Are You Sleeping With AIDS?
If you are a healthy, sexually active woman in a relationship with a partner whom you trust and love, the issue of HIV/AIDS probably has never crossed your mind. It's understandable, but should it be this way?
The sad truth is, the majority of Singaporean women infected with the HIV virus contracted it from their husbands or boyfriends. While these women remained faithful to their partners, their partners were not faithful to them. In many cases, all it took was a one time tryst at the brothel or a one night stand.
The importance of staying committed to a single partner - the best defence against HIV/AIDS - is a matter of life and death. HIV/AIDS is still an incurable disease today.
Facts and Myths
Myths continue to cloud women's perception of AIDS and the precautionary measures that prevent HIV transmission. Let's debunk them:
I will not get AIDS if... |
Fact |
| I'm faithful to my partner. | Your partner needs to be just as faithful to you. |
| We always use a condom during sex. | Condoms when used correctly and consistently still provide the best protection against STIs and HIV infection. |
| I feel and look healthy. | People in the early stages of HIV infection often look and feel well for many years before symptoms show up. It can take up to 10 years before HIV infection completely destroys your immune system. AIDS refers to the final stage of HIV infection when your body's resistance to diseases has been totally destroyed. |
| I have lucky charms and attend special rituals to protect me from AIDS. | No charm and ritual can cure AIDS. It is a deadly disease and the most any infected person can do is to seek treatment early to delay the onset of AIDS. |
| I have been tested negative for HIV infection. | Negative results could also mean that your infection is too recent to be detected. Repeat the test three months later to be sure, refraining from casual sex in the meantime to ensure that you are not subject to further risks. A lifestyle of casual and unprotected sex, or the sharing of drug needles, continues to put you at high risk of being infected with HIV. |
Making Choices
Successful HIV/AIDS prevention involves personal choice and sometimes a change of risk behaviours. If you think you're in danger of HIV infection, here are three simple steps to set you on the path to an AIDS-free lifestyle:
One and Only
A monogamous relationship is the best way to avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Engaging in casual sex and having multiple partners increases your chances of catching AIDS.
Play It Safe
Condoms aren't fail-safe, but they do offer some good protection. If you must engage in casual sex, always protect yourself by using a condom.
Test is Best
If you and your partner suspect you have contracted HIV, take a HIV screening test. If you have multiple partners, repeat these tests once every three months.
Responsibility begins with Me
Difficult as it may seem, an open discussion with your partner is the best way forward. Should there be any reason for suspicion, agree to go for a HIV screening together to protect your loved ones. After all, if one of you is infected, your families are the ones grieving.
You may not be aware of this: under the Infectious Diseases Act in Singapore, it is a criminal offence if a HIV positive person knowingly infects a partner without his/her knowledge. The person can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.
If you think you've been exposed to HIV, do not donate your blood, sperm or organs. Go to your doctor or nearest polyclinic to arrange for a screening.
Remember, you are not alone. Should you have any doubts or are in any trouble, seek help and advice from professional agencies such as the 24-hour AIDS helpline at 1800 252 1324, the Health Promotion Board's HealthLine at 1800 223 1313 or the Action for AIDS helpline at 6254 0212
