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Unprotected Sex And The Risks Of HIV/AIDs

Posted By HealthcareOnTime Team Posted on 2023-04-21 Risk of Exposure to HIV/AIDS

For years and years, the present and preceding generations have grown up studying the ill effects and risks of unprotected sex. While unprotected sex is the primary reason behind the  existence of life, when carried out carelessly, it becomes a carrier for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). And before that, it becomes a reason for anxieties of several kinds, the concern for safety against HIV/AIDS being one.

In this blog, we will discuss the prevention of AIDS and HIV after an unprotected sexual encounter.

First Things First: What Is HIV/AIDS?

HIV and AIDS are the terms most associated with sexually transmitted diseases. While there are many STDs apart from AIDS, it's the most fatal of all.

What is AIDs?

AIDs elaborates as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Wondering how do you get AIDS? As the name suggests, it is primarily acquired from another carrier, and sexual intimacy is one of its most common transfer modes.

What is HIV?

The cause of AIDs is HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Moving further, AIDS is a fatal health condition in which the body's immune system becomes severely weak. This poses the risk of other infections and viral fevers, which also become difficult to cure due to weak immunity.

AIDs (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the late stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system is severely damaged and the individual is at risk for life-threatening infections and cancers. AIDS can take many years to develop in some people, while others may progress to AIDS within a few years of being infected with HIV.

For these reasons, it's crucial to know and take the correct preventive measures of AIDS.

How To Prevent HIV/AIDS After Unprotected Sex: HIV Treatment and Prevention of AIDS?

If you think you might have recently contracted HIV, don't worry - you are not at the point of no return. Here are some HIV protection tips for you.

  1. Get Tested For HIV: It is crucial to undergo an HIV-1 RNA - Quantitative PCR as soon as possible after engaging in unprotected sex. This diagnostic tool can determine your HIV status by measuring the amount of HIV genetic material (RNA) present in your blood.
  2. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis): It is a series of pills an individual can take within 72 hours of being exposed to the virus. But, yes, it's crucial to note that every hour is important. The sooner you start the dosage, the better and quicker results you may get.

After the first dosage, you can continue with the PEP dosage at least 1-2 times a day after 28 days.The medicines in PEP are antiretroviral medications (ART). These medicines help stop HIV from spreading through the body.

Moreover, it's also crucial to note that PEP is only a solution for emergency situations and should be taken with prescription and caution.

  1. Seek Medical Support: It can be helpful to talk to a healthcare provider, counselor, or support group after a potential exposure to HIV. They can provide emotional support and help you navigate the steps to prevent HIV.

Conclusion

Unprotected sex carries a high risk of HIV/AIDs transmission, Using condoms consistently and correctly during all sexual activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. 

Ultimately, the best way to prevent HIV/AIDS and other STIs is to have open and honest conversations with your sexual partners about your sexual health and history. By taking responsibility for your own health and taking steps to protect yourself and others, you can help to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and create a healthier, safer world for everyone.

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FAQs on Unprotected Sex And The Risks Of HIV/AIDs

Contrary to common wisdom, washing after sex does not prevent HIV. Rather, it increases the risk of infection. Although washing after sex is considered a good hygiene practice, experts recommend delaying the washing by 10 minutes. A study conducted among uncircumcised men in Africa revealed that men who washed immediately after sex were six times more likely to contract HIV than men who delayed washing.

Almost every condom manufacturer claims 97% protection against pregnancy; the same goes for HIV and other STD transmissions. Condoms offer the most convenient and effective way to prevent HIV transmission if used properly. Condoms may get ruptured due to friction during sex. So, always buy good-quality condoms to avoid exposure.

Unprotected sex or condom failure has consequences that may follow you around for years. If you are concerned about pregnancy, use emergency contraceptives within 72 hours to reduce your chances of conceiving. It is also recommended to get yourself tested for STIs so you can be prepared if the worse comes to worst.

Wondering how do you get an HIV? While there are 2-3% chances of contracting HIV from having sex with an infected person, sometimes, a single exposure is all it takes. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have been an unwitting participant, consider getting yourself tested for STIs after intercourse.

Antibiotics encourage the production of retrocyclins, which may inhibit HIV transmission; however, more research is needed to verify this claim. If you suspect HIV exposure, consider taking Postexposure Prophylaxis within three days to reduce the risk of transmission. Taking PEP is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus after HIV exposure.

Using condoms during sex is one of the easiest ways to protect your partner from HIV transmission. For added peace of mind, have your partner take Postexposure Prophylaxis immediately after sex.

A person has a 2-3% chance of getting infected by an HIV-positive person per sex event. Once the person is infected, it may take months or even years to develop symptoms of AIDS. Therefore, it is recommended to use condoms during sex and have yourself tested if you suspect HIV exposure.

Here are the symptoms of HIV positive:

  1. Fever and muscle pains.
  2. Headache.
  3. Sore throat.
  4. Night sweats.
  5. Mouth sores, including yeast infection (thrush)
  6. Swollen lymph glands.
  7. Diarrhea.

Wondering how do people get aids? As discussed in a question above, in case of condom failure, a risk of HIV may crop up. Hence, in such cases, it???s recommended to get yourself tested asap.

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