Are You a “Know-it-All?” Don’t Be!

HIV & What you probably don’t know. Who’s at risk ?

Although safe sex messages are a regular part of our society & culture, HIV is still being contracted in epidemic proportions all over the world. In the US, nearly 1 million Americans are infected with HIV. While the virus can also be transmitted through injection equipment with an HIV positive person, the most common way that the virus is spread is through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with a person who is HIV+. While we are constantly reminded to practice safe sex, men are often left scratching their heads trying to figure out exactly what that means.

First, know there is no such thing as safe sex. There is only “Safer Sex, since all sexual activity comes with some degree of risk. In order to have the safest sex possible, be aware of common errors that men make that put them at risk for contracting HIV.

Secondly, commit the four bodily fluids that put you at greatest risk for contracting/transmitting the HIV virus to memory. They are, in order of greatest risk: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and least commonly known, breast milk. Direct contact with these bodily fluids should be avoided. The easiest way to do this is by simply using a latex condom EVERY time you engage in a sexual act. While the use of condoms can dramatically reduce the risk of exposure to HIV, here are a few additional things every man should know…

Avoid condom slippage, breakage, and disintegration

Condom breakage and slippage is typically due to incorrect use rather than poor condom quality. You can avoid this mistake by steering clear of sexual aids that can weaken latex, causing condoms to break. In addition, condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Therefore, never keep condoms in your wallet or glove box and use caution when opening

condom packaging.

Doubling up doesn’t make you smarter

In fact, it puts you at greater risk of weakening your condom through friction. Instead, apply a few drops of water based lubricant to the inside and outside of your condom to decrease friction (and increase sensation), make sure you are using the proper sized condom, and never reuse a condom after your first climax.

Consider using HER condoms

While male condoms are easier to use, some people prefer female condoms when having vaginal intercourse. This is because they cover more of the woman’s vulva (the external female genitalia that includes the folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openings to the urethra and vagina), which may provide additional protection to both partners during sexual intercourse.

Don’t be a Serial Monogamist

It’s a pretty straightforward math – the more partners you (or your partners) have, the more likely it is that you will be exposed to an STD. Therefore, minimize the number of sexual partners that you have. “Serial monogamy,” or dating only one person at a time, but still dating a large number of people each year, is particularly dangerous. This is due to the fact that people who practice serial monogamy are often tempted to stop using safer sex precautions because they view themselves as being in an “exclusive” relationship with each new mate they have.

Love the skin you’re in

Skin that is irritated, inflamed, or blistered is easier to infect than healthy skin. Contracting other types of STDs may also be an indicator that you are not practicing the safest sex possible. Regular medical check-ups and good hygiene should be an important part of your lifestyle.

Good hygiene may be bad for your health

While making a good impression is almost always important, doing things like brushing your teeth, flossing your gums, and cutting your nails should be avoided before a date where sexual activity (including oral sex) is likely. This is because these types of activities can cause microscopic tears in your skin, allowing the HIV virus direct access to your blood stream.

Know where you live

If you live in a community with a high prevalence of STDs, you are more likely to be exposed to an STD any time you have sex. Therefore, do your homework by contacting your local health department, or visiting the website to learn more about your city/state’s rates of infection for diseases including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

Recognize that age IS more than a number

Young people (15-25) and seniors (50+) are far more likely to be infected with STDs than other age groups. While young women are more biologically susceptible to STDs than older women, men and women from both age groups may be less likely to use condoms, more likely to engage in sexual risk taking, and more likely to have multiple partners. Extra care should be taken, no matter your age to always practice the safest sex possible. Next to abstinence, it is your safest bet to avoiding contracting, or transmitting HIV.

By Spirit  Love, Sex, and Relationship Expert
www.talk2spirit.com