Ellen Campbell Grizle, Contributor
LOUIS BENNETT was stunned. He could not believe what he was hearing. All his life he had planned carefully, taking no chances. Patricia had looked safe. He thought she was real wife material. Grace was a young school girl who liked him a lot and needed a friend. Louis went through the short list of women with whom he had had unprotected sex with. "None of them could give me HIV," he mused. "Which one of them gave me HIV?" he wailed.
Louis is one Jamaican man who underestimated the risk of getting HIV. People like Louis do not accept the need for protection and engage sex with partners they do not know well, then report that "they didn't think of it" when asked why they didn't use a condom.
A survey commissioned by the Ministry of Health revealed that this reason for non-condom use stood at 22 per cent in 2000, a nine per cent increase over that recorded in 1996.
The survey also revealed that there are many people who refuse to use condoms because they do not like them. Some complain of allergies to the "rubber" and others say that the condom interfered with the excitement that they feel during sex.
However, hypoallergenic condoms are available locally. Very thin yet strong condoms can be purchased to meet the needs of most couples. It is important that persons who engage in sexual activity use condoms every time.
No respect
Those who feel safe because they do not have sex with prostitutes, are not homosexuals, do not have blood transfusions or are convinced that their partner is faithful are treading on dangerous ground. Everyone can get HIV. The HIV virus does not respect race, colour, class, age, status or educational standing. Therefore assessing the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS is key for each individual. If this is done, then risky sexual behaviour will lessen considerably.
Thirty-two per cent of men interviewed in the Ministry of Health's year 2000 survey perceived that they had at least "a little chance of contracting HIV/AIDS." This reflects an improvement over 1996 when only 22 per cent perceived themselves to be vulnerable. Among women, this increased from 18 per cent in 1996 to 32 per cent in 2000. The main reasons for the perceived risk are inconsistent or non-use of condoms (40 per cent) or the existence of other partners (34.3 per cent).
And although it is well established that the condom provides complete protection from the HIV virus, only 36 per cent of the persons surveyed accept this. Some have lost faith in condoms because they broke, slipped off, "dry rotted" or were too abrasive to the female partner's vagina.
Latex condoms must be properly stored away from heat, light or humidity in order to maintain their strength. Condoms also have expiration dates and consumers should check packages carefully before purchasing. In addition, the proper technique must be used when putting on a condom or the risk of breakage or slippage is increased. Non-abrasive types can be easily bought at most pharmacies or shops.
Expensive
Louis now spends approximately J$35,000 per month for medical treatment. He is on a regular course of three drugs and he experiences a lot of side effects. Because the virus develops resistance to the medicines, Louis knows that his treatment may change and that will be even more expensive.
"When I look at it," he says, "I could have spent J$40 for a condom and be all right today."
The ability to assess risk is very important in preventing HIV/AIDS. The process starts with awareness about the problem or issue and an understanding that it can affect you. In the case of HIV/AIDS, Jamaicans are very knowledgeable about the disease but some continue to feel that they are immune. Many persons are also concerned that introducing condom use to their partners could pose problems in their relationships.
Others make the mistake of assessing potential sexual partners based on appearance. It is well known that persons infected with HIV show no outward sign of the disease.
Another issue is accepting that a solution to the problem will work for you. Condoms are well established as an effective barrier to HIV/AIDS yet there are persons who do not accept this fact. These persons know that they are at risk, but do not buy into the "condom solution". Some swear by myths and other superstitions to prevent and cure the problem.
However, we are all at risk. Whenever you have sex with someone, you are having sex with all the other partners that person has had sex with. The condom is the only effective barrier against HIV/AIDS and its consistent use will lead to the reduction of the incidence of the disease in Jamaica.
Tim Wallaceon condom use following HIV test which turned out negative.
"I will NEVER have sex without protection again. I have had sex only three times since I've been on earth and the third time I had unprotected sex for the first time. I knew that could have been my last. I made a mistake. The condom wasn't working that time. It didn't feel 'normal' and I thought I was doing nothing. But it was the first I was feeling that way using a condom. My last two encounters I had sex with condoms, and it felt great, and quite normal. It's either no condom or no sex.
"I know how it feels just waiting to hear a result, what says when you test positive and you know you're death is imminent? I don't have a girlfriend now, but I talk to a lot of girls who find me attractive. But while they are interested in the flesh, I'm interested in my 'boots'. I think I have the potential to stay inactive for the rest of my life. I found out that sex is not all. But love is when you have someone to care for you."
NB. The condom must always be on before intercourse. Do not use grease, oils, or petroleum jelly as lubricants. These can cause the condoms to burst. After the man ejaculates, he should hold onto the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw while still hard.
Names changed to protect individuals.
