Safe Sex

If you go beyond kissing and caressing, it’s important to talk about how to have safe sex. To avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancies, you should always have safe sex.

Facts

Can I get HIV through kissing?

Can I get HIV through kissing?

…and while all come up negative, she was too anxious to stop. This not only sounds stressful but also curious. So, can HIV be transmitted through kissing? HIV transmission through kissing is highly unlikely as the chances are extremely small. […]

After how long should I re-test for HIV?

After how long should I re-test for HIV?

This window period is the time between HIV exposure and when a test can detect HIV. The window period depends on the test used. For the antigen/antibody test, the window period is 18 to 90 days: Michael was thus advised […]

Je, nahitaji kondomu kwa ngono ya mdomo?

Je, nahitaji kondomu kwa ngono ya mdomo?

Je, ulijua kwamba kondomu zenye ladha zilianzishwa kwa sababu maalum? Kondomu zenye ladha zinabuniwa kwa ajili ya matumizi wakati wa ngono ya mdomo. Ladha na harufu husaidia kuficha ladha ya lateksi.

Naweza kupata virusi vya ukimwi kupitia ngono ya mkundu?

Naweza kupata virusi vya ukimwi kupitia ngono ya mkundu?

NDIYO, unaweza kupata VVU kutokana na ngono ya haja kubwa. Ni moja ya njia hatari zaidi ya kupata VVU. Mshiriki anayepokea (chini) ana hatari zaidi kuliko mshiriki anayeingiza (juu), hii ni kwa sababu utando wa mkundu ni mwembamba na unaweza kuruhusu VVU kuingia mwilini wakati wa ngono.

5 unique challenges LGBTIQ persons face in HIV management

5 unique challenges LGBTIQ persons face in HIV management

Some of these challenges include: Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach. It involves implementing anti-stigma campaigns, promoting LGBTIQ-inclusive sexual education, training healthcare providers to provide culturally competent care, and ensuring access to HIV prevention tools like PrEP […]

Is it true that only gay people get HIV?

Is it true that only gay people get HIV?

HIV affects individuals of all sexual orientations but it is important to remember that the risk of HIV transmission depends on behaviors and practices of individuals since some have higher exposure to the virus.

Do condoms kill the mood?

Do condoms kill the mood?

Sex often includes awkward and funny moments – but this is all a normal part of it! There’s no need to be embarrassed or ashamed!

Where and how should I store my ARVs?

Where and how should I store my ARVs?

Storing HIV medication can be quite the challenge especially when you find that you are living with others and you have not disclosed to them your health status and the question of where and how to store your medication will arise.

Who is at higher risk of getting HIV?

Who is at higher risk of getting HIV?

Although many people believe that mainly men get infected with HIV/AIDS, women are actually getting infected at a faster rate than men, especially in developing countries, and suffer more from the adverse impact of AIDS.

How effective are ARVs?

How effective are ARVs?

Antiretroviral drugs, also  Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) are effective in combating HIV. There is no cure for HIV currently however one can manage it with ART.

What if I have side effects from taking ARVs?

What if I have side effects from taking ARVs?

One can develop side effects of ARVs when newly initiated into care and in some instances, side effects can develop later on while in care, the side effects vary from person to person and they do not last a long time.

Can I get HIV from anal sex?

Can I get HIV from anal sex?

The receptive partner (‘bottom’) is at risk of infection from HIV through seminal fluids (‘pre-cum‘) of the infected partner having in mind that the rectal tissue is delicate and easily damaged, which can give the virus direct access to the […]

<strong>Does pubic hair have any benefits?</strong>

Does pubic hair have any benefits?

Yet, we must admit that the media, especially porn, peer pressure, and sexual partners can often influence this preference. For some time now, a shaved pubic area has gained traction as many people prefer to shave rather than leave the […]

How does a person develop AIDS?

How does a person develop AIDS?

While these are great news! We cannot rule out that AIDS is still a threat due to, in part, poor adherence to HIV treatment and lack of testing. So, what does AIDS stand for? Simply, AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. […]

What are the common first symptoms of HIV?

What are the common first symptoms of HIV?

A few weeks after the infection, some people have symptoms, including: These symptoms may disappear after a few weeks and while they may not re-appear for a few years, the virus will continue to weaken your immune system. These, and […]

Differences between curable and manageable STIs

Differences between curable and manageable STIs

When we talk about STIs, we often focus more on aspects such as symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We pay little attention to an important fact which is the two key categories of STIs that exist. These two categories are based on whether an STI is curable or not.

Types of HIV stigma you may experience

Types of HIV stigma you may experience

Because of society’s fear and ignorance about HIV, people living with HIV are frequently stigmatized in various ways. We don’t talk about stigma enough, so I wanted to go a little further.

HPV vaccine: what you should know

HPV vaccine: what you should know

Some medical studies have found more than 100 types of HPV in humans that can either be transmitted through sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact. Sexually transmitted HPV can infect the genital areas such as the scrotum, penis, rectum, cervix, vagina, […]

Why should I test for HIV?

Why should I test for HIV?

Many people only get tested for HIV if they’ve recently engaged in risky behavior or if mandated during medical care yet an HIV test should be part of your routine checkup. First, let’s agree that some people are at higher […]

7 reasons condoms break during sex

7 reasons condoms break during sex

Unfortunately, condoms can break during sex. This can happen due to several factors. Understanding why and how condom breaks can help avoid this from happening. 7 reasons why condoms break: 1. Too much friction and insufficient lubricant Condoms are usually […]

Can I get pregnant and STIs from Pre-cum?

Can I get pregnant and STIs from Pre-cum?

Pre-cum, also known as pre-ejaculate, is a small amount of liquid that comes out of the penis when someone is turned on or aroused. Pre-cum comes during sexual arousal and is not to be confused with ejaculation. It is an […]

Why are women at higher risk of HIV?

Why are women at higher risk of HIV?

There are several factors that put women at higher risk for HIV. These include gender-based violence e.g. rape or when they cannot freely choose to have safe sex, poverty, little information on how to protect themselves from HIV, and then […]

Safe sex is sexy

Safe sex is sexy

People sometimes complain that using condoms reduces their sexual sensation. Well, here are some tips to make things wetter, because wetter is better!

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) generally affects women. It’s when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted by an increase of more ‘harmful’ bacteria.

Scabies

Scabies

Scabies is a very itchy, contagious skin infection caused by the scabies mite.

Pubic lice

Pubic lice

Pubic lice are also known as ‘crabs’. Pubic lice are small parasites that dig underneath your skin, and feed on your blood.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also known as ‘trich’. It’s an STD that affects both women and men, but women are more likely to have symptoms.

Water warts

Water warts

Water warts are caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum. It’s a common viral infection that affects the skin and causes fluid-filled blisters.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is an STD caused by two different types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). It looks like a cold sore or blister.

Genital warts

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s one of the most common STDs worldwide.

Syphilis

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacterium called Treponema palliduium. It’s known as the ‘great imitator’ because its symptoms are hard to distinguish from other STDs.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Niesseria gonorrhoeae. It’s very contagious. It can infect your throat, urethra, vagina, and anus.