In 1985, 7% of all AIDS patients were women

In 1985, 7% of all AIDS patients were women. In 1996 that figure was almost three times as high. Some studies show that African American and Hispanic women make up 80% of those women living with AIDS. In recent years, the incidence of heterosexual transmission of HIV in white women is increasing at a dramatic pace.
STD's such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes continue at an alarming rate. How can women, both HIV positive and negative protect themselves from these health risks? Here are some suggestions.Prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is paramount to those who want to stay healthy, even those already infected with HIV. The need for protection does not cease after one becomes HIV infected. Reinfection through unprotected sexual encounters makes treatment of existing HIV disease all the more difficult. In addition becoming infected with other STD's such as syphilis or gonorrhea is detrimental to the health of anyone, especially those living with HIV. Here are some ways women can stay safe from contracting STD's through sexual encounters.

The Signs & Symptoms of STDs

Abstinence
Abstinence, or the voluntary choice to refrain from sexual activity is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV and STD transmission. Non-coital forms of sexual intimacy range from holding hands, hugging, kissing, and dancing to mutual masturbation, petting, and the use of stimulating devices such as vibrators. While abstinence is an effective means of safer sex, it may be difficult to maintain commitment.

Condoms
Latex condoms provide the most effective means of preventing HIV and STD transmission through sexual encounters. But to be effective, condoms must be used correctly. An erect penis can leak seminal fluid prior to ejaculation. This fluid can contain infectious organisms that have the ability to cause infection in others. For this reason, condoms must be applied to the penis prior to any oral, vaginal, or anal contact is made. In addition, condoms can break, allowing seminal fluids to leak. To reduce the possibility of this occurring, a water based lubricant must be used to decrease friction during intercourse.

How to Use a Condom

Oil based lubricants such as baby oil, Vaseline, or certain lotions can weaken a condom and should never be used. Please note, sheepskin condoms do not provide an effective barrier to HIV and other STD's.

Female Condom
While data on the effectiveness of the female condom is limited it is a good alternative for a woman whose partner is reluctant to wear a condom or is unable due to a latex allergy. Female condoms allow a woman to assume control over safer sex. Slipping inside the vagina, the female condom provides a lubricated barrier that is stronger than latex. It can be inserted up to eight hours prior to intercourse, providing for the spontaneity that often is lost with latex condoms.

How to Use a Female Condom

Dental Dams
Dental dams are rectangular squares of latex that are used during oral sex, both oral-vaginal and oral-anal. During sex, latex dams are stretched across your partner's genitals to prevent your tongue from touching your partner's bodily secretions. They are effective method of disease prevention, but can be difficult to hold in place. A dab of water soluble lubricant placed on the genital side of the dam can help hold it in place.

Make a Dental Dam

As we gain an understanding of the importance of safer sex, women now are taking a more active role choosing and insisting upon safer sex in their relationships. Staying healthy and living life to its fullest depends on the proper and consistent use of protection. Being safe does not mean losing intimacy. Being safe means staying alive.

Male condoms come in many shapes, styles, lengths, widths and strengths for condom use

Male condoms come in many shapes, styles, lengths, widths and strengths for condom use. Condoms are made from:
* Latex: kind of rubber; the most common condom type and great at preventing pregnancy and STDs.


* Polyurethane: type of plastic; good for those with latex allergies. Not as elastic as latex, so they may more easily slip off.
* Lambskin: good for preventing pregnancy but not STDs - they have pores that allow bacteria and viruses to pass through.
* Polyisoprene (SKYN):a non latex condom made from natural rubber. FDA approved for pregnancy and STD prevention, SKYN condom use is gaining popularity and getting rave reviews.
Answer:
Points to Consider When Choosing Condom Types:
1. Look at the labeling: make sure to read the condom label to check if it is FDA-approved for use against unplanned pregnancy and STDs. According to FDA regulations, anything that "sufficiently resembles" a condom must comply with FDA standards -- including novelty condoms, like those that glow in the dark or are flavored. If condoms do not comply with these standards, they may not claim to be a contraceptive device.

Condoms have an expiration (Exp) or manufacture (MFG) date on the box and on each condom's individual package. A condom used after the expiration date is more likely to tear or break. There should also be a package insert explaining how to use the condom properly, how to store it, and how to maximize effectiveness. Also, before purchasing, make sure to check that the package appears to be in good condition.


2. Strength: Condoms come in regular strength and thicker strength. Some people may prefer thicker condoms (sometimes called extra strong or ultra strong), believing that these are more effective. Thinner condoms tend to allow for more sensation. As long as the condom is FDA approved, either strength is equally effective.

3. Lubrication: Condoms can come “wet” (with lubrication) or dry (non-lubricated). Lubrication can help prevent condom breakage, and many people prefer lubricated condoms because they may make sex more comfortable. Keep in mind, only water-based or silicone-based lubrication can be used with latex condoms.

Some condoms are lubricated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9; only use these condoms if you are not allergic to nonoxynol-9. If you are, it is possible to have a reaction resulting in little sores (which can make the transmission of HIV more likely).
* More: The Hidden Dangers of Nonoxynol-9


4. Shape: There are many styles of condoms. They may be regular shaped (with straight sides), form-fitting (indented below the head of the penis), or they may be flared (wider over the head of the penis). The differences in shape are designed to suit various personal preferences and enhance pleasure. Condoms can also have different tips, including a reservoir tip, a plain tip, a spiral tip and an over-sized tip.

5. Size: There is no standard length for condoms, but ones made from latex rubber should stretch to fit the length of a man's erect penis. Condom widths can vary; there is about a 1.5 cm difference between the smallest and largest condom. A condom that is too small and tight may tear, and one that is too big may be more likely to slip off. You may have to experiment to find one that works for you.

Smaller, ‘closer’ fit condoms are typically labeled trim or snug fit. You may find larger condoms labeled as XL, XXL or Magnum. Avanti brand condoms tend to be the largest and least tight. Just a pointer: you may find the greatest selection of condoms, in both style and size, on the Internet (rather than in stores).

Find Male Condoms online: Compare Prices


6. Texture: Condoms are also available with various textures, such as ribs, bumps/studs, or a combination of both. The positioning of the ribs and/or bumps are designed to maximize pleasure for either or both partners.

7. Novelty Condoms: These are special condoms usually intended more for fun and sex play, and they do not usually offer any protection against STDs or pregnancy. These condoms should be labeled ‘FOR NOVELTY USE ONLY.’

Condoms can come in all different colors (even in multi-colors!) and flavors. Generally, flavored condoms are meant for oral sex as the flavoring may cause infection if the condom is used for intercourse. However, not all novelty condoms are created equal. Some colored, flavored, and novelty-type condoms are FDA-approved to be used a contraception. Make sure you exercise caution while buying novelty condoms. Read the label! If there is not an FDA approval, or if it says something to the effect of “novelty condom,” make sure that a FDA-approved condom is worn under the novelty one for sex. Novelty condoms are usually fine for foreplay.

The HIV virus does not discriminate between men and women

The HIV virus does not discriminate between men and women. Either can be infected, and both can infect others. But there are considerable differences between men living with HIV and women living with HIV.
Infection rates and infection prevalence are not the same across the sexes, and there are needs and concerns unique to women living with the disease. Let’s take a look at women and HIV. What are those differences and how do they impact women who live with this disease?

The Facts About Women and HIV

Here are some facts:

* Today, roughly 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV.
* It’s estimated that 50 percent of those people living with the disease are women.
* While men still make up the majority of HIV cases in the United States, about 300,000 women are living with HIV.
* The proportion of HIV cases that are women has tripled from about eight percent to 27 percent since 1985.
* From 2000 to 2004, the number of men living with HIV has increased by seven percent while the number of women infected has increased 10 percent.

HIV and Women - What Does it Look Like in the United States?
There are some disturbing trends emerging in the United States with regard to HIV and women. In this time of increasing HIV infection among women, young women and women of color have been the hardest hit.

* Women of color account for 79 percent of all new infections among women 13 to 19 years of age, and 75 percent among women 20 to 24 years of age.
* Among all HIV cases in people 13 to 19 years of age, women of color account for 50 percent of them.
* In 2002, AIDS was the leading cause of death among black women 25 to 34 years old.

It’s obvious that women are being impacted by HIV at an alarming rate. But why is this? If HIV does not discriminate, how can these statistical differences be explained? The sad truth is that women are more vulnerable to HIV infection in many ways.

Why Are Women Vulnerable to HIV?
There are vulnerabilities to HIV that are unique to women. These help to account for the differences in infection rates between men and women worldwide. Some of those vulnerabilities include:

* Physical Differences - The incidence of heterosexual transmission in the United States has been on the rise since 1985. At that time, about three percent of all known cases were heterosexually transmitted. That figure today is about 27 percent. Finally, 70 percent of all new HIV infections are a result of heterosexual sex; worldwide, 90 percent of all infections are heterosexual. Women are especially susceptible to heterosexual transmission physically because the mucosal lining of the vagina offers a large surface area to be exposed to HIV-infected seminal fluid.

* Easier to Transmit from Men to Women than Women to Men – Again, anatomical differences between men and women mean transmission from men to women is easier than the other way around. Much like the rectal mucosa makes transmission during anal intercourse easier, the mucosal lining of the vagina offers a large surface area to be exposed to infected seminal fluid. Plus, the vagina is more susceptible to small tears and irritation during intercourse than is the penis. These properties offer a portal for HIV to enter the body and infect the woman.

* Gender Inequities – Especially in developing countries, prevailing gender inequities leads to higher-risk behaviors. For instance, in many cultures women are not free to refuse sex or to insist on safer sex using condoms. Men assume a position of power and control over women, minimizing the amount of input and consent from women. In addition, women have less access to employment and education in these developing countries. Often, the sex trade is one of the few options for women trying to earn money and support themselves and their children. Finally, sexual violence against women is very high in some areas, again exposing them to high-risk behaviors without their consent.

What Challenges Do Women Face?
Obviously, HIV impacts anyone who has the disease, whether male or female. An HIV diagnosis, while not a death sentence, will most certainly be a life-changing event. However, there are some challenges that are unique to women:

* There is an increased risk of reproductive illnesses including vaginal yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

* Because women often have lower incomes than men or work lower paying jobs with minimal benefits, women have less access to HIV care and affordable medical insurance.

* Women are more likely to postpone health care due to illness or lack of transportation than are men.

* Women assume more family care responsibilities and are more likely to sacrifice their own health care in order to care for their family, especially their children.

Is Anything Being Done?
The disparities between men and women who live with HIV have not gone unnoticed. In fact, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has placed a new emphasis in women-focused HIV research, funding and sponsoring studies around the world. Once such example is the research being done in hopes of developing a microbicide gel or cream that would provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use product that would allow women to assume more control over safer sex.

While work is being done to close the gap between men and women, the fact remains that a disparity does exist. Until that gap is closed, we will see infection rates among women continue to climb, something none of us can really afford to let happen.

Source:

1. Anderson RN, Smith BL. "Deaths: Leading Causes for 2002". National Vital Statistics Reports 2005;53(17).

2. "HIV Infection in Women". 01 May 2006. US Department of Health and Human Services. 31 Dec 2006.

3. "The Impact of HIV/AIDS in Women". 12 Dec 2004. Health Care - Body Care. 31 Dec 2006.

Condoms don't give 100% protection against STDs, AIDS, or pregnancy - only abstinence can do that!

1. Condoms don't give 100% protection against STDs, AIDS, or pregnancy - only abstinence can do that!
2. Sex with a condom does feel different BUT not worse.
3. The number[strong] 1[/strong] reason condoms fail is improper use (user error). It is important to now how to use condoms properly.
4. Some of the STDs that condoms can help protect you from are; HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papiloma virus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
5. Latex condoms afford greater protection against viral STDs than natural membrane condoms.
6. Condoms with the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 increase protection against pregnancy.
7. Condom users and/or their partners are less likely to get gonorrhea, ureaplasma infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical cancer.
8. For STD and HIV/AIDS protection it is essential to use condoms during oral sex.
9. You should NEVER use an oil based lubricant (baby oil, cold cream, vaseline, hand cream or any cooking oil) with a condom since it can cause the latex to break.
10. In one recent U.S. study* about one-half of the sexually experienced teenagers had failed to use a condom the last time they had intercourse.

With nearly 1 million Americans infected with HIV, AIDS prevention is more important than ever before

With nearly 1 million Americans infected with HIV, AIDS prevention is more important than ever before. Most HIV infection is a result of sexual transmission. That combined with an estimated 15 million cases of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occurring each year effective strategies for preventing these diseases are critical.
AIDS prevention is not the only reason for condom use. STD prevention as well as AIDS prevention are important reasons for condom use. Refraining from having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner is the best way to achieve AIDS prevention and other STD prevention. Latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following recommendation with regard to STD and AIDS prevention:

"Condoms are effective in preventing HIV and other STDs."

Facts About Condom Use and STD, HIV, and AIDS Prevention

* The correct and consistent use of latex condoms during sexual intercourse- vaginal, anal, or oral-can greatly reduce a person’ s risk of acquiring or transmitting most STDs, including HIV infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, human papilloma virus infection (HPV), and hepatitis B.

The Link Between HIV and STDs

AIDS Prevention - The Mechanics of Safer Sex

* Protecting yourself and others against STDs is important because many of these diseases have serious complications. AIDS prevention is important because HIV is life threatening disease that can cause serious illness throughout life.

Facts About STDs

* Laboratory studies show that latex condoms are effective barriers to HIV and other STDs. In addition, several studies provide compelling evidence that latex condoms are highly effective in AIDS prevention when used for every act of intercourse. This protection is most evident in studies of serodiscordant couples; those couples with one positive and one negative partner.

Is There a Link Between HIV & STDs

* Several studies clearly show that condom breakage rates in this country are less than 2%. Most of the breakage and slippage likely is due to incorrect use rather than poor condom quality. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken latex, causing the condom 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. Studies also indicate that condoms slip off the penis in about 1-5% of acts of vaginal intercourse and slip down (but not off) about 3-13% of the time.

What to do if the Condom Breaks

* Some persons have expressed concern about studies that report higher failure rates among couples using condoms for pregnancy prevention. Analysis of these studies indicates that the large range of efficacy rates is related to incorrect or inconsistent use. In fact, latex condoms are highly effective for pregnancy prevention and AIDS prevention, but only when they are used properly. Research indicates that only 30-60% of men who claim to use condoms for contraception actually use them for every act of intercourse. Further, even people who use condoms every time may not use them correctly from start to finish. Incorrect use contributes to the possibility that the condom could leak at the base or break. AIDS prevention and STD prevention depends on the proper use of condoms each and every time.

HIV statistics tell the story of the HIV epidemic

HIV statistics tell the story of the HIV epidemic. How people are infected help us develop prevention tools and to whom we should target our prevention efforts. The following HIV statistics and AIDS data details the extent of HIV and AIDS among adults and adolescents and by exposure category.

AIDS Cases by Exposure Category

These figures detail the number of AIDS cases by exposure category.Men who have sex with men

• 
  
  
  
  
  • Male: 454,106
  • Women: N/A
  • Total: 454,106
• Injecting drug use
  
  
  
  
  • Male: 168,695
  • Women: 73,311
  • Total: 242,006
• Men who have sex with men and inject drugs
  
  
  
  
  • Male: 66,081
  • Women: N/A
  • Total: 66,081
• Hemophilia / transfusion / perinatal / not identified
  
  
  
  
  • Male: 14,191
  • Women: 6,535
  • Total: 20,726
• Heterosexual contact
  
  
  
  
  • Male: 61,914
  • Women: 102,936
  • Total: 164,850

Birds sitting in the rain