HIV: Coming to a town near you
AIDS is the leading cause of death worldwide. More than half of the 5 million people infected last year were under 25.
In the UK, we’ve read the posters in public toilets, warning us about STIs and HIV, yet a third of us haven’t changed our sexual behaviour despite the risks. Whether it’s smoking, drugs or sex, we tend to think ‘it won’t happen to me’. But if you still think this is an African problem, think again.
HIV prevalence is higher in Britain than most Western European countries, and infections have doubled in the last decade. In 2005, 7750 people were diagnosed HIV positive in the UK.
While we aren’t yet facing an epidemic among heterosexuals, sex between men and women has been the UK’s leading mode of transmission since 2001. The recent St Ives case – where an unusually high number of people were infected in a small area, probably originating from one man - shows that when HIV does enter the heterosexual population it spreads quickly, and because of Britain’s lax attitude to safe sex many of us are vulnerable.
HIV prevalence is higher in Britain than most Western European countries, and infections have doubled in the last decade. In 2005, 7750 people were diagnosed HIV positive in the UK.
While we aren’t yet facing an epidemic among heterosexuals, sex between men and women has been the UK’s leading mode of transmission since 2001. The recent St Ives case – where an unusually high number of people were infected in a small area, probably originating from one man - shows that when HIV does enter the heterosexual population it spreads quickly, and because of Britain’s lax attitude to safe sex many of us are vulnerable.
STI rates in the UK have increased by 62% since 1995
HIV aside, there are other things to worry about. One in ten teenagers has Chlamydia, which if left untreated leads to infertility. There are over 100 types of genital wart, some of which can cause cancer. STI rates in the UK have increased by 62% since 1995. With such high odds, you don’t need to be promiscuous to get caught - anyone who has unprotected sex can catch an STI. For 21st century lovers, taking precautions is an absolute must.
So what are the options?
There’s no one size fits all when it comes to sex, and knowing all your options is a crucial first step. Protecting yourself and your partner means thinking about your actions, weighing up your choices and deciding what works for you.
Keep it covered
If you’re already having sex, condoms are a vital protection from STIs. You can buy male condoms in most shops and they’re free from family planning clinics. Female condoms are also becoming more common. If you’re too embarrassed to talk to a real person, you can order them online - just make sure your mum doesn’t open your mail!
The commitments
Sticking with one partner and agreeing to stay faithful also works for lots of people. Just make sure you both get checked out before you stop using condoms – many GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine)clinics now see couples together. And don’t forget contraception, unless you want to make a baby of course!
Give it time
Abstaining - or keeping your pants zipped - is the only 100% failsafe way to prevent STIs. There’s nothing geeky about saying no until you’re ready - many people go for years without sex. If you’re with the right person they’ll respect you’re choice – they might even feel relieved themselves - and when you do give it up, you’ll feel all the more in control for waiting until you wanted to.
Find alternatives
Deciding not to have sex doesn’t mean you can’t be intimate. Kissing, fondling and masturbation can be enjoyable for both partners, and allow you to keep the fire lit whilst also protecting yourselves.
What next?
Now you’re armed with the info, put your knowledge into practice by taking control of your behaviour.
Be prepared
You’ll feel much more self assured if you’ve prepared for the situations you’ll find yourself in. If you’ve decided you don’t want to have sex, work out how you’ll communicate that to partners, and how you’ll resist pressure from peers. If you plan to have sex, take control by carrying condoms, somewhere where they won’t get too hot, and if you find yourself without one at a crucial moment commit yourself to always saying ‘no condom, no sex’.
Take the test
Many STIs show no symptoms, but if left untreated they can cause serious damage. If you think you’ve put yourself at risk, get tested. Most are easily treated and you’ll be amazed at the difference that peace of mind can make to your sex drive!
Talk dirty
Silence fuels AIDS, so speaking openly and honestly is a crucial step in fighting it. Because sex education varies from school to school in the UK, lots of young people miss out on the most basic info about STIs. You can’t assume that because you always take precautions your partner does too – recent studies show that less than half of us always use a condom with a new partner. AIDS is a matter of life or death, and other STIs aren’t fun either, so don’t pretend they’re not there. If your partner isn’t mature enough to be open about it, why sleep with them in the first place?
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