Let’s be honest.
While we all know using protection is the best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), sometimes it’s easier said than done. Things happen. There’s the heat of the moment. Alcohol may be involved. Circumstances and settings may not be ideal.
Even when we know unprotected sex is risky, we still take the dive. That won’t happen to me, we might tell ourselves. It’ll be fine, we trust each other, and we might rationalize. Other times, it’s simply a matter of misunderstanding. It’s okay, I’m on the pill, you might think. While the pill is certainly effective at preventing pregnancy, it does nothing against STDs.
Ladies, if any of these situations remind you of someone, put away the mirror!
Kidding aside, STDs are a serious issue, and one of the most serious among them is the human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV. Whether you think you have zero chance of ever catching it or admit your behaviors might put you at high risk, one thing’s for certain: rates among Black women are way too high.
HIV Among Black Women
According to AIDSVu, a cutting-edge HIV epidemic tool, Black ladies now account for over 54 percent of HIV infections across the United States. While that may not sound too bad, here’s the kicker – Black women account for only 15 percent of the female population.
In other words, Black women are catching HIV at a rate higher than any other race. And if you think this is mostly an issue of degeneracy or drug use, think again. According to AIDSVu, over 90 percent of new HIV infections come from heterosexual relations.
What’s a girl to do?
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Preventing HIV Infection
Here’s the good news. It doesn’t take rocket science to reduce your likelihood of HIV infection. When it comes to sex, take simple steps. First off, have him strap up! And if you wanna be extra cautious, you can use your own internal condom.
And always, always, always know your worth. If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. A man should respect you for that decision (assuming he’s worth keeping around). Stand by your principles and don’t be afraid to say no.
Overall, anal and vaginal sex pose the highest risk, but with oral sex, the risk is considerably lower. If you wanna still have a good time without sex, that’s always possible too. Kissing and bodily contact are virtually harmless, so long as there aren’t any open sores.
But what if you’re not all hot and bothered?
Outside of sex, another reason people are infected with HIV is by sharing needles. So don’t share needles! Stay away from injectables of any kind. It’s not worth it and you’re better than that. And if you’re already hooked on drugs, always know: it’s never too late to change.
Of course, sometimes the lines are blurred. Things happen, mistakes occur, and life can turn sideways when we least expect it. If you have an encounter you’re worried about, consider asking a physician about an emergency medication called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). If taken within 72 hours and for the next 28 days, you have a great chance of preventing HIV infection.
The best course of action, however, is to minimize your risk factors through safe, healthy decision-making.
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Is There a Medicine for Prevention?
Yes, there is, and it’s called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). You can take it every day by mouth and it can reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus. However, this shouldn’t be abused. It’s best used if your partner has HIV, you’re sexually promiscuous, or you use unsterilized needles.
Just one problem. Not enough women actually know about PrEP. There is a massive gender gap, with under 10 percent of PrEP users in the U.S. being women.
Why, you wonder?
Well, first we need to look at the Black community as a whole. According to AIDSVu, only 14 percent of PrEP users in the U.S. are Black, even though Black folks make up 40 percent of new HIV infections. This represents a significant discrepancy.
Then you have the male-female disparity. First off, marketing for PrEP needs to be expanded with more targeted ads for females. Healthcare workers need training and awareness as well. Many Black women at risk of HIV are forced into sex labor, drug use, or sexual abuse.
Private providers and public officials need to better understand this. With increased understanding, resources can then be allocated and policies can be enacted. If we can get the ball rolling on this, more women can get the help and treatment they so rightfully deserve.
Let’s all remember: HIV among Black women doesn’t just affect Black women. Together, united, we can make this positive change happen!
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Keith Crawford
Dr. Keith Crawford has over 25 years of experience in the treatment and management of chronic infectious diseases, particularly HIV disease, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and more recently, Sar-Cov-2 infection.
