Today, HIV infection is one of the most dangerous diseases of mankind, since scientists have not yet developed medicines that can eliminate it. However, there are a large number of drugs that can maintain human health at the proper level for a long time. But all those infected with HIV are also people, and therefore they want to be included in all spheres of human life. That is why it is very important to consider a combination such as HIV and a condom. In this article, we will talk about whether a condom protects against this virus, and also consider the likelihood of its transmission. In addition, it is very important to understand what this disease is and what are the main ways of its transmission.
What is HIV?
The concept of HIV stands for human immune deficiency virus. This virus, entering the human body, has an effect on its DNA. Human immunity is constantly deteriorating. The immune system is no longer able to fight various pathogenic organisms and cells that cause diseases, so the patient can die even from the most common cold. However, there are many medications that can support the activity of the immune system.
How is the disease transmitted?
There are several ways in which pathology can be transmitted. However, most often this happens if a person leads a cheeky lifestyle and contacts unverified sexual partners. During sex without a condom, HIV will definitely go to a partner. However, sometimes the disease is transmitted even if protective measures were provided. It cannot be said that condoms are 100% protected against HIV, but a solution can still be found.
In the fair sex, blood, as well as vaginal discharge, are considered infected, and in the stronger sex - blood and semen.
Also, the disease can be transmitted by an invasive method. For example, when using the same syringe at once by several patients. You can also catch an infection in places like dentistry, a manicure room, and a tattoo studio. A disease can pass from an infected instrument through a wound into the blood.
There have also been cases where a sperm or blood donor passed the virus to the recipient. However, now the likelihood of such a phenomenon is minimal, since the fluid being passed goes through a large number of special studies.
Is there a risk of contracting HIV through a condom
According to doctors, there is a high probability of contracting this infection, even if you protect yourself with a condom during intercourse. It contains a huge amount of micropores in latex, through which this virus can “leak out”. According to medical statistics, the probability of contracting HIV with a condom is about ten percent. But you must also take into account that the product may be of poor quality, it can be used incorrectly, and it can also break directly during sexual intercourse.
If the condom is used incorrectly
It is very important to use a condom correctly. In most cases, this is what plays a decisive role. It is very important to buy a product in a pharmacy, and not in a store, as pharmaceutical institutions are required to provide the correct storage conditions for it. In stores, such details will not be given attention.
To protect your condom from HIV, choose a product that is right for you in size. A condom that is too large can simply fly off during intercourse, and you won’t even notice it. And too small can stretch very much, and this will lead to the expansion of its pores.
Buy only high quality products and trusted brands. Such condoms are made taking into account all production standards, which means they will be as safe as possible.
Some young people think that having put on two products at once, you can provide yourself and your partner with more reliable protection. However, this is not the case. This procedure will significantly increase friction, and both condoms can simply tear.
Do not use ultra-thin products, so the risk that they will tear will be much less. If you notice that the condom broke before the ejaculation, replace it urgently. After all, infections can be transmitted not only at such moments.
Note that you can get HIV through a condom. However, if you follow all safety precautions and use the product correctly, the chances of this are greatly reduced. According to medical data, if you constantly have sex with an HIV-infected partner, the risk of getting an infection is about ten percent. The number is so large due to the misuse of the latex edition.
If the condom is torn
Quite a few couples say that a condom can break during sex. In this case, HIV can be transmitted to a sexual partner, and the likelihood of this is quite high. This especially happens if a woman or a man has genital injuries and microcracks. If you notice that the product is torn, immediately stop intercourse.
Medical advice
Of course, according to doctors, a condom cannot be guaranteed to protect against HIV. After all, the disease is still sexually transmitted, and a poor-quality or torn product will significantly increase the risk of pathology. Therefore, doctors are strongly discouraged from having sexual intercourse with an unverified partner. Of course, this can be quite problematic, but try to take the person you want to have sex with and get tested for HIV with him. So both of you will be confident in each other and sexual relations will bring you much more joy.
However, what should couples in love in whom one of the partners have an infection do what? The question of whether it is possible to get HIV through a condom is very relevant for them. If you buy a high-quality, suitable-sized product with a good shelf life, the risk that the condom can break will be minimal. The main thing - during intercourse to behave appropriately and monitor its condition.
Fancy Condoms
On sale now there is a huge number of products that differ in variety. They can glow in the dark, be multi-colored, with different smells, pimples or ultra-thin. Do not forget that the choice must be made in favor of the classic version, as it is considered the most secure.
The importance of using grease
Do not ignore a substance such as a lubricant intended for sex. The female body does not always produce a sufficient amount of natural lubrication, and this can be fraught with the fact that during sex, the condom simply breaks. Therefore, be sure to use a lubricant for maximum protection during intercourse.
Pay attention to the components of the lubricant. An oil-based product does not combine with a condom, as it destroys its structure. Therefore, give preference only to silicone products. Buy grease at the pharmacy. Give preference to trusted brands.
Symptoms of HIV
Usually, as soon as the virus enters the human body, the patient does not notice any changes. The only way to identify it is to do a special test in a medical institution.
In the very early stages of the disease, a person usually feels very tired. Moreover, this condition is observed constantly, regardless of how much you relax and how you eat. Also, the disease can make itself felt with a sharp increase in body temperature. However, this symptom is not present in all infected people and usually manifests itself several weeks after infection.
Pay attention to the condition of your lymph nodes. Usually, if HIV is present in the body, the lymph nodes in the neck area swell very much. It is also worth paying attention to the nodes in the groin and armpits.
At the initial stage of the pathology, a large number of sores can appear in the mouth or genitals.
If the disease has already begun to progress, then the immune system gives significant malfunctions. Pay attention to the general state of your health: how often you have a cold, are affected by various fungal and bacterial diseases.
HIV infection is an incurable disease, so be careful. Do not enter into unverified relationships and lead the most secure way of life. Take care of yourself, because you are only at home.