Mybrotha.COM - "Down Low" messages delivered by the media over the years have done an injustice to heterosexual black men with regards to HIV/AIDS. According to Dr Kevin Fenton (BlackAIDS.org), research has shown that while some women become infected by bisexually active men, a large proportion of them become infected by drug users or men who have multiple female partners. The reality is that black heterosexual men are at risk of becoming infected and they must not make the mistake of feeling immune to this disease simply because they do not have sex with men.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, while African Americans account for 13 percent of the nation’s population, they continue to account for a higher proportion of cases of HIV/AIDS compared with other races and ethnicities. Blacks account for about half (49 percent of people who become infected with HIV and AIDS). The CDC also states that approximately 41 percent of men living with HIV/AIDS are black.

What is high risk heterosexual contact?
One of the three most common methods of HIV transmission includes high risk heterosexual contact. There are many risky behaviors that can lead to heterosexual black men becoming infected with HIV. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, sex with multiple partners or unprotected sex with persons known to be at high risk for HIV infection. Unprotected sex with multiple partners, prostitutes or drug users also puts individuals at high risk for becoming infected with HIV.

Prevention
HIV/AIDS is one of the most devastating diseases in the black community. The CDC is working to develop new prevention interventions for individuals at greatest risk (heterosexual men, black women, gay and bisexual men, and incarcerated individuals). Aside from abstinence, consistent condom use continues to be the only way to help prevent becoming infected with HIV. According to The Practical Encyclopedia of Sex and Health, lubricated latex condoms (with water-based lubricant) are the safest choice in prevention. Also, never wear more than one condom as it can create tears in the condom. When receiving oral sex, men should wear condoms and women should wear female condoms when receiving oral sex as well. In addition to using a condom consistently, it is important to be aware of your partner’s sexual risk factors. Get tested together and have an open discussion about your sexual and/or drug use histories. Also, consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs often lead to high risk behavior so it is helpfu l to abstain or limit your use. In addition, HIV/AIDS continues to be a taboo topic in the black community but it is important to break the silence. Discuss sexual health within your church and other organizations to get these important prevention messages to your community.

Getting Tested
Risky behavior in the past may have put you in danger. It is easy to put all doubts to rest by simply getting tested. In fact, there is an oral fluid test available for persons who do not like to have blood drawn. Also, at many clinics, the test is either free or very inexpensive. For more information about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, for information about the site nearest you where you can be anonymously tested for HIV/AIDS or for treatment call the national AIDS hotline at 800-CDC-INFO.

For more information about HIV/AIDS in the Black community, visit: BlackAIDS.org and www.cdc.gov/hiv.

 Print

 E-mail

Facebook

Tweet

 Comments

Web www.mybrotha.com