AIDS Prevention and Condom Use

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS is what occurs when a virus invades the body and begins to destroy its immune system. Normal function of an immune system protects the body against illness and keeps the body healthy. When that immune system becomes compromised, the chance of a life threatening illness infecting the body is significantly increased. The deadly virus that attacks in the case of AIDS is HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. This virus attacks the cells that prevent infections from occurring. These cells are killed one by one until there are none remaining to protect the body. Under virus attack, the body begins to shut down and eventually death occurs.

This is not a pretty picture for someone who was just looking for a sexual experience with another person. That is why aids prevention and condom use are highly effective partners in the sexual activity game. It is so easy to pass the HIV virus from one partner to another through sexual activity. This occurs by one partner passing blood, semen, vaginal fluids or other bodily fluids to another person through sexual actions. These fluids are passed through the linings of the vagina, penis, mouth and rectum. Passage can also be through open sores or cuts in the same areas or on the skin surface. Making the responsible choice to use a condom in each sexual activity goes the distance in aids prevention.

In an ideal world, everyone would know the HIV status of a partner before engaging in sexual activity. In reality however, this is far from the case. Therefore, it is up to the individual to practice aids prevention by making the choice to use a condom each and every time. There are only two exceptions to this aids prevention rule. Either abstain from sexual activity altogether or commit to a long term monogamous relationship with a partner whose HIV status can be certified by an aids test. Even in this situation, aids prevention is not 100% guaranteed. A monogamous partner could have had an infected partner in the past that he or she is not aware of or willing to talk about.

There are a few basic rules to adhere to in terms of aids prevention and condom use. The first and most important one is to use a new condom in each and every sexual activity. Sexual activity includes oral sex, anal sex and sexual intercourse. Most condoms are manufactured from latex. If there is a latex allergy with one or both partners, simply use a polyurethane condom. The only condom material that should be avoided in regards to hiv prevention is lambskin. When it comes to aids prevention, lambskin is not effective in the prevention of passing HIV from one partner to another.

If a male condom is not available, that is not an excuse to forgo condom use altogether. Make the choice to use a female condom. Always use a water based lubricant if more lubrication is desired. An oil based lubricant such as baby oil will wear away the condom surface and open the door for breakage or leakage. Also keep in mind that condoms are not 100% aids prevention. Proper usage and placement must be followed with male and female condoms in order for the condom to be effective in regards to protection from HIV.