Sex Talk

Vidz

27th Coronation anniversary: Empango

Performing Arts Highlight

Daphine Ampairwe

Facts

majority Did you know that the vast majority of young people learn about sexual matters and HIV through their friends? Source: UNICEF

Senga

"My boyfriend says we don’t need contraception, because he will pull out at the last minute. Is this a good idea?"

"Not really. Withdrawal, or coitus interruptus as it's known, is not a good way to avoid pregnancy – partly because boys may leak sperm before they come. Also, guys have a dangerous tendency to 'stay in that little bit longer' – until it's too late. Do not risk if you are not ready to have a baby. You need to visit a health worker to decide which contraception method(s) works for both of you."

"Can you reduce the risk of getting HIV after having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV?"

"Let's say you had sex with someone who is HIV infected and the condom broke, or you found out only after unprotected sex that your partner had HIV. Can you reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex--or from a needlestick--by taking medications afterward? Yes. This is called postexposure prophylaxis, or PEP. The medications that are given are the same types that are used to treat HIV (antiretrovirals, or ARVs), and they usually are given as a combination of 3 medicines for 1 month. To work best, these ARVs should be taken as soon as possible after the exposure, and…"

"Can a person with syphilis spread the disease?"

"Yes. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. A person with syphilis can spread the infection during the first two stages of the disease. If you come in contact with an open sore (first stage) or skin rash (second stage), you can pick up the bacteria that cause the infection. If the bacteria enter your body through an opening such as the penis, anus, vagina, mouth, or broken skin, you can get syphilis. If a person has had syphilis for more than two years, it's unlikely that he or she can spread the disease. Don't take a chance. Use a lubricated…"

Quickly find Contraceptive services near you