HIV/AIDS UPDATE = Step 3

WHAT’S YOUR POSITION = MEN & HIV

What’s Your Position is a part of our continuing series of steps that you need to know about how to best protect yourself and your partners from the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections - STIs. This feature re-addresses information about proper condom use, smart tips and making sexual decisions.

Here are some opinions stated by many men about using Condoms for you to seriously think about:

All of these opinions are real experiences as to why men resist using Condoms. But not using them is high risk sexual behaviour and can be changed to ensure a healthier sexual, physical and emotional mind and body.

FACT: Using Condoms every time you have sex is one of the BEST ways to protect yourself. The trick is to get used to them. We always advise that you experiment and play with them BY YOURSELF before having sex with another person.

USING CONDOMS ARE EASY: Here are some steps that you should know and do.

Step 1: Push the condom aside and carefully open the package with your hands   Step 2: Only put on the condom when your penis is fully erect   Step 3: If uncut, draw back the foreskin before rolling it down   Step 4: Squeeze the tip of the condom when putting it on   Step 5: Roll the condom over the whole length of your penis   Step 6: Only use water based lube with condoms. Oil based products will break down the latex   Step 7: When you are done hold on to the base of the condom and withdraw while your penis is still stiff   Step 8: Tie the condom and dispose it properly. Do not throw condoms in a toilet.   Step 9: Use each condom only once. Have some extras available

 

CONDOM TIPS:

• Store them in a dry and cool place
• Its okay to carry condoms in your pocket or wallet for a Short period of time only
• Double-check the manufacturer and expiration dates
• Lube it up - increase your HIV protection with water based lubricants e.g KY Gel
• Products like Vaseline, Baby Oil, Cocoa butter, Margarine, Soap and Hand lotion will damage your condom
• Always have some extras available

SMART TIP: Never use condoms with Nonoxynol 9 - N9

 

Making Your Sexual Decisions

• Get all the information you can about your choices
• Think about what you want and don’t want
• Figure out how you feel about the situation and choose the option that best fits you
• Be assertive and communicate your decision to your partner
• Don’t let others pressure you
• If you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to make healthy decisions
• Making decisions is easier if you have taken the time to think about how you feel and if you make decisions in non-pressured situations
• Using drugs and alcohol can get in the way of making a good decision
• Practising safer sex guidelines for HIV/AIDS will better protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Oral sex is sexual activity and puts you at risk to being infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STIs)

SMART TIP: Use Condoms and Dental Dams for greater oral protection from HIV, AIDS and STIs

You can turn a condom into a dental dam. Simply roll down an unused condom and cut down one side to create a flat barrier between your mouth and your partner’s genitals.

Drawings Courtesy of DENI - Mixed Media
All rights reserved.