Atlast

Firstly, make a promise to yourself that this will never happen again. Having unprotected intercourse is like playing with fire, sooner or later you are going to get burnt.

Secondly, get yourself tested as soon as possible to determine your status now. The HIV virus is usually transmitted by exchange of body fluids like semen or blood and can take 6 weeks to 3 months to show up to a normal HIV blood test. This is the so called “window” period and is because usual Elisa test is measuring antibodies to the HIV virus which your body makes in response to the infection. So even if your 1^st test is negative, repeat the test in 3 months time to check you really are negative. If your test is positive get some counselling from the AIDS helpline and get educated so you can live a healthy lifestyle and be regularly monitored. You may remain completely well for many years before needing Anti retroviral treatment but remember that you can transmit the virus via blood, menstrual fluid, and vaginal secretions. You must always use condoms to prevent of the HIV virus and don’t share toothbrushes or razors with anyone.

I think everyone should “know their status”, If negative you have to do everything in your power to remain negative. This includes asking your partner about his status and sexual history using condoms. If positive, you have to do everything in your power to remain healthy and not infect anyone else. So use condoms!

Women are greater risk from HIV and statistics show more women then men are carrying the HIV virus. (The infection rate approx 13 women to 10 men infected)

This is due to a number of factors:

Younger women have sex with older men who are infected. They in turn become HIV positive and then transmit the infection. It has been shown more young womenare HIV positive than young men.

Anatomically, semen is deposited into the vagina where it remains in contact with the fragile vaginal walls for hours. Any abrasion in the vagina allows the HIV virus to penetrate. The practice of dry sex and anal sex aggravates the damage to delicate tissues and facilitates the entry of the HIV virus into the blood stream. Also any violence associated with sex causes more abrasions and allows the virus to penetrate.

Women are often not in control of sexual encounter. Rape is a major problem in this country and the low status of women plus their dependence on men for their food and shelter takes the control out of the women’s hands. Men often see it as their right to have more that one sexual partner and refuse to use condoms.

Women are also often ill informed about the risk of HIV and don’t know where to get proper counselling, condoms and help.