Valentine\u2019s Day is one of the most romantic, or at least, sexual days of the year, with the majority of men and women expecting to have sex.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing it responsibly could reduce the consequences of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies,\u201d warned HIV management organisation, Care Works.<\/p>
\u201cValentine\u2019s Day is synonymous with intimacy and is the one time of the year when the pressure is really on to have sex,\u201d said Rachael Rawlinson, the prevention programme manager at Care Works.<\/p>\n
\u201cValentine\u2019s Day sex can often be risky since it tends to be spontaneous and most don\u2019t want to ruin the moment by having to fumble around for a condom.<\/p>
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter how healthy and fit you are, if you have unprotected sex and are not using any form of contraception, you not only run the risk of falling pregnant, but you can also contract STIs, or HIV.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s easy to think it won\u2019t happen to you, but it can.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach year, more than 400 000 new HIV infections are reported in South Africa alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe month of February sees Valentine\u2019s Day being celebrated, but it is also Reproductive Health Month and includes Condom and STI Week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why this discussion is timely \u2013 men should show their love for their partners by being responsible, which includes using protection against HIV and other STIs by practicing correct and consistent condom use, as well as men undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC),\u201d Rawlinson added.<\/p>\n
The once-off 20 minute procedure reduces a man\u2019s lifetime risk of HIV by up to 60 per cent and it helps to prevent other STIs.<\/p>\n
VMMC also lowers the risk of penile cancer, and reduces the chance of acquiring the human papilloma virus (HPV) and, as a result, cervical cancer among the female partners of circumcised males.<\/p>\n
Ongoing research in South Africa has shown lower HIV infection rates among circumcised men than uncircumcised men.<\/p>\n
Models also suggest that VMMC scale-up could reduce HIV incidents in the country by roughly 30 to 50 per cent over the next decade.<\/p>\n
It has also been shown that for many women, sex with a circumcised man lasts longer and offers more pleasure.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing uninformed can result in crisis situations that may alter the trajectory of a person\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that we never reach an age when we\u2019re not at risk of HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven when you\u2019ve been seeing each other for a while, you may still not be risk-free since HIV and many STIs have no initial noticeable symptoms and can lie undetected for a long time,\u201d said Rawlinson.<\/p>\n
\u201cContinuous condom use and medical male circumcision helps to protect your health and well-being no matter how old you are or what relationship stage you find yourself in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThus, having accurate and up-to-date information of how to protect yourself (and your partner), is essential if you are already sexually active.<\/p>\n
\u201cValentine\u2019s Day is a great opportunity to jump start your relationship and get closer to the one you love, but remember to do so responsibly,\u201d she cautioned.<\/p>\n
To find out more information about where you, your son, friend or partner can undergo free VMMC, send a free \u201cplease call me\u201d to 0606 800 800 and a counsellor will get back to you.<\/p>\n
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