HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus) MUST READ!!

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that takes over certain immune system cells to make many copies of itself. HIV causes slow but constant damage to the immune system.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the condition diagnosed when there are a group of related symptoms that are caused by advanced HIV infection or when someone has less than 200 CD4 cells (immune cells). AIDS makes the body vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses called opportunistic infections.

How does HIV affect the body?

Normally, the human immune system is the body’s protection against bacteria, viruses, etc. It acts like a coat of armor. When HIV enters the body, it starts poking holes in the armor. Eventually, the armor becomes very weak and unable to protect the body. Once the armor is very weak or is gone, the person is said to have AIDS.

An AIDS diagnosis is generally made when either the body's protective T-cells drop below a certain level, or the HIV-positive individual begins to experience opportunistic infections. An opportunistic infection is an infection that would not be life-threatening to an otherwise healthy person. Oftentimes, it's these infections that are the cause of illness or death in HIV-positive individuals -- not the virus itself. If people do not get any treatment for HIV disease, it takes an average of 8-10 years to progress from HIV to AIDS.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through four body fluids:  blood, semen (and precum), vaginal fluid, and breast milk.

In order to pass HIV from one person to another, HIV-infected fluid from one person needs to get into the bloodstream of another person. HIV is usually transmitted through sharing needles, unprotected anal, vaginal, and sometimes oral sex, and from mother to infant before or during delivery or while breastfeeding.

Special note for HIV-positive mothers:

In developed countries like the U.S., formula feeding is strongly recommended over breastfeeding for babies of HIV-positive mothers. Whether choosing breastfeeding or formula, there should be little or no switching between the two, as doing so could put the child at a higher risk of contracting HIV, since baby formula can be harsh and weaken the lining of a baby's stomach, giving a path for HIV to enter the baby's bloodstream.

How can I prevent myself from contracting HIV?

Becoming educated about HIV and understanding how it is transmitted is the first and perhaps most important way to prevent the spread of HIV. It is essential for people to make informed decisions about the level of risk they are willing to take, based on what is realistic for them.

Abstaining from sex and not sharing needles are the most effective ways for people to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, abstinence is not a realistic option for everyone.

Safer sex

When abstinence is not an option, the proper use of barrier protection such as latex or polyurethane condom (male or female) with a water based lubricant is the next best thing for vaginal or anal sex.

Note: Some water-based lubricants (including those already on some condoms) contain a spermicide called Nonoxynol-9 (N-9). Many people are allergic to N-9 and the resulting genital irritation can increase the risk of HIV and STD transmission by providing a direct entry point. You can test for a N-9 allergy by rubbing N-9 lubricant on the inside of the elbow the day before you plan to use the product for sex. If there is no irritation, there is likely no allergy.

What about oral sex?

The best way to reduce the risk of HIV transmission while performing oral sex is to maintain good oral hygiene. That, in addition to not flossing or brushing your teeth right before or after will also reduce the risk of transmission.

Performing oral sex on a woman ("go down", "eat pussy")

When performing oral sex on a woman, a dental dam or common kitchen plastic wrap can be used as a barrier to protect from HIV transmission. It covers the area you are performing oral sex on (vagina or anus). If you do not have a dental dam, you can also use a new, unused, non-lubricated or flavored condom by stretching it out and cutting it down the side, then stretching it out in the same way you would a dental dam or plastic wrap.

Performing oral sex on a man ("blowjob", "head")

In addition to good oral hygiene, proper use of a non-lubricated or flavored condom on a man can significantly decrease risk of HIV transmission. If a condom is not available or an option, not accepting semen into the mouth or spitting rather than swallowing will reduce the risk. You can also use the "harmonica method" by focusing on the shaft of the penis while avoiding the head.

Performing oral sex on the anus ("rimming", "eating ass")

For oral to anal contact, or rimming, a dental dam, plastic wrap, or a condom can be used in the same way described above under the heading “Performing Oral Sex on a Woman.” This can be a great barrier against not only HIV, but possible Hepatitis A exposure.

Receiving oral sex

Since HIV is not transmitted by saliva, there is generally no risk in receiving oral sex (unless there is a lot of blood in their mouth).

How do I use male and female condoms?

Most male condoms are made of latex. Since some people are allergic to latex (your doctor can test for it if you've ever experienced irritation from latex) there are also polyurethane condoms available. When used properly, both latex and polyurethane condoms are effective ways of significantly reducing the risk of HIV transmission.

Note: Lambskin (aka "natural") condoms will not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

When using either latex or polyurethane condoms for vaginal or anal sex, water based lubricants on the outside of the condom will help to reduce friction that could cause the condom to tear. If desired, a small amount can be placed inside the tip of the condom as well.

Important Note: Use of oil based lubricants such as Vaseline can deteriorate latex condoms and significantly increase their chance of breaking. Oil based lubricants should only be used with polyurethane condoms.

When using a male condom

1. Keep it fresh! Always store condoms in a cool dry place (not a wallet) and check the expiration date.
2. Check it! Squeeze the package gently to make sure there are no punctures and be sure to not use your teeth to open the package. Your teeth could rip the condom!
3. Heads Up! Unroll the condom a little before putting it on and make sure it's able to roll easily down the penis. Squeeze the tip (so semen can collect) and roll the condom from the tip of the penis all the way to the base. If uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting the condom on.
4. Don't Double Up! Be sure to never use more than one condom at a time. Doubling up can lead to friction and possibly the condom breaking. One condom is sufficient.
5. Lube it Up! Apply lots of water based lubricant to the condom to prevent friction which could cause breakage.
6. Take It Easy! After ejaculation (cumming), remove the penis from the vagina/anus/mouth while still erect and carefully unroll and remove the condom. Be careful to not spill any semen on your partner.

Never use a condom for more than one session. Always use a new condom each time you have sex, or when you switch from oral to vaginal or anal sex. This will reduce the risk of the condom breaking.

When using a female or reality condom

Although it is referred to as the female condom, it can be used by both men and women. For the female condom, make sure to put it into place before your partner's penis comes into contact with the vagina or anus. Once in place, carefully guide the penis into the condom, making sure to enter the condom and not outside of the condom's external rim.

For vaginal sex

1. Press the inner ring between your fingers to narrow it and make it easier to insert.
2. Hold the condom with its open end pointing down, and insert the closed end into the vagina, letting the wider end remain around the opening of the vagina (it's easier to insert if the knees are spread apart). You can also place the female condom on an erect penis or dildo to insert it.
3. Push the condom up into the vagina, until it is just past the pubic bone (you can tell where the pubic bone is by curving the index finger when it has gone a couple inches into the vagina).
4. When removing the female condom, squeeze the end, twist the condom to keep the semen inside, and pull out. DO NOT FLUSH.

For anal sex

1. Remove the internal ring and place the condom on the partner's erect penis or a dildo.
2. Use the penis/dildo to carefully insert the condom into the anus of the receptive partner.
3. To remove, squeeze the end of the condom, twist to hold the semen inside and remove.