2.1. Preventing HIV Infections

Delay having sex
* HIV is mainly spread by sex. The safest way to stop the spread of HIV is not to have sex.
* Having sex is a very serious decision, especially if you are a young person. Your body may feel like it is ready for sex, but you may not be ready to deal with the responsibility of it. Older people or people who have had sex before may also choose not to have sex.
* It is important to know that you can have a relationship without sex. It is not true that sex makes a relationship stronger. There are many ways you can show another person that you love them without having sex.
Remain faithful to one sexual partner
* Being in a relationship where both partners are HIV negative and faithful to each other will make you are safe.
* You can only know if you are HIV negative if you have an HIV test.
* If both you and your partner test HIV negative, you should continue to use condoms for at least 3 months. It is important that you then get re-tested for HIV.
* If both partners still test HIV negative at this stage, you will be certain that neither one of you is able to infect the other. As long as you remain 100% faithful to that partner you will be safe from HIV. If either of you has sex with someone else, even only once, you are no longer safe. You must start using condoms again.
* If one partner is HIV negative, and the other is HIV positive (we call this 'sero-discordent'), you must always use a condom when you have sex.
* Remember, you can't tell by looking at someone whether he/she is HIV positive. So each time you start a new relationship use a condom if you choose to have sex.
Use a condom
* Other than not having sex, the best way to prevent contracting an STI is by using a condom.
* Store condoms in a cool place - heat and strong sunlight can damage them.
* Condoms also act as a contraceptive, preventing pregnancy. Condoms are nearly 100% safe - they only fail when you don't use them correctly.
* Sexual partners should explore new, stimulating and safe ways to use condoms. Seeking advice about condom use, safe sex, STIs and HIV and AIDS is a sign of caring for yourself and your sexual partners.
* Confidential advice on all these topics is available from the National AIDS Helpline on 0800 012 322. The National AIDS Helpline provides a confidential, anonymous 24-hour toll-free telephone counselling, information and referral service for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The operator can give you a list of organisations providing support and care to HIV positive people and their families.
Share the responsibility of using condoms with your partner - after all, it's your life we're talking about!
WOMEN
* The female condom is a condom that can be used by a woman.
* It is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse.
* The female condom can be used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
* Some women prefer to use them because they can put them in long before they have sex.
* The female condom can be used even if you are menstruating.
* Female condoms are only available at certain clinics - find out from your clinic if they are available in your area.
* The female condom offers women the opportunity to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS without having to depend on the male partner. However it is always ideal to share the responsibility of using condoms with your partner.
When you are ready to have sex using a female condom:
1. Open the female condom packet carefully so the condom is not damaged. The female condom has a thin outer ring and a loose inner ring.
2. Rub the condom between your fingers to spread the lubrication. Twist the inner ring into a figure-8 and hold between your fingers.
3. Your vagina must be relaxed when you insert the condom. You can squat with your knees apart, sit with your legs apart or stand with one leg raised.
4. Push the inner ring into your vagina. Put your finger in the condom and gently push the inner ring up into your vagina so that it sits behind your pubic bone. The outer ring will hang outside your vagina. Make sure that the condom is not twisted.
5. When you are ready to have sex, guide your partner's erect penis into the condom.
6. Make sure that the penis does not go in next to the condom and that the condom is not pushed into the vagina.
7. If there's a problem, remove the condom and insert a new one. You should not use a male condom at the same time as the female condom.
8. After the man has ejaculated the condom can be removed. Twist the outer ring and gently pull the condom out of the vagina.
9. Wrap the condom in some tissue paper and throw it away it safely.
MALES
* Using a condom consistently and correctly (this means using a condom each and every time you have sex) protects you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and prevents unwanted pregnancies.
* If you or your partner have any problems using condoms, get advice from a healthworker.
* Male condoms are available FREE at government clinics, hospitals, in some workplaces and at a low cost at shops and chemists.
When you are ready to have sex using a male condom:
1. Open the condom pack carefully so that the condom is not damaged. Make sure the condoms haven't passed their expiry date.
2. Check that the condom will roll onto the penis correctly.
3. The penis must be erect and the foreskin pulled back.
4. Squeeze the tip of the condom to make sure there is no air in it.
5. Roll the condom down to the base of the penis.
6. Make sure that the condom stays on during sex.
7. Don't use Vaseline or baby oil for lubrication during sex as these can weaken the condom and cause breakage.
8. Remove the condom immediately after ejaculation otherwise fluid might leak out.
9. Hold the base of the condom and pull out of the vagina or anus.
10. Slide the condom off the penis.
11. Tie a knot in it to prevent the fluid leaking out and throw it away safely.


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