Unprotected sex of Gay men contributes to the increase of AIDS infected individuals

Photo from: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/educate-to-fight-scourge-of-hiv/story-e6frerdf-1226210691029

New York Times published last November 27, 2013 about a report from the federal health officials in the U.S. regarding the sudden increase in unprotected sex among gay American men, a development which according to the article makes it harder to fight the AIDS epidemic.

The report also had been documented the same trend in big countries such as Canada, Britain the Netherlands, France and Australia which also brought concerns to their public health officials. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the disease centers stated that “unprotected anal sex” contributed to the rose of nearly 20 percent of infected individuals from a span of 6 years (2005-2011).

On the other hand, the report also indicated that most of the individuals who got infected by the epidemic were mostly young males. Alex Carballo- Diguez, a researcher at the HIV Center of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University who also concentrated his study on gay men’s behavior since 1980 said that “young guys are less worried” he also added that HIV become a chronic disease, and everyone should know what’s good and bad for them however, during the verge of excitement they will forget about these things and will choose to satisfy themselves.

Today, most countries are learning to accept the fact that the LGBT community is entitled to have their own preferences. We can now see two homosexual individuals expressing their affection to each other publicly and it is okay however, everything has its own limits. Irresponsible sexual intimacy between couples, regardless of gender, might cause HIV AIDS which we all know can ruin our lives and dreams if we acquire this deadly disease. My stand on this issue is simple; we can have sexual intercourse with our partners without risking our lives. If we cannot avoid having “rough” sexual intercourse because it adds excitement in love making be sure to wear condoms besides, cheaper condoms are available everywhere which only cost 25 pesos per pack. 

Let’s keep in mind that until now medication to cure AIDS haven’t been discovered yet. The most possible way not to acquire this disease is to practice safe sexual intercourse and if we can try to exercise celibacy, much better though we know that it’s hard to undergo celibacy especially to the younger generation who are in the verge of exploring life. Proper guidance from our parents and other health institutions also play a vital role in our continuous fight against HIV.

Blogpost by: Alexis P. Dujua

Reference:

McNeil, Donald G. (2013, November 27). Rise in unprotected sex by gay men spurs H.I.V. fears. New York Times. Retrieved  from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/28/health/unprotected-sex-among-gay-men-on-the-rise-health-offcials-say.html?_r=0