$Unique_ID{BRK01035}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Reducing Risks of AIDS in an Intimate Relationship}
$Subject{sex safe AIDS college}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{
AIDS-Risks*0001006.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Reducing Risks of AIDS in an Intimate Relationship


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QUESTION:  Life here at school is different than anything I have ever
experienced.  While studies are important, much of the talk in the dorm is
about guys, sex and AIDS.  Everybody has their own idea about who and what is
safe, and I don't want to get more than I am willing to "bargain" for.  I
think you might include an answer that would provide some indications about
reducing risks, if one chooses to have an intimate relationship?

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ANSWER:  Despite all the educational programs now in place, it is clear from
you question (and others I have received) that more information is needed.
There are several precautions you can take to minimize your risk of acquired
immune deficiency syndrome and other sexually transmitted diseases.
     The least risk of infection comes with a long-term monogamous
relationship, with no other sexual contacts.  That puts marriage and fidelity
in the forefront of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. (Of
course there are no risks at all associated with celibacy!)  If both partners
are monogamous and have not been previously exposed to the AIDS virus, there
is virtually no chance of getting the disease unless one partner uses
intravenous drugs.
     The greatest risk of infection comes with casual sex with more than one
partner and with people who you hardly know.  Chances are, if a person will
have sex with you even though they hardly know you, they may have many other
partners.  The more partners, the greater the risk.  If you have sex with
anyone but an exclusive partner, precautions must be taken.  Sexual contact
should be carried out with a condom or penile sheath.  This can protect both
the wearer and his partner from contact with secretions, discharges and
lesions.  A condom should not only be worn for intercourse, but for
oral-penile contact as well.  Likewise, a condom should be used for
penile-anal contact, even between monogamous partners.  Oral-anal contact
should be universally discouraged.
     A casual kiss, such as a peck on the cheek, or even on the lips, even
from someone who is infected with the AIDS virus, is probably harmless.  If an
infected person coughs or sneezes on you, there is also very little reason for
concern.  Deep kissing involving tongues may be a hazard though, because the
AIDS virus has been found in saliva, and there can be an exchange of saliva
with that type of contact.  Therefore, passionate, deep kisses should be
avoided with casual sex partners, especially when there is a possibility that
you have an open cut on the tongue or in your mouth.  There is no available
protection to reduce the risk of infection from oral saliva contact with the
vulva or vagina.
     When using condoms, to prevent the spread of viruses, several precautions
should be taken.  Condoms should be used only once and then thrown away.  The
condom should be put on early in sexual foreplay, since many men secrete
pre-ejaculatory fluid.  Withdrawal of the condom-covered penis should be done
carefully to prevent leakage of fluids.  Because many men lose their erection
very shortly after ejaculation, the condom and base of the penis should be
grasped and held together during withdrawal, to reduce the risk of spillage.
     This is obviously not a decision to make without even more information
than I can provide you here.  Check with the health facility on your campus, I
am sure they can provide you with much more information.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
