Conditions
HIV / AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global pandemic and the fourth biggest killer worldwide. HIV is an incurable sexually transmitted infection that can be passed during unprotected anal, vaginal and also oral sex, via blood, semen, vaginal fluids and even breast milk. It can also be transmitted by sharing dirty needles, which places intravenous drug users at risk. Although gay men who engage in unprotected sex are a high risk group, anyone who fails to practice safe sex risks infection. A blood test (usually taken 1-3 months after the risk of infection has been identified) can detect the presence of the virus, which attacks the body’s immune system and leaves those infected susceptible to life-threatening conditions (AIDS is the latter stages of HIV when the immune system has stopped working). If you contract HIV, then counselling, regular blood tests, and a daily cocktail of drugs, which work to slow the progress of the virus and effectively manage the condition, will unfortunately become a way of life.
Comments
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I'm 25 and have been HIV+ for three years. I found out as I became extremely ill and had to be hospitalised after a few weeks of been exposed through unprotected sex. You can't know if you're HIV+ wihout a test. Most pople don't get sick at all, I was just unlucky. I have to take many drugs wice a day to keep it at bay and it isn't pleasant. Always use protection. No glove, no love :)
hi there, i am completely hetrosexual to avoid any bias opinions, just to make a note and try to help answer a question… some studies have shown that infact hetrosexual couples are now more likely to contract the disease than homosexuals! there is no way being homosexual makes you any more likely to catch it, infact probably due to more eductation on protection and the want for children being factors!!!
is hiv already in the body or does it devolop from that from having sex?
Beth
why is HIV and AIDS protrayed as a gay persons disease? Was thinking the other day about how i had no idea wat aids actually was, when i researched i found its as common among heterosexual ppl aswell as homosexual. why is this so? Are gay people more at risk for some reason when engaging in sexual intercourse? all answers appreciated. thanks in advance
can you catch hiv/aids with oral sex
I come from Zimbabwe and to be honest HIV and AIDS have become part of life to people there, gays are not very common in this society. The unfortunate part is the cost of ARVs and food. When we( husband and I) tested negative, we realise how lucky we are. However looking back at our histories we realised anything could have happened and we thank God for giving us a second chance, we have vowed never to take that for granted.
My advice to anyone that isn't married, is to abstain or if you really have to, please use protection. To anyone that may find themselves testing positive, get medical help asap, it is not the end of life, and always stay positive.
hi there
i am a little dissapointed that you had to bring attention to gay men in particular when explaining HIV as the gay community has been blamed for this and surely it would have been just as informative to have explained that HIV can be contracted by any couples engaging in unprotected sex… I realize that this is a great site but please be aware of how you explain things as that was a very offensive and outdated description.
I'm realy glad I read your post. I feel in the same poition as you. We found out my husban had HIV 3 years ago. I didnt know how to feel at the time, But I just kept in mind this could just have easily been me. We have since had a child through IVF which has made our life worth liing. We dont talk about it at all. He is not any any medication,but I feel we need to start addressing a lot of issues. I dont know how to approach this. I havent been to any hospital appoint and both GP's are unaware of the situation. can you give us any advise on how to start plannning for the future – there is one !!!
ummmm well katie u can go get a HIV check any time i believe, there is the 3 month incubatory period but i THINK this is just a maximum time, oh and fyi just cos he is gay doesnt mean he has HIV the gap between HIV being a homo/hetro disease has shrunk!
also vaguely on the same note, and as i havnt seen it mentioned many other places! but PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment after a risky activity be it pricked with a needle, or a condom split, it is a way of increasing the likelihood of not getting HIV if taken within 72hrs of the activity….
but look that stuff up properly if anyone else is gonna be thinking about it!!
Am sorry if the question is a bit weird, but am just wondering do you catch hiv or does it develop. i have been with by bf for 2 years and we always use a condom and have not been with anyone else. if things stay this way, are we both safe??
please advise.
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