SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS
Are
you ready?
Having sex for the first time can be a very special experience.
However sex in itself comes with a lot of complications. If you decide to engage in unprotected sex ( without any contraceptives
or condoms) this could not only lead to pregnancy but there is a chance that you could catch an STI or HIV if your partner
is infected. Many young people believe that having sex is the ultimate way of showing that you love someone. However, if and
when you decide to have sex ask yourself the reason why you are doing it and if you are sure that it is what you want. A person
that cares and loves you will wait until you are ready. Having sex for the wrong reasons can lead to a lot of emotional
distress. REMEMBER legally you are not allowed to have sex until you are over 16 (the legal age of consent)
STIs and HIV
STIs (Sexually transmitted infections) are infections
that are transmitted from one person to another during sex. There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted
diseases with a range of different symptoms such as Syphillis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes,
Herpatitis and HIV. These infections may be spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. However, HIV
can also be transmitted through sharing needles or as a baby of an infected mother, during pregnancy, labour or delivery,
or through breastfeeding. You CANNOT catch HIV from kissing, sharing clothes and utensils or from insect
bites.
Prevention
The best way to prevent transmission of STIs and HIV is by;
Abstaining OR
by having
safe sex through - Correct and consistent use of condoms for sexually active young people, couples in which one or
both partners are HIV-positive, sex workers and their clients, and anyone engaging in sexual activity with partners
who may have been at risk of HIV exposure.Also avoid sharing needles or sharps with other people.
Condoms are
the only method that can prevent transmission of STIs and HIV and also prevent pregnancy. Condoms come in different
forms, shapes and sizes. There is the 'male condom' which fits over a man's penis and there is the female condom
whichis inserted inside a woman's vagina. Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane. Latex condoms are available in
most countries they are most readily available. Latex condoms can be used with water based lubricants, oil based lubricants
such as Vaseline or cold cream as they break break them.Polyurethane condoms are thinner than latex condoms because are made
of a type of plastic. Some users say they increase sensitivity. Polyurethane condoms are more expensive than latex condoms
and may need more lubrication to increase flexibility. However both oil and water based lubricants can be used with them.
You do not need to be a certain age to buy condoms and they are available for free at some health institutions. 
Remember to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice.
Put the condom on an erect penis and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's
body.If a condom breaks during sexual intercourse, take emergency contraception within 72 hours and see your health worker
for advise on getting an STI test. Using a condom is the responsibility
of both partners. There is nothing wrong with ladies carrying their own condom.
Getting tested
There are different tests that are used to find
out if a person is infected with STIs or HIV. HIV antibody test is the most common. Antibody tests are also
inexpensive and very accurate. The ELISA antibody test (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent) also known as EIA (enzyme immunoassay). A
person that is infected with HIV produces special proteins to fight infection, called antibodies. An HIV antibody test examines
these antibodies in blood, saliva or urine. If antibodies to HIV are detected, it means a person has been infected with HIV.
It takes up to 12 weeks (sometimes more) for antibodies to show in a person that has been infected system. This is why one
may test negative on their first test but positive three months later. If a person tests HIV positive, they will have the
CD4 test and the viral load test. These will determine whether they need to take antiretroviral treatment to slow
down virus and maintain a healthy immune system. It is better to know whether you are infected or not so that you can get
the right treatment. An infected person must also practice safe sex to protect other people. IT IS A CRIME
to knowingly infect another person without telling them. HIV positive people can also ensure that they protect their unborn
babies from getting infected. Many centres offer counselling to people who may need it when they get tested.
For more information about sex and STIs.
Courtesey of UNAIDS
