teens & hiv
Click on one of the items below to jump down to that section.
Q. |
What about abstinence? |
A. |
Abstinence is the most reliable way to protect you from HIV/AIDS, STIs and pregnancy. Abstinence means to refrain from having sex (vaginal, anal, & oral sex). You can also practice abstinence even if you had sex before. Read More >
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Q. |
Do teenagers really get HIV? |
A. |
Yes. HIV is a big problem for young people, as well as adults. In 2007, it was estimated that there were 2 million people under 15 years of age living with HIV. And globally AIDS is the second most common cause of death among 20-24 year olds. Read More >
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Q. |
What is the proper way to use a condom? |
A. |
You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice. Read More >
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Q. |
My boyfriend won’t wear a condom. Now what? |
A. |
It can be difficult to talk about using condoms. But you shouldn't let embarrassment become a health risk. The person you are thinking about having sex with may not agree at first when you say that you want to use a condom. Read More >
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Q. |
I can’t afford condoms. what are my options? |
A. |
Free condoms are available at Health Departments and nonprofits throughout the state of Michigan. Read More >
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Q. |
I’m not gay. I can’t get HIV, right? |
A. |
WRONG. HIV is not a gay disease. Read More >
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Q. |
Can you get HIV from oral sex? |
A. |
HIV is transmitted through blood, semen (pre-cum), breast milk, and vaginal fluids. The virus has to enter the blood stream, so in order for the virus to be transmitted through oral sex, one of those fluids must enter the blood stream from the penis/vagina to the mouth or vice versa. Things like STIs, cuts and sores can make an easier “opening” for the virus to get into the blood stream. Read More >
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Q. |
How do I know if someone has HIV? |
A. |
The HIV-antibody test is the only way to tell if someone is infected. You cannot tell by looking at someone if he or she is infected with HIV. Someone can look and feel perfectly healthy and still be infected. Read More >
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Abstinence is the only 100% safe method.
If you choose to be sexually active, always use a latex
condom. They are not 100% foolproof, but the latex does
provide reliable protection against sexually transmitted
infections.
Never use petroleum jelly or oil as a lubricant. It weakens
condoms and could cause them to break.
Oral sex is thought to be low-risk, but that does not mean
it is risk-free. You can lower your risk by using barriers like
dental dams or plastic wrap.
If you have had unprotected sex within the past X years, be
tested for HIV and learn your status. APM offers free and
confidential HIV testing and counseling. Learn more.
If you and your partner
have both been fully tested
for HIV and other sexually
transmitted diseases and
have passed the waiting
period, you can forego
condoms if you both test
negative. Even then, insist
on using a condom if you
have any reason to believe
your partner has had sex
outside of your relationship.
