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protecting yourself from HIV/AIDS
general condom info |
putting on condoms |
deciding to use condoms |
useful links
Hey guys!
The only way to ensure that you do not get HIV is to not have sex. Based on what you see on TV, movies, the Internet, music
videos and what you hear at school, it may seem like everyone is having sex. However, in reality, only 7% of 13 year olds,
21% of 15 year olds and 43% of 17 year olds have ever had sex. In total, 23% of guys in grades 7-12 are having sex.*
If you don't want to have sex, that's O.K. If you do want to have sex, that's O.K too. However, if you do want to have sex, it is important
to make sure that you are choosing to have sex because you want to, not because the media, your friends or your girl friend tells you that you
should. It is also important to remember that your emotions will be affected by sex. You could feel happy or you could feel scared, ashamed or
sad after having sex. It is also important to remember that you can get HIV/AIDS and other STIs and that your girlfriend can get pregnant if
you do not use condoms when you have sex.
It can be difficult to be a guy. Lots of messages in our society tell us that guys should know everything about sex. Because of this, lots
of guys don't ask doctors about sex and protection because they feel they should already know the answers. Lots of guys end up having sex without
having enough information about sex and how to protect themselves. This can result in HIV/AIDS, STIs and pregnancy.
Our society also sends us the message that all guys want to have sex no matter what. This is not true. Some guys want to wait until they are
older to have sex, some guys want to wait until they love someone to have sex and some want to wait until they are married to have sex. These
beliefs are all O.K.
The messages society sends us are gender stereotypes that try to tell us how we should act and they are wrong. It's O.K. if you don't want
to have sex. It's O.K. if you do want to have sex. If you are going to have sex, it is important to get answers to all of your questions and
to get protection.
* statistics are from the 2003 McCreary Report
general condom info:
advantages
- condoms are safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection when used at each act of sex.
- using condoms is the best method of preventing infection if two people are going to have sex.
- men who use "last longer." prolonging sex may make sex more fun. sex is less messy too.
- condoms come in many colors and sizes and with or without ribbing. variety is exciting!
- if the woman puts the condom on for the man, it can be fun for both of them!
disdvantages
- when putting the condom on the penis you must avoid tearing the condom or putting a hole in it with fingernails, a ring, or anything sharp, i.e. teeth.
- YOU CAN'T USE OIL BASED LUBRICANTS, such as Vaseline, sun tan oil, whipped cream, or Crisco! These products can cause a hole in a condom.
- it's usually just nerves but a few men have difficulty maintaining an erection with a condom on.
- the man must pull out soon after ejaculation. If his penis becomes soft, the condom can fall off and spill or be left in the vagina.
- some people are sensitive or allergic to latex.
so, where do I get condoms?
From many family planning associations, local pharmacies or drugstores and many grocery stores, and gas stations. Some health
departments and family planning clinics give away free condoms. Call our office at 604-277-5137!
putting on condoms:
condoms are the only form of protection which can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted
infections (STDs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.
you need to know: HOW TO CHOOSE 'EM &
HOW TO USE 'EM!
deciding to use condoms:
Deciding what's best for your health and doing something about it can be two different things.
Even bringing up the subject of condoms can be difficult! Here are some suggestions to help you get around
some common excuses:
Excuse: "They don't feel good or fit properly."
Response: Let's try a different kind. If you have an allergy to latex, there are condoms made from polyurethane.
Excuse: "They're too dry and make it uncomfortable."
Response: We should get some lubricated ones then or shop around for some good water-based lube.
Excuse: "I'm embarrassed to buy them."
Response: I'll buy them or I know a clinic where we can get them for free.
Excuse: "I don't have one with me."
Response: I'll get one for next time, but for now, no sex.
Excuse: "I am not comfortable using a condom."
Response: I understand but they are really important - for both of us. There are directions on the condom box. Let's try them a few times and it can be part of the fun.
Excuse: "I'm on the pill, trust me."
Response: The pill is great for preventing pregnancy but condoms can protect us from infections we might not even know we have.
Excuse: "They spoil the mood. It interrupts things."
Response: We'll enjoy the mood more because we'll be less worried about pregnancy and infection.
Excuse: "You must think I have an infection or something."
Response: I have heard that some infections don't have any signs so you or I could have an infection. We could ask at a clinic about testing. Let's be safe and use a condom.
Excuse: "Condoms taste terrible!"
Response: Let's try some of those new flavoured condoms.
Excuse: "I'm sure it's safe at this time of the month."
Response: There is no safe time when it comes to infections.
some useful links:
The Heart of Richmond AIDS Society. #200 - 6411 Buswell St, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2G5
Tel: 604-277-5137 or Fax: 604-277-5131 or
E-mail: contact@heartofrichmond.com
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