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Disability
is not Inability |
:: Talking About Condoms
AIDS, other sexually transmitted
infections and unplanned pregnancies are all very good reasons
to protect yourself by using condoms.
1. CONDOMS PROVIDE PROTECTION.
The male condom is a thin shield of latex rubber that
is worn on the penis. It stops the semen from the penis,
from entering the vagina. The condom also stops vaginal
fluids or blood from entering the penis. The female condom
is a thin polyurethane sheath with two soft rings at each
end. One closed end fits inside the vagina and a larger,
open end stays outside the vagina. The female condom receives
sperm during sex and forms a protective barrier against
infected body fluids.
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Condoms show you care
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2. CONDOMS ARE EFFECTIVE.
| Condoms are an effective way of reducing unplanned pregnancies.
Condoms can also help protect fertility by forming a barrier
against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that cause
infertility, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea as well as protecting
against other STIs such as trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Most
importantly, condoms have been proven to provide an effective
barrier against viruses such as hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus,
herpes simplex 2 and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. |
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Unrolled male condom
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3. CONDOMS WORK
Condoms are recognized by the World Health Organisation
and other leading health agencies as one of the best forms
of protection against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Some research studies designed to create public doubt about
the condom’s effectiveness are unfounded. In fact,
research has show that the risk of infection from HIV/AIDS
with a condom is reduced – as much as 10,000-times.
Condoms can provide up to 98% protection against unplanned
pregnancies and most STIs, including HIV/AIDS, if they are
used consistently and correctly. Condoms are useful for
couples with HIV infection to avoid re-infection.
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Unrolled female condom |
4. CONDOMS DO NOT PROMOTE SEX.
Some people think that talking about condoms or giving people
condoms will make them have sex outside of marriage. However,
a World Health Organization review of a number of studies found
no evidence that sexuality education programs lead to earlier
or increased sexual activity among young people. Other research
has shown that condom availability does not increase sexual activity,
but does increase condom use among already sexually active teens-
and young people do need protection.
5. CONDOMS ARE GOOD NEWS
Some people think condoms are only for people who play around.
Some are too embarrassed to buy or use condoms. Whilst others
say that using a condom for sex is like, ‘eating a sweet
with the wrapper on.’ Whatever your reasons for avoiding
condoms, there is one reason that you should consider condom protection
if you choose to have sex-AIDS
As well as protecting you from HIV/AIDS, many people say they
have better sex with condoms. Condoms can increase confidence
as they reduce fears about pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infection. Practice helps. Don’t wait unit the heat of passion
takes control. Talk to your partner openly about condoms now!
6. CONDOMS PREVENT AIDS INFECTION.
There is no cure for AIDS. That’s why it’s important
to prevent infection from HIV by doing these three simple things:
A condom is a very good barrier to infection when it is used
correctly. If condom is to be effective, the most important rule
is to use one every single time. A new condom must be worn every
time you have sex. Incorrect use may cause the condom to leak
from the base or even break.
1. Know your own HIV status and the HIV status of your
sex partner. If in doubt, don’t have sex.
2. Be faithful to your partner and make sure your partner is
faithful to you.
3. If you decide to take the risk and have sex, always use a
condom and dispose appropriately.
7. YOU AN REDUCE RISK OF HIV INFECTION
If you are thinking about sex, you need to remember there
is no 100% effective way to protect yourself or your partner
expect through abstinence. If you do choose to have sex, there
are many ways that can reduce your risk of getting a sexually
transmitted infection. Get to know your partner before having
sex, discuss sexual and drug use histories. If you don’t
know your status, get an HIV test, and have your partner tested
also. If either you or your partners are HIV positive, you,
you must use a condom every time you have sex to avoid transmitting
HIV. You can also explore safer ways of being intimate with
your partner, like sensual massage or mutual masturbation-safe
activities mean you do not take your partner’s blood,
semen, or vaginal fluids into your body-otherwise always use
a condom.
8. YOU CAN GET FURTHER INFORMATIONS, COUNSELLING OR ADVICE
ON AIDS PREVENTION:
For advice on AIDS in your province contact-Provincial AIDS Control
Coordinator or Provincial District AIDS and STD Control Officers
in Nairobi, Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (North and South), Coast,
Eastern, North Eastern and Central Provinces.
Deaf VCT in Nairobi Kisumu or Mombasa.
Any VCT site.
Any Hospital, clinic or Health related NGO or CBO.
Your Faith organisation. church, Mosque etc.
disabilitykenya
Category: Health
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