Avoid SeX

How can you avoid AIDS?
Abstinence (not having sexual relations at all) is the most sure way of preventing sexual transmission of HIV infection.
For many people, however, this may not be acceptable or realistic. The use of condoms and other safer sexual practices are the only ways of decreasing the risk of becoming infected with HIV or transmitting HIV infection to a sexual partner. Safer sexual practices are described in the box below.
What is "Safer sex" ?
Safer sex is any sexual practice that reduces the risk of passing (transmitting) HIV from one person to another.
The best protection is obtained by choosing sexual activities that do not allow semen, fluid from the vagina, or blood to enter the mouth, anus or vagina of the partner, or to touch the skin of the partner where there is an open cut or sore.
Safer sex practices include:
 staying in a mutually faithful relationship where both partners are uninfected
 masturbation, massage, rubbing, dry wising, and hugging using a condom for all types of sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal and oral) avoiding certain practices that increase the possibility of HIV transmission, for
 example "dry" sex which may lead to breaks in the skin
 avoiding sex when either partner has open sores or any sexually transmitted disease (STD)
 oral sex - this may be an acceptable alternative for some people, but oral
 sex should be avoided if there are sores present in the mouth or on the genitals
Couples should talk about sex and learn to please each other. This can allow for the negotiation of safer sex and make the intercourse more pleasurable for both and less likely to cause discomfort or minor
Condoms are best known as a means of preventing pregnancy. However, they are also the most effective means of protection against the organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases, including HW.
How do you use condoms to prevent pregnancy and HIV transmission?
Condoms are effective if they are used properly every time you have sexual intercourse. Instructions on how to use condoms are given in the box below.

How to use a Condom
 Be sure you have a condom before you need it
 Each time you have sex put a new and unused condom on the penis before it enters the vagina or rectum.
 Put the condom on only when the penis is erect
 If you are not circumcised, pull the foreskin of the penis back before putting on the condom.
 Do not pull the condom tightly against the tip of the penis but pinch the end when unrolling it this leaves a small empty space, to hold the semen.
 Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis.
 If the condom tears during sex, withdraw the penis immediately and put on a new condom.
 After ejaculation, hold on to the bottom of the condom as you pull the penis out, so that the condom does not slip off, then take off the condom carefully without spilling semen.
 Wrap the condom in paper (such as newspaper) until you can dispose of it in a toilet, a pit latrine or a closed garbage bag, or by burying or burning it
The following tips will help to prevent condoms breaking or leaking.
• If lubricant is needed use a water-based one (like KY jelly, or glycerine). Do not use a lubricant made with oil, like Vaseline, which can cause condoms to break more easily.
• Store condoms in a cool, dark, dry place, if possible. Heat, light, and humidity can damage condoms.
• If you have a choice, choose pre-lubricated condoms that come in square wrappers and are packaged so that light does not reach them.
• Open the wrapper carefully so that the condom does not tear.
• Do not use condoms that are sticky, brittle, discoloured or damaged in any way.