Not everyone is involved in practices that put him or her at risk of being infected with HIV. But the social problems caused by ignorance, fear, or discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS, affect all of us.
In some parts of the world, the proportion of the population that has HIV/AIDS is so high that their societies are on the brink of collapse. This makes the whole world a less stable place.
World-wide, most HIV infections occur as a result of unprotected heterosexual intercourse, and men and women are infected in more or less equal numbers. This is largely because in many countries basic health-care and condoms are not available. However, in Australia most HIV infections occur as a result of unprotected anal intercourse between men.
Unprotected anal intercourse (fucking without condoms) is more likely to transmit HIV than vaginal intercourse without a condom. This is because the lining of the rectum and anus is more likely to get tiny, painless cuts or abrasions during sex than the lining of the vagina. These cuts or abrasions allow semen (cum) to come into contact with the bloodstream.
Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STI's) like chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea, or trichomoniasis, lead to open sores or inflammation of the genitals or mouth. This increases the risk that semen, blood, or vaginal fluids from a person with HIV will get into the blood of their sexual partner.
For detailed information about safe sex, and protecting yourself and others from HIV, please click on the link below. This section includes information about safe oral sex, how to decide whether or not you need condoms with your long-term partner, and information about other strategies that can be used to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Sex
Injecting Drug Use
Sharing needles when injecting drugs is the other most common way HIV is transmitted. For information about safer drug use, please click on the link below.
Safer Injecting
For more information about the discount safe-sex supplies that the VAC/GMHC sells, please click on the link below.
Safe-Sex Products
