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My Take on CondomsBy Robert Breining October 13, 2010
We can remind them that HIV doesn't discriminate, along with other STDs and pregnancy. We must continue to speak on HIV and AIDS and share our stories so others can be educated and not make the same mistakes we did. Social and cultural factors, not just unavailability or ignorance, influence why young people do not use condoms. Some sexually active people under 25 years of age associate condoms with a lack of trust, while others believe carrying them could imply sexual experience, which might be a plus for men but not necessarily for women. Young people assess a potential partner's disease risk, and the need for a condom, by their appearance and how well they know them socially. Programs that merely provide information and condoms, without addressing the crucial social factors identified are only tackling part of the problem. Consistent and correct condom use reduces the risk of HIV infection by 90%. It is something definitely worth learning how to do correctly. I feel that parents have the biggest role in providing education and access to condoms. Even though parents sometimes find it difficult to talk to their children about sex and condoms, taboo or not, this must be done. What a parents informs the child of at a young age will always stay with them as they grow up into an adult. Parents can't be afraid to talk about adult topics with teenagers. One small conversation could save your child's life. I also feel that schools, especially high schools, have a big role in teaching students about condoms and safe sex. I remember when I was in high school, we learned about STDs, condoms and sex in one daily lesson. I am not even sure we had one test on it. It was then pushed under the rug and never mentioned again. Maybe that is why I sit where I am today. I feel high schools, especially Catholic high schools, are afraid to talk about sex and condoms. They have an invisible religious line they must never cross. I think it is bull. We are all human beings and need to learn about what will keep us alive. Condoms Save Lives! I also feel that politicians could have a big role in giving access to condoms to young people in prison. Sometimes we forget about young people in prison -- they are human too. Young people who are incarcerated are 3 times more likely to become HIV positive. They have no access to condoms at all. I believe that prisoners should have access to condoms. I understand that sex is not permitted in prisons but, wake up, it's a reality. Lots of unprotected sex happens in prison. If it is permitted or not it happens.
Take it from Dab the AIDS Bear ... Condoms Save Lives Get e-mail notifications every time Robert's blog is updated.
Comment by: CC
(Alaska)
Fri., Nov. 5, 2010 at 12:21 am EDT Hi Robert I just recently found out that I'm HIV positive because my husband refused to use condoms which is why I find this entry of your very inspiring. His excuse was he couldn't perform with a condom. Now I'm HIV positive and so is he. Anyway, I have really enjoyed reading what I have read so far.
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The Positive Pitch I describe myself as a "positive person with purpose." My goal is to help people living with HIV/AIDS discover similarities in each other ... and form friendships. I want to ease the shock of a diagnosis and remind people that our dreams are not infected. I am also an HIV/AIDS cyber-activist, radio show host, blogger and social network guru. For my full bio, click here. Subscribe to Robert's Blog:
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January 19, 2013 - Alexander Smith: Bless Your Virus -- A Blog Entry by Robert Breining
January 13, 2013 - Josh Kruger Shares His Story: A Blog Entry by Robert Breining January 7, 2013 - James Breinig: The Power of Sharing Stories: A Blog Entry by Robert Breining January 7, 2013 - Ken Warnock: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": A Blog Entry by Robert Breining January 7, 2013 - Jason Villalobos: Greater Than AIDS: A Blog Entry by Robert Breining A Brief Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself. |
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