Acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS) is believed to be caused by a virus called HIV which weakens the immune
system and makes the body less able to fight infection. A person who is HIV + (tests
positive for HIV antibodies) may have no symptoms or may have opportunistic infection such
as certain cancers or pneumonia. There is currently no cure for AIDS, but it can often be
controlled with drugs. HIV+ people may be symptom-free for years and people with AIDS
(PWAS) may live for years with the disease.
In the age of AIDS everyone should know about safer sex. HIV can infect
anyone, regardless of sexual orientation sex, age, race or economic class. While the
incidence AIDS, is much higher in some populations than in others it is not who you are
that can give you AIDS, but you do.
Only you can decide what kind of sex is
right for you and what risks you will take. Some people take all possible precautions with
every partner for their own peace of mind and so they do not have to rely on others for
their safety. Others choose to forgo some or all precautions depending on their
relationship and life style.
"Low risk" Myths
You cannot tell whether someone is infected by their appearance or
lifestyle. Most HIV+ people do not look sick and may pass on the virus unintentionally.
"Nice people" can and do get AIDS. Marriage long-term relationship and monogamy
are no guarantee against AIDS, if one partner has been previously infected. AIDS was
recognized in 1981 the virus has been around even longer. A common rule of thump is that a
negative HIV test is not reliable unless the person was tested at least six months after
he or she had engaged in any unsafe activity. One unprotected encounter with an infected
person is enough to transmit the virus.
Sexual orientation.
Men who have sex with men account for most U.S. AIDS cases. People who
have sex with member of the opposite sex make up a growing proportion especially among
women urban populations and IV drug users in several countries and heterosexual sex is the
primary means of AIDS transmission. Women who have sex with women account for a small
number of cases. The labels gay, lesbian, heterosexual, bisexual are not reliable
indicators of sexual behavior. Some gay men and lesbian have sex with the same sex and
bisexual may have sex with either both or neither sex. Current cell identification does
not indicate past sexual activity.
What activities are risky?
The highest amount of HIV is found in blood and semen. HIV is present
in smaller amounts in vaginal and cervical fluid (especially if a woman has a vaginal or
cervical infection). Recent studies show that pre-cum does contain HIV although it is
debated whether it is enough to transmit AIDS. There are no studies of the amount of HIV
in female ejaculate. Very little HIV is present in saliva, sweat and tears these almost
certainly cannot transmit AIDS. Anal and vaginal intercourse account for most documented
cases of sexually transmitted AIDS. While oral sex accounts for a few cases. Other
activities have not been show to cause AIDS, but theoretically could present some risk,
because they can allow HIV-containing body fluids to get from one person to another.
Studies show that HIV may be absorbed directly by cells in the mucous membranes. The
safest activities are those that avoid any way in which HIV-infected blood semen or
vaginal fluid can get from one person’s body to another person’s mucous
membranes or bloodstream.
High risk
/\ Unprotected anal intercourse.
/ \ Unprotected vaginal intercourse.
/ \ Sharing needles (for drugs piercing)
-+ +- Sharing implements that draw blood (whips, knives)
| | Unprotected oral sex on a menstruating women.
| | Unprotected oral-anal contact.
| | Unprotected oral sex on a man with ejaculation.
| | Getting urine or faces in mouth, vagina, ass.
| | Unprotected oral sex with a man without ejaculation.
| | Unprotected oral sex on a non-menstruating women.
| | Sharing uncovered sex toys..
| | Anal intercourse with a condom.
| | Vaginal intercourse with a condom.
| | Oral sex on a man using a condom.
| | Oral sex on a man using a latex barrier.
| | Oral-anal contact using a latex barrier.
| | Fisting or finger fucking using a glove.
| | Petting, manual-genital contact.
| | deep (French) kissing.
| | Spanking, whipping that does not break the skin.
| | Bonadge and discipline play.
-+ -+ Masturbation (alone or with partner)
\ / Hugging, touching.
\ / Massage.
\ / Talking dirty, phone or net sex, fantasy no risk.
Sexual activities fall on a continum from high risk to risk-free.
Activities at the top carry a high risk of HIV transmission (especially for the receptive
partner). Upper-middle range activities carry a minimal or indeterminate risk.
Lower-middle range activities carry a theoretical risk. Activities at the bottom are
completely safe.
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Penis
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