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Do We Need To Practice Safer Sex?
Yes! SAFER SEX protects us from AIDS. HIV can
infect anyone, male or female, straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual. You
cannot tell who has the virus and who does not. Since you cannot tell,
insist on SAFE SEX every time.
SAFER SEX is
any sex that doesn’t allow semen, vaginal fluids or blood to get into your
partner. HIV can’t get through ordinary, healthy, undamaged skin. The amount
of the virus in saliva is too little to cause
infection. No-one has been infected through kissing.
SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
The main risk of transmitting HIV is through unprotected sexual intercourse.
The large amount of HIV in blood and semen can cause infection. During
intercourse the virus can get into your body easily through the sensitive
linings of the penis, vagina or anus. Even if you pull out before
ejaculation, there is still a risk for both partners. So, don’t have sexual
intercourse without using a condom. Not even briefly, however tempting it
may be.
ORAL SEX
There is a slight risk of infection because HIV-infected semen can get into
the bloodstream via sensitive linings in the mouth. The risk is higher if
your mouth is sore or bleeding. Oral sex without ejaculation in the mouth is
safe. You might choose to use condom to avoid getting semen in the mouth.
Talking About Safe Sex?
It’s important to talk to your sexual partner
about SAFER SEX. At first, this may be difficult or embarrassing. Be honest
and make sure that your partner is willing to play safe and respect your
limits.
Carrying a condom make sense. It’s okay to plan
ahead for sex - it means you’re a responsible person.
Knowing which techniques are safe and which are
not doesn’t mean you won’t be tempted to do something unsafe. Awkwardness
with a condom, being high on alcohol, being in a holiday mood, being sad or
in love, can tempt you to do something unsafe.
If you do have UNSAFE sex, ask yourself “Why?”
Take steps to prevent it from happening again. Be prepared for such
situations.
SAFER SEX protects. Lead a healthy, creative and
SAFER SEX life.
Tips On Condom Use
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Use condoms of good quality |
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Practise putting them on yourself or your
partner |
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Use water-based lubricant, such as KY. Avoid
oil-based ones like Vaseline or moisturising cream as the oil damage the
condom |
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Put a dab of lubricant into the condom
before using for extra sensitivity and easy usage |
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Expel air from the condom by pinching it
while unrolling it all the way down the penis. Put lots of water-based
lubricant on the outside of the condom |
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After ejaculating, hold onto the condom and
pull out gently while the penis still hard |
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Experiment with the range of available
condoms. Find a reliable one that suits you. |
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