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SAFER SEX

The safest sex of all is no sex. We must help young people become self-confident enough to say "no" to sex — despite peer and social pressures. But they also have to know what "safer sex" is. Sooner or later, most of them do decide to become sexually active. They need to be prepared to protect themselves before that happens.

Safer sex decreases the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids, and blood between partners. It lowers the risk of transmitting HIV while having sex.

THE CONDOM

Latex and female condoms prevent the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids, and blood between sex partners. They should be used for sexual intercourse every time unless

both partners have no sexually transmitted infections

both partners have no other partners

neither partner shares needles

Preventing disease and unintended pregnancy are both important during vaginal intercourse. Only latex and female condoms offer effective protection against both HIV and pregnancy. To prevent infections, users of other contraceptives should also use a latex or female condom every time they have vaginal intercourse.

The most important ways to reduce your risk are

Keep your partner’s body fluids out of your body — vagina, anus, or mouth. The body fluids to be most careful about are blood, cum, pre-cum, vaginal fluids, and the discharge from sores caused by sexually transmitted infection.

Don’t touch sores or growths that are caused by sexually transmitted infections.

  "SAFER SEX" HIV RISK-COMPARISON CHART

VERY LOW RISK — No reported cases due to these behaviors

Masturbation — mutual masturbation

Touching — massage

Erotic massage — body rubbing

Kissing

Oral sex on a man with a condom

Oral sex on a woman with a Glyde® dam, plastic wrap, or cut-open condom

LOW RISK — Rare reported cases due to these behaviors

Deep kissing

Oral sex

Vaginal intercourse with a condom or female condom

Anal intercourse with a condom or female condom

(Try not to get semen or blood into the mouth or on broken skin.)

HIGH RISK — Millions of reported cases due to these behaviors

  1. Vaginal intercourse without a condom

  2. Anal intercourse without a condom

SOME DRUGS THAT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE RISKS WITH SEX

  1. Alcohol

  2. Cocaine

  3. Ecstasy

  4. Poppers

  5. Speed

  6. Downers

  7. Crack

  8. Acid

  9. Heroin

  10. Marijuana

SOME FEELINGS THAT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE RISKS WITH SEX

  1. Passion

  2. Shame

  3. Embarrassment

  4. Desire to be swept away

  5. Insecurity

  6. Fear of losing a partner

  7. Anger

  8. Desire to be attractive

  9. Shyness

  10. Low self-esteem

  11. Grief

  12. Need to be wanted

Knowledge and good judgment are the most important elements of safer sex. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and should be avoided whenever having sex is a possibility.

DRUG USE

Parents should be able to discuss the use of IV drugs and its consequences with their children. The same gifts that help kids protect themselves against AIDS — Good Role Models, Self-Confidence, Sound Choice-Making Skills, Trust, Feeling Normal, Knowledge, and Information — will help prevent drug use.

People who share equipment for "skin popping," IV drugs, or steroids, are at great risk of contracting HIV and should stop using. Until drug users successfully complete treatment programs, it is important that they

Buy and keep their own equipment.

Refuse to share needles or other drug equipment.

Keep their equipment where others cannot find and use it.

Know that sometimes re-bagged used needles are sold on the street as new.

Get involved in a needle-exchange program.

Clean needles with bleach or alcohol if forced to share.

Parents and caregivers who want more information can call the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Drug Information, and Treatment at 1-800-662-4357, or visit http://www.nida.nih.gov/.

DEATH AND DYING

Many kids face death and loss because of AIDS. It is important to acknowledge their need to grieve as they anticipate and experience loss. We should be sure to include them in all family discussions, visits, and ceremonies that are part of the grieving process. Taboos against including kids in these events are misguided. For healing to take place, children must be allowed their goodbyes.

Young people may need help dealing with grief, just as they do with issues of sexuality and health. Family Service America is a nationwide resource for counseling children and families experiencing grief. To find the location of the nearest affiliate, call 1-800-221-2681, or write
Family Service America
11700 West Lake Park Drive
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53224

THE FUTURE

There still is no cure for AIDS or HIV disease. But one thing about AIDS is very reassuring for people with HIV, their families, and friends. Compared to other communicable infections, HIV is hard to get. HIV is not carried by air or water, in food, or by insects or animals. It is not passed on by casual contact with those who have been infected with it. Parents can reassure themselves and their children that, with knowledge and good judgment, AIDS is entirely preventable. Wanting to avoid it is the first step. Young people will want to if we help them feel secure, informed, and loved.

 

 

 
 
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