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."
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
3 Myths about Condoms
Condoms have become a big part of life today, but there are still many people that refuse to see the benefit these particular contraceptives bring to the marketplace. People that are against condoms for political or religious reasons tend to perpetuate myths about them. For that reason many people are confused through no fault of their own when it comes to considerations regarding this product. In order to help clear the air a little bit, here are some of the more common myths perpetuated about condoms.
Myth #1: They make sex less enjoyable
This used to be true when condoms first came out onto the market, but the free market being what it is, this was ratified by the condom creating companies when they realized that it was indeed something that was starting to impede their sales. There are now condoms that are ribbed to increase the sexual pleasure a woman can get out of the act as well as ones that are ribbed on the inside to provide that same stimulation for the man. There are flavored condoms that make oral sex a lot more interesting. There are in fact a multitude of different options available for condoms nowadays that really have turned this partial reality into a complete myth.
Myth #2: They do not work
This used to be the biggest myth that was perpetuated regarding condoms, but as the general public has become more knowledgeable regarding matters of contraception, this myth has really collapsed. For this reason, people against the use of condoms will usually resort to myth #1 before this one nowadays. Condoms are one of the most reliable products around and this statement has been continually backed up by facts on a regular basis. When used properly, condoms are usually over 99.9% effective on average. In other words, condoms are basically foolproof when they are employed as the instructions indicate. If condoms are combined with other birth control methods however, they are even more effective.
Myth #3: They are expensive
Expensive is a word that is really a matter of opinion and for this reason one can not entirely call this a myth. There are probably some people out there that would view the cost of condoms as one that is far too expensive. That having been said however, when the packages are purchased, the individual condoms within them usually work out to something like pennies per condom, with individual packages often being sold for something like twenty-five cents per package. For this reason, most people that have experience with the full range of contraceptives would regard condoms as being relatively cheap to purchase.
Conclusion
For all of the reasons stated above in the debunking of those three myths, it is quite clear to anyone that has experimented with different safe sex methods that the condom is one of the most reliable and most cost effective methods out there. This is why in spite of the development of other methods over the years, this particular method has endured for such a long time.
Myth #1: They make sex less enjoyable
This used to be true when condoms first came out onto the market, but the free market being what it is, this was ratified by the condom creating companies when they realized that it was indeed something that was starting to impede their sales. There are now condoms that are ribbed to increase the sexual pleasure a woman can get out of the act as well as ones that are ribbed on the inside to provide that same stimulation for the man. There are flavored condoms that make oral sex a lot more interesting. There are in fact a multitude of different options available for condoms nowadays that really have turned this partial reality into a complete myth.
Myth #2: They do not work
This used to be the biggest myth that was perpetuated regarding condoms, but as the general public has become more knowledgeable regarding matters of contraception, this myth has really collapsed. For this reason, people against the use of condoms will usually resort to myth #1 before this one nowadays. Condoms are one of the most reliable products around and this statement has been continually backed up by facts on a regular basis. When used properly, condoms are usually over 99.9% effective on average. In other words, condoms are basically foolproof when they are employed as the instructions indicate. If condoms are combined with other birth control methods however, they are even more effective.
Myth #3: They are expensive
Expensive is a word that is really a matter of opinion and for this reason one can not entirely call this a myth. There are probably some people out there that would view the cost of condoms as one that is far too expensive. That having been said however, when the packages are purchased, the individual condoms within them usually work out to something like pennies per condom, with individual packages often being sold for something like twenty-five cents per package. For this reason, most people that have experience with the full range of contraceptives would regard condoms as being relatively cheap to purchase.
Conclusion
For all of the reasons stated above in the debunking of those three myths, it is quite clear to anyone that has experimented with different safe sex methods that the condom is one of the most reliable and most cost effective methods out there. This is why in spite of the development of other methods over the years, this particular method has endured for such a long time.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Condoms - The Successive Steps of AIDS Prevention
AIDS has long been a source of intense concern on the international scale, but as time has gone on there have been many advances both in sociological changes and in behavioural changes that have helped to neutralize this particular illness in many areas of the world. AIDS prevention is therefore a successful endeavour if done correctly and while more permanent and better AIDS prevention methods are being developed, it behoves us as a population to try and utilize the AIDS prevention methods we currently have in order to try and reduce the spread of this illness as much as possible. To that end, there are several steps that you can take in order to help the AIDS prevention cause.
The first and most obvious step in terms of AIDS prevention is to simply abstain from having sex altogether. This is of course an activity that few people have the ability to do, but there are some for which sex is really not that big a priority and those people can protect themselves to a larger degree by making sure they avoid sex whenever they can. Avoiding sex alone will not make you 100% immune to catching AIDS, but it will go a long way towards helping ensure that your AIDS prevention efforts are successful in some way, shape or form.
For people that are simply not going to be able to avoid sexual activity for one reason or another, a much more reasonable step to take might be to cut down on the number of sexual partners that you have. The number of times you have sex with a different person can drastically contribute to an increased chance of contracting AIDS and for that reason ensuring that you are in a monogamous relationship or at least taking measures to reduce the number of sexual partners you have can go a long way towards helping you cut down on your chances of contracting AIDS.
If you decide to cut down on the number of sexual partners you have however, you will need to do something else in order to help your AIDS prevention efforts along. A good idea would be to wander into the realm of contraceptives and start utilizing them as a way to augment your protection against the AIDS virus. Condoms, diaphragms or any other contraception method that prevents the mixing of fluids would be suitable if your main goal is AIDS prevention. There are other birth control methods on the market such as pills that are not effective for preventing STD transmission for the simple reason that they do nothing to prevent the mixing of fluids which is where all of these diseases come from in the first place.
Preventing the spread of AIDS is something that everyone should be interested in if for no other reason than to ensure a higher standard of living. Smart sex and safe sex rather than unprotected sex is such a small price to pay for something as important as preventing the spread of AIDS.
The first and most obvious step in terms of AIDS prevention is to simply abstain from having sex altogether. This is of course an activity that few people have the ability to do, but there are some for which sex is really not that big a priority and those people can protect themselves to a larger degree by making sure they avoid sex whenever they can. Avoiding sex alone will not make you 100% immune to catching AIDS, but it will go a long way towards helping ensure that your AIDS prevention efforts are successful in some way, shape or form.
For people that are simply not going to be able to avoid sexual activity for one reason or another, a much more reasonable step to take might be to cut down on the number of sexual partners that you have. The number of times you have sex with a different person can drastically contribute to an increased chance of contracting AIDS and for that reason ensuring that you are in a monogamous relationship or at least taking measures to reduce the number of sexual partners you have can go a long way towards helping you cut down on your chances of contracting AIDS.
If you decide to cut down on the number of sexual partners you have however, you will need to do something else in order to help your AIDS prevention efforts along. A good idea would be to wander into the realm of contraceptives and start utilizing them as a way to augment your protection against the AIDS virus. Condoms, diaphragms or any other contraception method that prevents the mixing of fluids would be suitable if your main goal is AIDS prevention. There are other birth control methods on the market such as pills that are not effective for preventing STD transmission for the simple reason that they do nothing to prevent the mixing of fluids which is where all of these diseases come from in the first place.
Preventing the spread of AIDS is something that everyone should be interested in if for no other reason than to ensure a higher standard of living. Smart sex and safe sex rather than unprotected sex is such a small price to pay for something as important as preventing the spread of AIDS.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Scouts Given Condoms to ‘Be Prepared’
The British Boy Scout Oath pledges that a Scout will perform his duty to God, his country, his fellow scouts and other people in addition to keeping himself “physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” He also lives by the motto to always “be prepared.” In an effort to help scouts live up to these goals and always be prepared for anything, the Scouting Association of Britain is urging that young Scouts between the ages of 14 and 18 add outings to sexual health clinics to their yearly trip agenda.
In an effort to get young Scouts to open up and be more at ease in discussing sexual topics with other members of the Scouting group, the Scouting Association is recommending these visits to health clinics. The association feels that by visiting the clinics, it may help “break illusions of what these services are and improve the uptake of advice.” Peter Duncan, a Chief Scout, is realistic about the situations young teenagers face in their daily lives, “We must be realistic and accept that around a third of young people are sexually active before 16 and many more start relationships at 16 and 17. Scouting touches members of every community, religious and social group in the country so adults in Scouting have a duty to promote safe and responsible relationships and, as an organization, we have the responsibility to provide sound advice about how to do that."
The association has stated that leaders of Scout troops may distribute condoms - Durex condoms, to be precise - to Scouts only on the condition that “they believe the young person is very likely to begin or continue having intercourse with or without contraception.” If the Scout leader feels that the “physical or mental health are likely to suffer” for one of their Scouts, they can go forth and distribute condoms to that particular Scout. Furthermore, the association urges Scout leaders to “encourage young people to resist pressure to have early sex.” If necessary, the leader can open up a dialogue with the Scout’s parents or guardians to discuss any concerns; however, the leaders “should be prepared to offer appropriate information” to the Scout if he is asked.
Duncan states, "I firmly believe that the confidence, skills and self esteem young people gain through the incredible range of activities Scouting offers is the best way to equip them not to feel pressured into a sexual relationship before they are ready." In addition, Beverly Hughes, the Minister for young people, has voiced her support of the association’s new policies, “While our teenage pregnancy rates are coming down and are at the lowest rate for over 20 years, there is much more to do to ensure young people have the knowledge of safe sex and they need to prevent early pregnancy and look after their sexual health."
In an effort to get young Scouts to open up and be more at ease in discussing sexual topics with other members of the Scouting group, the Scouting Association is recommending these visits to health clinics. The association feels that by visiting the clinics, it may help “break illusions of what these services are and improve the uptake of advice.” Peter Duncan, a Chief Scout, is realistic about the situations young teenagers face in their daily lives, “We must be realistic and accept that around a third of young people are sexually active before 16 and many more start relationships at 16 and 17. Scouting touches members of every community, religious and social group in the country so adults in Scouting have a duty to promote safe and responsible relationships and, as an organization, we have the responsibility to provide sound advice about how to do that."
The association has stated that leaders of Scout troops may distribute condoms - Durex condoms, to be precise - to Scouts only on the condition that “they believe the young person is very likely to begin or continue having intercourse with or without contraception.” If the Scout leader feels that the “physical or mental health are likely to suffer” for one of their Scouts, they can go forth and distribute condoms to that particular Scout. Furthermore, the association urges Scout leaders to “encourage young people to resist pressure to have early sex.” If necessary, the leader can open up a dialogue with the Scout’s parents or guardians to discuss any concerns; however, the leaders “should be prepared to offer appropriate information” to the Scout if he is asked.
Duncan states, "I firmly believe that the confidence, skills and self esteem young people gain through the incredible range of activities Scouting offers is the best way to equip them not to feel pressured into a sexual relationship before they are ready." In addition, Beverly Hughes, the Minister for young people, has voiced her support of the association’s new policies, “While our teenage pregnancy rates are coming down and are at the lowest rate for over 20 years, there is much more to do to ensure young people have the knowledge of safe sex and they need to prevent early pregnancy and look after their sexual health."
Saturday, 7 February 2009
The Best Condom for Your Relationship
We’ve all heard of the importance of condoms when it comes to safe sex, and most of us know what we need to think about when it comes to choosing condoms that are perfect for our own needs. Condoms are the leading method of aids prevention next to staying abstinent, so if you’re going to do it, you should know the importance of doing it smart. AIDS, STD’s, and unplanned pregnancy are all results of not using condoms, but you don’t need me to tell you that. So what it all boils down to is choosing the best condoms for your needs, which can be done by taking into consideration your lifestyle, your budget, and your overall taste. For those who are in a sexually active relationship, the choice of what condoms are used is a decision that should involve both partners equally. Something that satisfies both partners’ needs is crucial, and likewise something that both partners are comfortable with is important.
Because condoms come in a variety of brands, colors, flavors, textures, and specialties finding the right one for you and your partner can be a little confusing and on occasion can bring up many unanswered questions. The most important thing to know is how crucial it is for your partner and you to be able to discuss this openly and honestly. Discussing condoms can sometimes be a little awkward and intimidating depending on the type of relationship your partner and you have established. The more communication skills the two of you have the better off you will be.
Because choosing a type of condom involves a lot of research, first you should establish what is most important to you. Most standard condoms are equally safe, so choosing what is important to you is as simple as asking yourself a few questions. Are you and your partner both satisfied with your sex lives? What could improve it? Are you looking to try something new and creative, or do you want to keep it traditional? Another thing you should ask yourself is what brand is best for you or do you prefer? Lifestyle condoms, Trojan condoms, Durex Condoms, they are all good brands. You should find a preference and that preference is usually based on cost and satisfaction so do your research and take advantage of free condom samples to find out what you like.
For those of you looking to spice up your love life with a condom, or just to add a little heat in the bedroom, textured condoms and vibrating condoms are a great start. They not only enhance pleasure, but they can make for a unique experience. If you were thinking more along the lines of incredibly diverse, the flavored condoms and different colored condoms could make for an interesting night. Your partner and you would be best off trying different things, and seeing which is the best and most satisfactory for you. If you want to keep it more traditional, things like sensitive condoms, lubricated condoms, and ultra thin condoms are great.
Because condoms come in a variety of brands, colors, flavors, textures, and specialties finding the right one for you and your partner can be a little confusing and on occasion can bring up many unanswered questions. The most important thing to know is how crucial it is for your partner and you to be able to discuss this openly and honestly. Discussing condoms can sometimes be a little awkward and intimidating depending on the type of relationship your partner and you have established. The more communication skills the two of you have the better off you will be.
Because choosing a type of condom involves a lot of research, first you should establish what is most important to you. Most standard condoms are equally safe, so choosing what is important to you is as simple as asking yourself a few questions. Are you and your partner both satisfied with your sex lives? What could improve it? Are you looking to try something new and creative, or do you want to keep it traditional? Another thing you should ask yourself is what brand is best for you or do you prefer? Lifestyle condoms, Trojan condoms, Durex Condoms, they are all good brands. You should find a preference and that preference is usually based on cost and satisfaction so do your research and take advantage of free condom samples to find out what you like.
For those of you looking to spice up your love life with a condom, or just to add a little heat in the bedroom, textured condoms and vibrating condoms are a great start. They not only enhance pleasure, but they can make for a unique experience. If you were thinking more along the lines of incredibly diverse, the flavored condoms and different colored condoms could make for an interesting night. Your partner and you would be best off trying different things, and seeing which is the best and most satisfactory for you. If you want to keep it more traditional, things like sensitive condoms, lubricated condoms, and ultra thin condoms are great.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Size Really Does Matter
Don’t panic, we don’t mean that size matters when it comes to the amount of enjoyment during sexual intercourse with your partner, after all that is a personal preference. However, when you are purchasing condoms size really does matter. Condoms, despite what you may think are not one size fits all and most often finding out your size is the last thing on a guys mind. Many men don’t even understand the importance of having the right size condom on hand and using only the correct size condom. By using the incorrect size condom, a person is cutting down the effectiveness of the condom dramatically which can make things like STD’s and unplanned pregnancy become more likely; some of which can even be fatal if contracted.
So if size really matters and you are aware that condoms aren’t as effective when they aren’t the right size wouldn’t the next logical course of action be to find out what size you are? The average penis size among adult men is six to seven inches during an erection. Because this is the average, most standard condoms come in this size. If you are bigger or smaller than those numbers, don’t worry anything between three inches and ten inches is common and there are condoms made to fit all of those sizes so there is a size out there that is perfect to fit your needs, and it really is worth the looking in order to get the perfect size for you.
If you are below the average size while erect, which is six inches, you should look for a snugger fitting condom. If you buy a condom in the standard size and you are below six inches while erect, your condom can fall off inside of your partner, or sperm can still escape. Even the best condoms won’t do you much good if you aren’t wearing the correct size. Lifestyle condoms are a great brand to look into, like many other major companies such as Durex condoms and Trojan condoms, these condoms come in various styles and sizes. Most condoms do offer more sizes than standard, but this is specifically true for larger name companies which are offered in more variations at more stores, where as smaller companies are harder to find in various types and sizes.
For those of you who are above average, there are many different alternative condom options available. You may have noticed your condom feels much too tight, some people even say it hurts. If this is true, you need to go up a size. A condom should fit snugly but it should not hurt, if you moved up a size or two and the condom is fitting loosely and still uncomfortable, talk to your physician about perhaps being over-sensitive. The most well known condoms for sizes above average are Magnum condoms, and Magnum XL Condoms, which are best bought in wholesale condom lots as it will be cheaper. This is only true if you know you will use them all though, condoms do have an expiration date and that should be kept in mind.
So if size really matters and you are aware that condoms aren’t as effective when they aren’t the right size wouldn’t the next logical course of action be to find out what size you are? The average penis size among adult men is six to seven inches during an erection. Because this is the average, most standard condoms come in this size. If you are bigger or smaller than those numbers, don’t worry anything between three inches and ten inches is common and there are condoms made to fit all of those sizes so there is a size out there that is perfect to fit your needs, and it really is worth the looking in order to get the perfect size for you.
If you are below the average size while erect, which is six inches, you should look for a snugger fitting condom. If you buy a condom in the standard size and you are below six inches while erect, your condom can fall off inside of your partner, or sperm can still escape. Even the best condoms won’t do you much good if you aren’t wearing the correct size. Lifestyle condoms are a great brand to look into, like many other major companies such as Durex condoms and Trojan condoms, these condoms come in various styles and sizes. Most condoms do offer more sizes than standard, but this is specifically true for larger name companies which are offered in more variations at more stores, where as smaller companies are harder to find in various types and sizes.
For those of you who are above average, there are many different alternative condom options available. You may have noticed your condom feels much too tight, some people even say it hurts. If this is true, you need to go up a size. A condom should fit snugly but it should not hurt, if you moved up a size or two and the condom is fitting loosely and still uncomfortable, talk to your physician about perhaps being over-sensitive. The most well known condoms for sizes above average are Magnum condoms, and Magnum XL Condoms, which are best bought in wholesale condom lots as it will be cheaper. This is only true if you know you will use them all though, condoms do have an expiration date and that should be kept in mind.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Buying Condoms for Beginners
Most men reach that point, when their girlfriends look at them and tell them to make sure to have some condoms soon. It’s like an earth shattering moment, knowing that your relationship is about to fall into the next level, and you couldn’t be happier. Some guys are stoked and eager, ready to dominate while others are scared and confused wondering what to do or where to turn. If you are young during this time, you most likely will be lost. Buying your first package of condoms is scary, there are so many different brands and colors and even styles, what to do? You are faced Lifestyle condoms, Durex Condoms, and even Trojan Condoms among a ton of other brands. You’re probably wondering, what is the best condom to buy? Well, don’t panic, buying your first condoms however scary can be fun and there’s no need to feel as overwhelmed as some people may. Instead, relax, take it easy, and think about what it is that you need.
How to choose a condom that is right for you in the beginning may seem tough as well, but if you are just beginning, it’s best to stick to the basics. The basic choices you should most likely be thinking about are whether or not to buy lubricated condoms, and if you do use lubricated condoms then you need to decide whether to use the spermicidal lubrication or just get regular standard lubricated condoms. After doing a little research you should be able to decide which one you want to try, when in doubt grab one of each. You can never be too safe, buying a few will give you more options as well as more back-ups incase one rips, or you ejaculate more than once. Remember, every time you ejaculate, you need to use a new condom before continuing with another round.
On the same note, buying condoms should be done wisely. Many men feel they need to buy condoms in bulk or buy bulk condom sets when they shop for their first condoms. This is not only expensive, especially when buying the best brand of condoms, but it’s not necessarily your best bet. You should keep in mind that all condoms have expiration dates, and this means that if you aren’t sure you are going to use them all before that date buying condoms in bulk would be pointless.
The last concern I have found most beginners have is the other various options. After all, when you’re faced with colored and flavored condoms, and even textured condoms it can seem a little tricky. However, for your first time you will probably want to stick with something a little more generic, and as you become more comfortable with the use of condoms you can progressively move on to different variations and see what you like the best. So do your research, find a cost effective condom brand that you like and are comfortable with, and remember that safe sex is the best way to go.
How to choose a condom that is right for you in the beginning may seem tough as well, but if you are just beginning, it’s best to stick to the basics. The basic choices you should most likely be thinking about are whether or not to buy lubricated condoms, and if you do use lubricated condoms then you need to decide whether to use the spermicidal lubrication or just get regular standard lubricated condoms. After doing a little research you should be able to decide which one you want to try, when in doubt grab one of each. You can never be too safe, buying a few will give you more options as well as more back-ups incase one rips, or you ejaculate more than once. Remember, every time you ejaculate, you need to use a new condom before continuing with another round.
On the same note, buying condoms should be done wisely. Many men feel they need to buy condoms in bulk or buy bulk condom sets when they shop for their first condoms. This is not only expensive, especially when buying the best brand of condoms, but it’s not necessarily your best bet. You should keep in mind that all condoms have expiration dates, and this means that if you aren’t sure you are going to use them all before that date buying condoms in bulk would be pointless.
The last concern I have found most beginners have is the other various options. After all, when you’re faced with colored and flavored condoms, and even textured condoms it can seem a little tricky. However, for your first time you will probably want to stick with something a little more generic, and as you become more comfortable with the use of condoms you can progressively move on to different variations and see what you like the best. So do your research, find a cost effective condom brand that you like and are comfortable with, and remember that safe sex is the best way to go.
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