Finally IFSHA presents an interactive space on SEXUALITY-

B(log) on to www.isitaboutsexblog.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Sexual Health and Safety  
  sexually transmitted diseases  
 
As the name suggests, STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) is contracted through unsafe and unhygienic sexual relationships. Unfortunately, many people consider sexually transmitted infections a moral issue. But the stigma and shame that results may lead people to neglect taking good care of their sexual health. Many people find it very difficult to talk about their sexual health. But discomfort and shame can get in the way of common sense. They can keep people from taking good care of themselves and their partners by practicing safer sex and getting annual sexual-health check-ups with their health care providers.
  
   
 
HIV / AIDS
  
 
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
  
 
By killing or impairing cells of the immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. Individuals diagnosed with AIDS are susceptible to life-threatening diseases called opportunistic infections, which are caused by microbes that usually do not cause illness in healthy people.
  
 

Did you know: (From the AIDS-INDIA e-group list)

  • Number of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2004 - 39.4 million
  • People newly infected with HIV/AIDS in 2004 - 4.9 million
  • AIDS death in 2004 - 3.1 million
  • Globally women are increasingly affected by HIV and now make up almost half of the adults living with HIV/AIDS.
  
 

Transmission of HIV

  • HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the exposed lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum or mouth during (unprotected) sex.
  • HIV also is spread through contact with infected blood. Prior to the screening of blood for evidence of HIV infection and before the introduction in 1985 of heat-treating techniques to destroy HIV in blood products, HIV was transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood or blood components. Always check and make sure that your blood or any transfusion you receive is heat-treated and HIV tested.
  • HIV frequently is spread among injecting drug users by the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with minute quantities of blood from someone infected with the virus. Always ensure that any syringe you use in a hospital setting is sterilized; in the case of a disposable syringe make sure that the package is opened in front of you. Ditto for dental instruments.
  • Tattooing and body piercing also involves needle use. Always make sure that the needles used are clean and sterilized.
  • Women can transmit HIV to their fetuses during pregnancy or birth. About one-quarter to one-third of all untreated pregnant women infected with HIV will pass the infection to their babies. HIV also can be spread to babies through the breast milk of mothers infected with the virus. If the pregnant mother is given access to the latest AIDS drugs, the chance of transmitting HIV to the baby is reduced significantly.
  • Although researchers have detected HIV in the saliva of infected individuals, no evidence exists that the virus is spread by contact with saliva. Laboratory studies reveal that saliva has natural compounds that inhibit the infectiousness of HIV. Studies of people infected with HIV have found no evidence that the virus is spread to others through saliva, such as by kissing. However, the risk of infection from so-called "deep" kissing, involving the exchange of large amounts of saliva, is unknown. Scientists also have found no evidence that HIV is spread through sweat, tears, urine or faeces.
  • Studies of families of HIV-infected people have shown clearly that HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as the sharing of food utensils, towels and bedding, swimming pools, telephones or toilet seats. HIV is not spread due to being bitten by insects such as mosquitoes or bedbugs.

For information about diagnosis, tests, treatment and prevention click here.

 
 
Safe Sex
  
 

Safe-sex practice allows couples to reduce their sexual health risks. Safe sex is anything we do to lower our risk of sexually transmitted infection.

 
 
  • Always talk to your sexual partner(s) and find out their sexual history. If your or your partner has had many different sexual partners, safe sex practices are even more important
  • Insist on condom use, especially if you have different sexual partners. There is no other way to ensure that you are safe from unwanted pregnancy, STD, and HIV. Even if you trust your partner implicitly, dont take a risk. Use a condom.
  • During sex try to avoid exposure of genital sores, cuts, wounds etc. especially if your partner or you have different sexual partners. STD and HIV can spread through an exchange of a range of body fluids.
  • Be aware and conscious of your own sexual patterns and needs and communication skills. If you are a woman you need to be sure that you can protect yourself, both from sexual and emotional abuse. Don’t allow emotional blackmail to lure you into sex. Know yourself and how to protect yourself
  • Expand your definition of "sex" and develop practices that reduce the risk of spreading disease, and pregnancy. Sex is not just penetration. Its also sexy to massage, to hug, to caress etc.
 
 

 

  
   
 

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