AFEW: Projects >> 3^rd Mass Media Campaign on Safer Sex (Russian Federation) >> Campaign Leaflet

Campaign Leaflet

Introduction

According to the sociological youth surveys it is known that more than 98% of young people (male and female) know about venereal diseases' and AIDS existence. 80% of young people consider that condom use can avoid infection and unwanted pregnancy but only 47% of those who has sexual relations use condoms.
Why don't we apply our knowledge in practice? May be it seems to us that it's no concern of us? May be we think that condom use undermines trust to each other and means dissipation or dissoluteness? May be we are not sure that condom can really protect us?
This leaflet helps you to understand what safe sex is and why it should be a part of your life.

HIV and AIDS. What is the difference?
A disease which damages the immune system

AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome) is a disease that is caused by virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), that destroys the immune system. The immune system is a vital part of our body. It is responsible for fighting off infections. When you've been infected, your body reacts by producing antibodies, particular for each disease.

There are certain antibodies for fighting HIV, but they are not capable of destroying this virus. First 5-10 years after infection HIV is reproducing/multiplying destroying important/main cells - CD4 T-cells of the immune system (normal rate of CD4 T-cells aggregates 800-1000 cells on one cubic millimeter). It brings to the immunodeficiency - weakening of immunity. People infected with HIV are losing the ability to combat any kind of disease. AIDS is developing quicker by those who's health is primary poor health. Smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use and bad food/malnutrition contribute to poor health. AIDS is diagnosed if HIV-infected person has one or several opportunistic diseases (there are uncommon diseases for people with safe immunity) and/or number of CD cells falls below 200 cells on one cubic millimeter.
The only way to say whether the person is HIV positive is a HIV blood-test (detailed information you can receive at the telephone numbers from the list at the end of the booklet).

Unfortunately HIV-infection is spreading very fast in Russia. In 1998 8384 of HIV-infected were registered in Russia whereas to the end of 1999 - 23500 cases. Experts consider that the real AIDS epidemic comes to Russia.

How do you get infected with HIV/AIDS?
Infection with HIV can occur in various ways. The virus can be transmitted by:
*unsafe sex;
*direct contact between the blood of two persons one of whom is infected;
for example: - sharing infected needles and syringes;
- a blood transfusion with infected blood.
*during pregnancy, from mother to unborn child.
HIV is spread by blood, semen, vaginal fluid and mother milk, but not by other liquids (such as saliva, sweat, tears, urine and faeces).

How HIV/AIDS is not transmitted?
There is a fear that people can get HIV from usual social contacts. This fear is unfounded.
You CAN NOT get infected through:
*NOT from shaking hands or hugging;
*NOT from sweat or tears;
*NOT from sneezing or coughing;
*NOT by using other people's forks, knives, spoons, glasses, plates or bed linen;
*NOT by using a toilet of an infected person;
*NOT from travelling by public transport;
*NOT from animals or insects bites;
*NOT through kissing or saliva.

Sexually transmitted diseases
(Venereal diseases)
Not just HIV, but also other sexually transmitted diseases (such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, etc.) can be transmitted through unsafe sexual contact. STDs are common. At the moment STDs in Russia increase rapidly. In 1992 the number of syphilis cases amount 13,3 to 100 000 people and in 1997 - 277,3. Some STDs are only inconvenient, but others may cause infertility or lead to even more serious problems, if not treated in time. Moreover, persons suffering from a sexually transmitted diseases may be more easily infected with HIV. It is easier for the virus to get into body through sores, warts and other skin injuries caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

Don't delay a visit to doctor
Don't delay a visit to doctor if you noticed some of the following signs:
*discharge or pus from penis, vagina, or anus;
*burning feeling when passing urine;
* sores, warts or blisters on the penis, vagina, anus or mouth;
*irritation in or around the genital area.
Don't sit there worrying about it. You may be sick. An STD won't go away by itself. Fortunately, most sexually transmitted diseases can be cured.

Taking drugs is also taking a risk
Drugs threaten your health and increase the risk of getting infected with HIV.
Moreover the drugs kill themselves they contribute to spread of many dangerous diseases.
People who inject drugs and sometimes borrow a used needle from someone else are in danger. HIV (and also Hepatitis B or C) could get into their blood through that needle with infected dried-up blood on it. Other injecting equipment (syringe, filter/cotton, spoons, the same plates and even water) and haring the same veil could also be risky. Sometimes even the drug itself contains the virus if the infected blood was used in the process of making it.
It goes without saying that drug users must also have safer sex at all times. Remember, that alcohol is drug also, under it's influence you lose control of the situation and can do smth., what can make you feel sorry afterwards.

Taking precautions
There is only one way to protect your own health and health of your partner - this is safe sex, sex when blood, semen and vaginal fluid don't get into your body. It follows to remember about unwanted pregnancy, one of its prevention means is condom use and safe sex practice as well. Although the absolute number of abortion decreased, it remains still extremely high - 173,7 to 100 born alive infants (data of 1998).

Safe sex means that you can:
*kissing and deep kissing (French kissing)
* lying close together, cuddling
*caressing or massaging each other
*mutual masturbation
*vaginal intercourse always with a condom.
It might take some time to get used to, but afterwards Safe sex becomes a part of real enjoyment.

The choice is always yours
We want to live in a free society. Freedom, first of all, means the freedom of choice. Nobody should make you do something you don't want to. It is your life and your choice. Don't allow to take decisions instead of you. If you are afraid of having sexual contacts or you are considering that it's too early to think about it, so it should be. Sex is a part of adult life and a grown-up should take responsibility for himself and for intimate people.
If you choose sex - play safe. And you won't have to worry about your health later.

Talk to your partner about it
How to start talking about it?
We easily can talk about sex with our friends, but for some reason are ashamed to talk about it with our partner. If you are going to have safe sex, you'll have to make it clear to your partner before you are sexually aroused, as that's when it is really difficult to bring it up. If you still find it difficult, just take out a condom. You can make a joke out of it. Telling someone you want to use condoms doesn't mean you don't trust them. On the contrary, it means that you want to protect each other. And that you have a sense of responsibility. If your partner still refuses to use condom, just suggest to him (her) to read this leaflet together. Remember that it is better to refuse to have sexual contact than expose your health and health of your partner to risk. Once you've made the attitude towards safe sex clear, you and your partner will feel much better.

Condoms and lubricants
It always takes some getting used to
A condom is a very strong, thin, latex sheath that is put around the penis. A condom prevents the HIV, other sexually transmitted infections from getting through and unwanted pregnancy as well. The very first time you use a condom it may well be awkward, so practice by yourself beforehand. That will make it a lot easier when you use it together with your partner.
For decreasing friction between a condom and vagina lubricants are used. They make the usage of condoms more comfortable.

How to use a condom
- avoid any contact between the penis and the vagina or anus before the condom has been put on;
- open the packet carefully. Be sure not to damage the condom with sharp nails or jewellery;
- put the condom on only when the penis is completely erect;
- there must be some space at the tip of the condom to hold the semen. That's why most condoms have a teat. Squeeze either the tip of the condom (about one centimeter) or the teat tightly so that there's no air in it, and unroll the condom;
- never use oil, baseline or other creams, as grease damages the rubber. If you want to use a lubricant make sure it is water based;
- after you have come, withdraw the penis straightaway. Hold on to the condom while you are doing so. If you wait too long and the penis becomes limp, the condom could slip off;
- throw the used condom in the little bin;
- use the condom only once;
- two condoms on top of each other may seem even safer, but friction just causes them to tear.

Buying condoms - get rid of false shame!
If you are a civilized person, buying condoms for you is as natural as buying chewing gum or aspirin. The times, when we whispered something incomprehensible, were afraid to look the salesmen (pharmaceutical) in the face, are gone. Buy only high-quality condoms produced by well-known firms. Of course they are more expensive but at the same time they don't let down/put in a spot at the important moment. Moreover high-quality condoms don't reduce sexual pleasure practically.

Want to know more?
If you like to know more on AIDS or STDs you can consider contacting the following organizations or institutes:

- STD Treatment Foundation "SANAM". Anonymous testing on HIV-infection. Metro "Sportivnaya", ul. Dovatora 13. Tel. (095) 245-5470 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. With the questions on prevention call (095) 158-2550.
- Russian Social Charity Foundation "NAMES" deals with education and HIV-prevention, psychological support of people personally connected with AIDS epidemic. Tel. (095) 933-4233.
- Information Centre "GERA", working in the field of sexual and reproductive health with professional audience. Tel. (095) 916-3966, e-mail: hera@pol.ru
- Non-profit nongovernmental organization "AIDS-infoshare". Library and the resource Centre. Informational and technical support to NGOs, investigations in the field of human rights and health protection. Tel. (095) 119-3316. Address: Moscow, 105037, box 51. Hot line - tel. (095) 250-6341 (from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Charity Foundation "Ogonjok-VID-AntiAIDS", educational activity in the field of AIDS prevention. Tel.: (095) 203-03-96
- Non-profit partnership organization for civic initiatives support "Focus". Literature distribution of safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention. E-mail: npfocus@cityline.ru

In different regions places of anonymous HIV-testing are working and it is possible to get there all the necessary consultation.

The text of the booklet was written by Non-profit partnership organization for civic initiatives support "Focus". The materials were given by international organization MSF-Holland, the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation and Russian non-governmental organizations working in the field of AIDS prevention.