New Year, shmew year!
In a recent survey, it was found that MSM HIV prevalence is
between two and three times that of the general population Even though one
would imagine that men should know by now that condoms can be a good
preventative tool against getting or passing on HIV and other STIs, it is
estimated that only 40% of men consistently use condoms.
This year, let’s resolve to make better bad decisions by
being informed and knowing what choices are available when it comes to
responsible sex.
Combination prevention is a strategy of combining two or
more proven HIV prevention methods that suit your unique lifestyle. If used
properly it will either:
• reduce
your risk of becoming HIV positive and of contracting other sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), or
• reduce
your risk of infecting your partner with HIV and of preventing you from
contracting other STIs if you are already positive.
exposure to infections. Strange as it
may sound, more frequent masturbation can be seen as a valid preventative
behaviour for some if it helps reduce their potential risks of exposure.
Likewise, some guys use sex toys to curb their regular needs so that they don’t
feel compelled to cruise for sex partners as often as they might want to.
Avoid barebacking. Unprotected anal sex facilitates the
spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Avoid having
sex while using drugs or alcohol so that you make responsible decisions
regarding your health. If you inject drugs never share needles with someone
else. Consider negotiating an open
relationship rather than cheating on your partner, and develop a plan that
ensures you both remain healthy. Stick to the agreed plan.
Sero-sorting is a strategy of only having sex with people
with the same HIV status as you. A problem is that you cannot be sure of
anyone’s HIV status; many guys have not been screened and just assume they are
negative. Sero-sorting often works best
for HIV positive guys who are networked with other positive guys.
Sero-positioning is choosing your role during anal sex according to your HIV
status- An HIV positive guy will be the bottom during anal sex with an HIV
negative partner to prevent the semen of the positive partner entering the anus
of the negative partner if the condom breaks.
Condoms and compatible lubrication remain your best defence
against infections. Find a condom brand you like or use female condoms for anal
sex. Water-based lubricant is safe with condoms but should not be used without
condoms as it may irritate the lining of the anus and increase the risk of HIV
and STI infection if you bareback. STIs that cause sores create an opening
which allows entry of HIV. Get screened for STIs every six months.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a strategy of
HIV-negative guys taking antiretroviral (ARV) medication for 28 days if they
have been exposed to the virus in order to reduce their chance of becoming
positive. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) involves HIV-negative guys who are at
risk of repeated exposure to HIV taking ARV medication long term and before the
possible exposure takes place. PrEP is not available in public sector clinics.
Treatment as prevention (TasP) involves treating HIV
positive men with antiretroviral drugs to lower the amount of HIV in their
bodies and thus in their blood and semen, reducing their risk of infecting a
partner.
Whatever works for you, remember that consistent use of
condoms and appropriate lube should form the basis of any prevention strategy.