Love,Sex and AIDS
The Love and Sex scenario in India has changed a great deal since AIDS has hit and also over the past century. The information regarding protection, contraction methods and steps taken after infection is still unclear to a large majority of the population here. Sex is the most common way of contracting AIDS. Infected needles, blood and other ways of transferring blood are other ways. Women in earlier days had less power in relationships; hence negotiating safe sex was often a difficult task as a question of lack of trust would come into the picture. Possessing a healthy self-respect is a very important factor for women. Being desperate and vulnerable for love creates a transfer of power to men which in turn may lead to poor sex-practices if the man involved is not one to follow safe-sex.
Sex is the most common way of contracting AIDS. Infected needles, blood and other ways of transferring blood are other ways. Women in earlier days had less power in relationships; hence negotiating safe sex was often a difficult task as a question of lack of trust would come into the picture. Possessing a healthy self-respect is a very important factor for women. Being desperate and vulnerable for love creates a transfer of power to men which in turn may lead to poor sex-practices if the man involved is not one to follow safe-sex.
Now that women are strong and independent and have grown to express themselves, they must exercise the power to demand safe sex. Women have access to health services including safer sex practices, like using a condom. The Female condom / latex dam is the only proven barrier against AIDS initiated by women. Several studies have demonstrated that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently. These studies looked at uninfected people considered to be at very high risk of infection because they were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected persons. The studies found that even with repeated sexual contact, 98-100% of those people who used latex condoms consistently and correctly remained uninfected. Use of natural-skin condoms prevent pregnancy, but they don't prevent infections and hence STDs.
AIDs can be contracted by acts of bodily fluid exchange; vaginal, oral or anal. STDs can be spread by people who don't know they are infected. Always use protection every time you have sex, including oral sex, until you are sure you and your partner are not infected with an STD. If you are in a relationship, delay having sex until you are physically and emotionally prepared, have agreed to only have sex with each other, and have both been tested for STDs.
Prevention is the best cure, hence completely avoiding sexual contact (abstinence), including intercourse or oral sex, is the only certain way to prevent an infection. But In India where views about sex are evolving and have a more western approach currently this is not a popular opinion hence practicing safe sex is the best prevention. Also before getting physical with your partner it is best if you find out their sexual history first or get them tested.
Testing HIV positive does not mean the end of the world. People all over the world who have AIDS stay healthy and live fruitful lives. Seeking treatment, staying healthy and keeping a positive attitude will help in maintaining good mental and physical health. Getting support from family or support centers for AIDS will relieve mental stress. A positive attitude helps defeat a positive diagnosis. Talk to family and friends and seeking counselling keeps one happy and hence with a positive outlook towards life.
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