For decades, AIDS has spread across the globe, leaving devastation and death in its path. However, no continent has been harder hit than Africa. Of the roughly 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS today, approximately two-thirds of those reside in Africa. Glancing over the statistics, especially those dealing with children who are infected with the virus, is eye-opening and saddening. In South Africa alone, over 250,000 children are suffering from the virus; close to 2 million children live with HIV in all of Africa. It is enough to make the heart break. Now, there is a tiny glimmer of hope in Cape Town, South Africa. A fertility clinic located in this region has recently begun offering the chance for couples who are infected with HIV/AIDS to have healthy children.
This clinic, the Cape Fertility Clinic, is the first of its kind of Africa. It allows would-be parents who are infected with HIV (either both parents or just one) to use measures like in-vitro fertilization to have the opportunity to give birth to children who are free from the disease. Klaus Wiswedel, a director at the clinic, states, “HIV is no longer seen as a death sentence but a chronic disease. And people with chronic diseases are entitled to have fertility treatment. We can safely deliver an HIV negative child and, with the right treatment, the parent can live a long life." While the clinic caters to those couples who can actually afford these procedures, they still have at least five couples coming in and paying for the procedures each month. Some critics would argue that this is small beans in comparison to the number of children born each month with the disease, but many who support the clinic see it as a reflection of the strides Africa is making in protecting both adults and children from HIV.
Consider the fact that only five years ago, 100,000 people in Africa were on AIDS drug treatments. Today, that number has grown dramatically to roughly two million people. In addition, due to increased funding and donations, infected pregnant women receiving AIDS treatments to help shield their unborn children from the disease has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2003, only five percent of infected pregnant women in Malawi were receiving treatment and that number has grown to 32 percent only 4 years later. Other success stories can be seen in Mozambique (three percent to 46 percent), South Africa (fifteen percent to 67 percent) and Zambia (eighteen percent to 47 percent) over the same timeframe. The executive director on UNAIDS, Peter Piot, states, “The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is not only effective, but also a human right. We are seeing good progress in many countries, especially in parts of Africa, but we need to significantly scale up HIV testing and treatment for pregnant women."
The new fertility clinic feels that anybody who wants children should have the opportunity to have a healthy child and should not be denied that right. The clinic utilizes artificial insemination when the mother-to-be is HIV-positive; if the father-to-be is HIV-positive then the sperm is cleansed of the virus. Once the couple has conceived they are monitored by a specialist and then deliver by C-section so that the infant is less likely to have the virus transmitted to them. Wiswedel states, "We jumped into the deep end of the pool because more and more patients want to receive treatment. We saw a huge need for this."
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Safe Sex Methods, Part III
Method #6: The Birth Control Pill
As you can probably guess from the title of this particular method, it is a method that has to do with preventing pregnancy rather than preventing disease. For this reason, if you are interested in something like AIDS prevention, the birth control pill is really not the method for you to choose. You should choose one of the other methods that have been noted as ways to prevent the spread of disease and the mixing of fluids, as both of those things are central to the idea of AIDS prevention. The birth control pill is something that is taken by the woman after engaging in sex. It has the ability to alter the woman’s menstrual cycle and in doing so prevent the possibility of an egg being fertilized in any way, shape or form. Of course, the pill is not 100% effective, which is why it should be combined with some other form of safe sex such as male condoms. Such a combination would also deal with AIDS prevention as well as other problems stemming from risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Method #7: Diaphragm
This particular device does not refer to anything that has to do with the diaphragm that is a muscle in your stomach, but rather the device that can be used as a form of birth control if it is inserted into the woman’s vagina before she engages in sex. This is a dual purpose safe sex method which means that it has the ability to protect both against unwanted pregnancy and also against sexually transmitted disease. For this reason, the diaphragm is an effective AIDS prevention tool. The main problem with the diaphragm for these purposes is that it tends to be quite expensive. A woman has to undergo an examination and have the device fitted to her particular biology and for that reason it can sometimes be out of reach of many people. For a woman that can afford to have one however, it is usually a better method than condoms as over the course of time the condoms will be used and disposed whereas the diaphragm can be used an unlimited number of times after it is acquired by the woman.
Method #8: Sponge
One final method that is worth mentioning in this series of methods dealing with safe sex is the sponge. The sponge used to be a very popular method for birth control and AIDS prevention, but it has since become less popular in favour of other methods such as the use of a diaphragm. The sponge is a small sponge that is inserted into the vagina before sex takes place and contains a large amount of sperm-killing substance on it. Therefore, it blocks and absorbs the semen before it can enter the cervix and kills all of the sperm cells before they can get by. For this reason, the sponge was an older method of AIDS prevention and birth control that was very popular, but its relative expense and disposability soon found it losing ground to the female condom when that particular product was made reliable.
As you can probably guess from the title of this particular method, it is a method that has to do with preventing pregnancy rather than preventing disease. For this reason, if you are interested in something like AIDS prevention, the birth control pill is really not the method for you to choose. You should choose one of the other methods that have been noted as ways to prevent the spread of disease and the mixing of fluids, as both of those things are central to the idea of AIDS prevention. The birth control pill is something that is taken by the woman after engaging in sex. It has the ability to alter the woman’s menstrual cycle and in doing so prevent the possibility of an egg being fertilized in any way, shape or form. Of course, the pill is not 100% effective, which is why it should be combined with some other form of safe sex such as male condoms. Such a combination would also deal with AIDS prevention as well as other problems stemming from risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Method #7: Diaphragm
This particular device does not refer to anything that has to do with the diaphragm that is a muscle in your stomach, but rather the device that can be used as a form of birth control if it is inserted into the woman’s vagina before she engages in sex. This is a dual purpose safe sex method which means that it has the ability to protect both against unwanted pregnancy and also against sexually transmitted disease. For this reason, the diaphragm is an effective AIDS prevention tool. The main problem with the diaphragm for these purposes is that it tends to be quite expensive. A woman has to undergo an examination and have the device fitted to her particular biology and for that reason it can sometimes be out of reach of many people. For a woman that can afford to have one however, it is usually a better method than condoms as over the course of time the condoms will be used and disposed whereas the diaphragm can be used an unlimited number of times after it is acquired by the woman.
Method #8: Sponge
One final method that is worth mentioning in this series of methods dealing with safe sex is the sponge. The sponge used to be a very popular method for birth control and AIDS prevention, but it has since become less popular in favour of other methods such as the use of a diaphragm. The sponge is a small sponge that is inserted into the vagina before sex takes place and contains a large amount of sperm-killing substance on it. Therefore, it blocks and absorbs the semen before it can enter the cervix and kills all of the sperm cells before they can get by. For this reason, the sponge was an older method of AIDS prevention and birth control that was very popular, but its relative expense and disposability soon found it losing ground to the female condom when that particular product was made reliable.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Safe Sex Methods, Part II
Method #3: Withdrawal
The withdrawal method was perhaps the first real birth control or safe sex method to be developed as part of the sex education curriculum and the reason for this is a very simple one. The withdrawal birth control method is really the only one that does not utilize anything else in a material sense and for that reason it is quite easy for different couples to utilize this method for their birth control needs. The withdrawal method is simply a method that has the man pull out of the woman before orgasm and in doing so prevent the sharing of fluids that is where the problems can start both in terms of unwanted pregnancy and in terms of sexually transmitted disease. This method is a cheap and effective one if used properly, but it does require discipline on the part of the man to pull out before any ejaculation occurs. For this reason, many people prefer the other methods available. That having been said however, withdrawal is a foolproof safe sex practice if two people with discipline practice it whenever they happen to engage in sexual activity.
Method #4: Male Condoms
Perhaps the most popular birth control method currently available on the market is the male condom. It was the first one to be created on a manufacturing basis and ever since its creation, birth control has become a big part of the safe sex curriculum as tools have become available that have the ability to actually help in curbing the exchange of fluids that is the main causal element in disease transmission and pregnancy. A male condom is essentially a sheath that is placed over the man’s penis before penetration occurs. The man can ejaculate while still penetrating the woman and all of the fluid will be contained within the condom rather than spread out into the woman’s vagina. It is a simple principle yet one that has been effective enough for condoms to be utilized all over the world in campaigns to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases as well as to stop unwanted pregnancy from happening. Male condoms are disposable after a single use however and over time can end up getting expensive if the couple has sex often.
Method #5: Female Condoms
Hot on the heels of the release of the first male condom was the release of the first female condom. Female condoms function in the same way as male condoms do essentially, but are created with the female anatomy in mind. This particular birth control method, rather than forming a sheath around the man’s penis, instead forms a protective barrier around the interior of the woman’s vagina. In doing so, it prevents any sperm from entering into the vagina and potentially causing any harm. Both female condoms and male condoms are 99%+ effective on their own but when the two are combined, the end result is that a practically foolproof birth control method is created. The price concern with male condoms is also present with female condoms however, which is probably the main drawback to this particular method.
The withdrawal method was perhaps the first real birth control or safe sex method to be developed as part of the sex education curriculum and the reason for this is a very simple one. The withdrawal birth control method is really the only one that does not utilize anything else in a material sense and for that reason it is quite easy for different couples to utilize this method for their birth control needs. The withdrawal method is simply a method that has the man pull out of the woman before orgasm and in doing so prevent the sharing of fluids that is where the problems can start both in terms of unwanted pregnancy and in terms of sexually transmitted disease. This method is a cheap and effective one if used properly, but it does require discipline on the part of the man to pull out before any ejaculation occurs. For this reason, many people prefer the other methods available. That having been said however, withdrawal is a foolproof safe sex practice if two people with discipline practice it whenever they happen to engage in sexual activity.
Method #4: Male Condoms
Perhaps the most popular birth control method currently available on the market is the male condom. It was the first one to be created on a manufacturing basis and ever since its creation, birth control has become a big part of the safe sex curriculum as tools have become available that have the ability to actually help in curbing the exchange of fluids that is the main causal element in disease transmission and pregnancy. A male condom is essentially a sheath that is placed over the man’s penis before penetration occurs. The man can ejaculate while still penetrating the woman and all of the fluid will be contained within the condom rather than spread out into the woman’s vagina. It is a simple principle yet one that has been effective enough for condoms to be utilized all over the world in campaigns to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases as well as to stop unwanted pregnancy from happening. Male condoms are disposable after a single use however and over time can end up getting expensive if the couple has sex often.
Method #5: Female Condoms
Hot on the heels of the release of the first male condom was the release of the first female condom. Female condoms function in the same way as male condoms do essentially, but are created with the female anatomy in mind. This particular birth control method, rather than forming a sheath around the man’s penis, instead forms a protective barrier around the interior of the woman’s vagina. In doing so, it prevents any sperm from entering into the vagina and potentially causing any harm. Both female condoms and male condoms are 99%+ effective on their own but when the two are combined, the end result is that a practically foolproof birth control method is created. The price concern with male condoms is also present with female condoms however, which is probably the main drawback to this particular method.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Condoms and Pregnancy
Most teen girls are curious when it comes to sex in general; this means curiosity about condoms as well as other forms of birth control and types of sex. A question that can be heard all over the place among girls in wide variations of age is “Can you get pregnant if the guy wears a condom.” A lot of people are under the impression that you are one hundred percent safe as long as there is a condom present, but is it true? Do condoms always protect you one hundred percent of the time? This answer as shocking as it may be is no, even if the guy wears a condom you can still become pregnant and are still susceptible to STDs.
Condoms are usually ninety seven percent to ninety eight percent effective when used correctly. However, doing things like purchasing the wrong size condom can drop the percentage of condom effectiveness dramatically, enabling you to get pregnant even if the guy wears a condom.
When a guy buys a condom that is too small, and tries to use it anyways, the condom may roll downwards allowing semen to come out of the condom into the female’s body. If a guy is wearing a condom that is too big, semen can spill out of the edges into the female’s body. Both of these circumstances can lead in AIDs, STDs, as well as unplanned pregnancy. These things can all endanger both the male and female from having a normal life.
Condom companies like Durex condoms, Trojan Condoms, Lifestyles Condoms, and Crown Condoms among others do their best to prevent accidents with their condoms. All of these condoms make various sizes and types of condoms to enable the best protection possible and even include directions. Making sure you and your partner both know how to put on a condom is important too, it is not only the guys responsibility. If a girl doesn’t know how to put on a condom, she won’t be able to catch it if her partner does something wrong, creating a greater risk for AIDs, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and unplanned pregnancy. By making sure you both know the proper way to put on a condom, you are insuring the safest sex possible.
Safe sex shouldn’t stop at condoms though, condoms may break and mistakes do happen. If you are a sexually active female you should also look into other forms of birth control to use, aside from just condoms and this way you are protecting yourself from becoming a mother before you are ready. The same thing goes for males, condoms are not the only way to safe sex, so educating yourself on all forms of birth control is very important. Birth control includes any type of preventative measure from getting pregnant this includes spermicidal lubrication, sponges, male condoms, female condoms, as well as other various methods and knowing all of them are really important is key. Knowledge is power when it comes to being sexually active, so make sure to keep yourself educated.
Condoms are usually ninety seven percent to ninety eight percent effective when used correctly. However, doing things like purchasing the wrong size condom can drop the percentage of condom effectiveness dramatically, enabling you to get pregnant even if the guy wears a condom.
When a guy buys a condom that is too small, and tries to use it anyways, the condom may roll downwards allowing semen to come out of the condom into the female’s body. If a guy is wearing a condom that is too big, semen can spill out of the edges into the female’s body. Both of these circumstances can lead in AIDs, STDs, as well as unplanned pregnancy. These things can all endanger both the male and female from having a normal life.
Condom companies like Durex condoms, Trojan Condoms, Lifestyles Condoms, and Crown Condoms among others do their best to prevent accidents with their condoms. All of these condoms make various sizes and types of condoms to enable the best protection possible and even include directions. Making sure you and your partner both know how to put on a condom is important too, it is not only the guys responsibility. If a girl doesn’t know how to put on a condom, she won’t be able to catch it if her partner does something wrong, creating a greater risk for AIDs, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and unplanned pregnancy. By making sure you both know the proper way to put on a condom, you are insuring the safest sex possible.
Safe sex shouldn’t stop at condoms though, condoms may break and mistakes do happen. If you are a sexually active female you should also look into other forms of birth control to use, aside from just condoms and this way you are protecting yourself from becoming a mother before you are ready. The same thing goes for males, condoms are not the only way to safe sex, so educating yourself on all forms of birth control is very important. Birth control includes any type of preventative measure from getting pregnant this includes spermicidal lubrication, sponges, male condoms, female condoms, as well as other various methods and knowing all of them are really important is key. Knowledge is power when it comes to being sexually active, so make sure to keep yourself educated.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Should schools provide condoms for kids ?
Even in the 21st century, it is a controversial topic in many states of America. Most people associate condoms with sexual activity. There is nothing wrong with that. Condoms are associated with sex. The problems for condoms start when people associate condoms with promiscuity. This is especially true in the case of evangelical people who are totally against condoms or sex education for kids. They argue that condoms are going to give the kids new ideas. They fear that the kids may start to experiment with condoms and sex as they have access to it. But kids are kids. They are going to experiment with sex. Condom or no condom!! The increase in numbers of STDs among teenage girls is an example of sexual activity they engage in, even without easy access to condoms. The high rate of teenage pregnancy is also showing examples of sexually active kids. There number is not going to increase, as they will have easy access to condoms. These kids should have access to condoms and that would help them in protecting themselves and the society at large by stopping the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is not fair to deny them access to condoms.
Condoms must be easily available for teenage kids. If possible, sex education can be provided along with the delivery of condoms. The person who is delivering the condoms can explain the pros and cons of condoms, sex etc to the kids. The school nurse who is already present in most schools can be given this responsibility. There must be access to condoms in a different way as well. As kids are usually wary of approaching an adult to get condoms, there should be a condom machine in each school for kids to get condoms anonymously.
The easy access of condoms would reduce the rate of AIDS infection in USA. Teenagers and young adults are the ones who are getting infected in half of the new AIDS cases reported. If they get easy access to condoms at teenage years, then they will have safe sex. Two of the main reasons for kids to drop out of school are teenage pregnancy and poor health. You can avoid teenage pregnancy fully with condoms. Poor health caused from STDs can be avoided with the help of condoms to a very high extent.
There are still people who hold morality above the health or safety of kids. This issue should be considered on its merits as a public health issue. Not a moral challenge. Safe sex is just that. Safe sex. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Public schools must be providing condoms in their premises, as school drop out rate is highest there. Kids from low-income families who attend these schools are more prone to get pregnant and stop their studies altogether. Hence the availability of condoms is mandatory in public schools all over America.
Of course catholic schools are going to object to providing condoms to kids there. But the parents need to take a strong position and this would make the catholic school managements to change their position on condoms.
Condoms must be easily available for teenage kids. If possible, sex education can be provided along with the delivery of condoms. The person who is delivering the condoms can explain the pros and cons of condoms, sex etc to the kids. The school nurse who is already present in most schools can be given this responsibility. There must be access to condoms in a different way as well. As kids are usually wary of approaching an adult to get condoms, there should be a condom machine in each school for kids to get condoms anonymously.
The easy access of condoms would reduce the rate of AIDS infection in USA. Teenagers and young adults are the ones who are getting infected in half of the new AIDS cases reported. If they get easy access to condoms at teenage years, then they will have safe sex. Two of the main reasons for kids to drop out of school are teenage pregnancy and poor health. You can avoid teenage pregnancy fully with condoms. Poor health caused from STDs can be avoided with the help of condoms to a very high extent.
There are still people who hold morality above the health or safety of kids. This issue should be considered on its merits as a public health issue. Not a moral challenge. Safe sex is just that. Safe sex. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Public schools must be providing condoms in their premises, as school drop out rate is highest there. Kids from low-income families who attend these schools are more prone to get pregnant and stop their studies altogether. Hence the availability of condoms is mandatory in public schools all over America.
Of course catholic schools are going to object to providing condoms to kids there. But the parents need to take a strong position and this would make the catholic school managements to change their position on condoms.
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