HIV 101

OK guys, we all know there are ways to improve our chances of staying free from any STD/STI “bugs”, including HIV. However, are you sure you know everything you need to know? And how do you know what we hear is a FACT or a MYTH? It’s better that we know the FACTS.

Know your status and take control of your sexual health. An HIV test takes ONLY 20 minutes, and it’s FREE. It’s safe, 100% confidential, painless and a great way to learn the facts in order to empower yourself towards better living. Check out some of the facts below. Also, check out our resources page to find a testing location in your area. If you are looking to get tested in the Billings area, click here.

FACTS
HIV is transmitted through four bodily fluids:
• blood
• semen
• vaginal fluid
• breast milk

Some ways to protect yourself:
• Remaining abstinent (refraining from sexual activities)
• Using condoms
• Asking about each other’s status and getting tested in order to know where you stand
• Not sharing any needles used for injection, such as those used for intravenous drug or medicinal use.

Monogamous relationships between HIV negative people are SAFE from contraction of HIV, as long as neither party has sex partners outside of the relationship. Remember, after risky behavior, it can take up toTHREE MONTHS for your body to build up the antibodies for HIV to show up on a test. Always factor the 3 month time table into your personal risk behaviors when getting tested, and follow up with a test 3 months after if needed.

MYTHS
• Kissing someone will not spread HIV. Saliva does not transfer the HIV Virus.
• Neither will a hug... as long as you are practicing safe sex, you can have sex with an HIV positive individual and not contract the virus yourself.

In fact, HIV positive people have to put up with a stereotype and stigma every day. The fear and unfounded myths that some people still hold about the virus can cause us to block out and avoid those who have it. This is something that really needs to change in this world. Instead of thinking about people as being ‘positive’ or ‘negative’, why not see everyone as equals? Let’s kill the stigma, and educate ourselves.
Remember, when you own your sexual health, you have nothing to fear

STATISTICS
Of the gay and bisexual men polled recently for the “Men’s National Sex Survey”, the following statistics stood out as something to think about when considering each sexual encounter and how the rate of HIV transmission among young gay men is higher than many other minority groups:
• Of the men polled, over HALF of them had engaged in sexual encounters within the last week of being polled
• Guys aged 18-24 were more likely to bottom the last time they had sex
• Average age of first anal sex experience: 21.8 years
• Average age of first oral sex experience: 17.9 years
• 27.4% of men said that their 1st anal experience was with a friend
• Most guys reported to having engaged in 5-9 different sexual behaviors the last time they had sex

The topic to be discussed …
How do these behaviors affect RISK of HIV transmission? What behaviors do YOU practice that could be risky? What about friends, new friends and the people you meet? How will you educate others? Why do you think that the transmission of HIV is significantly higher among young gay men?

It is important to remember that many of our sexual behaviors can involve risks we may not know about until we educate ourselves and know the facts.