances where transmission of the virus can occur. This strategy, while logical, is not always feasible in today’s society. To that end, there are some safeguards people can employ to minimize their chances of becoming infected with HIV. These include testing, safer-sex practices, maintaining overall good health, or the use of pre-exposure prophylactic medications.

First, get tested. Knowing your HIV status lets you protect yourself from being exposed to situations that could further weaken your immune system if you are HIV positive. Further, knowing your status lets you begin treatment, such as ART, sooner to slow or halt the progression of HIV within your body. Knowing your HIV status also lets you protect someone else from being infected through the use of safer-sex methods like condoms. Depending on the number of sex partners you have, or how risky your other behaviors are in your lifestyle, may warrant more frequent testing. An HIV test, then, is a sort of snapshot of the current moment in time; a negative HIV test does not mean it will always be negative with future tests. Be honest with yourself, and future partners, about your habits, lifestyle, or practices and incorporate HIV testing as indicated.

Second, condoms remain the superior form of protection against HIV. Other forms of contraception prevent unwanted pregnancy but do nothing to prevent HIV. Birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), diaphragms, spermicidal gels, and permanent sterilization have no impact on HIV. Contact with body fluids of an infected person needs to be avoided, so both male and female condoms are the only available products that contain body fluids within them. Further, both male and female condoms cover the skin and mucous membrane surfaces that body fluids could come in contact with, acting as a protective barrier during its use. While condoms can break or leak, especially if they are used improperly or are the wrong size, the majority of condoms available today are made of a high quality, durable material that is designed to withstand vigorous vaginal, anal, and oral sexual activity. Proper usage, then, is key.

Condoms are single-use only. They should be changed regularly depending on the length of the sexual activity session. Condoms should never be washed and reused; they should be thrown out after each use. The male condom should fit snugly along the penis with no air pockets noticeable and unrolled fully to the base of the penis. Most male condoms have a space at the tip to collect ejaculated semen; that pocket or space needs to be visible and not stretched out while putting on a condom. Male condoms come in a variety of styles, but it is important to use one that completely covers the penis snugly and that does not roll up or down loosely, or create pockets or air bubbles, while in use. Female condoms, in contrast, are inserted into the vagina and unrolled outward to the vaginal opening. The edges of the condom extend, or hang over, the vaginal opening, essentially forming a bag inside the vagina.

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