TheLoop21.com

By: Devona Walker (Add to your loop)
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 00:00

A woman getting education in a mobile health van.

(Read more about our Stop Black AIDS campaign.)

Almost 30 years after HIV and AIDS were identified, they continue to be shrouded in mystery, urban legends, stigmas and just plain ignorance in the black community and everywhere else. AIDS continues to hurt our families and friends, in part because we haven't used accurate information to protect ourselves.

Some people say ignorance is bliss. But when it comes to HIV/AIDS, ignorance can lead to death, especially for African Americans.

If we're ever going to Stop Black AIDS, we have to first stop believing and spreading myths about HIV and AIDS. We have to understand exactly how HIV is transmitted — through blood, semen and vaginal secretions — and how it's not, like through mosquito bites.

HIV is entirely preventable and can be combated by using condoms, refraining from sharing drug needles and having the correct information. It's time to throw out the myths and learn the facts about HIV/AIDS, so we broke 10 of them down for you.

Myth #1: I don't need to use a condom for oral sex.

Wrong. Condoms must be used during each and every sexual encounter, whether its vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Even if you and your man or woman are already infected with HIV, you should use condoms. Either of you could be infected by another strain of the virus, and re-infections make treating HIV and AIDS more difficult. It can cause you to get sicker faster. 

Myth #2: In a monogamous relationship, I don’t need to use a condom.

If you and your partner have both recently tested negative for HIV and are having sex only with each other, you would theoretically not be at risk. But even then you have to be careful. Many people in “monogamous” relationships, especially black women, who have one of the highest rates of new HIV infections, are contracting the disease. Ladies, your partner may be having sex with someone else without telling you. He may even be having sex on the down low with another man. Regardless, you need to protect yourself by using a condom, and that goes for men, too.

Myth #3: Women can't give men HIV.

It is much harder for men to get HIV from women, but it does happen. Men have fewer areas on the penis where the virus can enter the bloodstream. HIV can enter at the opening of the tip and through cuts or sores on the shaft. But if a partner has an untreated STD like syphilis or gonorrhea, which can break the skin, the risk of a man getting HIV from a woman increases. Use a condom.

Myth #4: I can get HIV from a mosquito, a kiss, a cough, a sneeze, a shower or swimming pool.

HIV transmission requires very close contact with infected blood, vaginal fluids, semen, or breast milk, not saliva or breath.