Welcome to Condom CountryWhat's Going On?Recently, in Toronto, infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) has dramatically increased among gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men. After years of fewer and fewer of us getting HIV, the trend is now moving in the other direction: more and more men are becoming infected. That's something to be concerned about. Why is this Happening?Let's face it: we all know that it can be difficult to make sure that we use a condom each and every time we fuck or get fucked. And there are many reasons why we sometimes ditch the condoms. Sometimes we just get caught up in a moment of passion. Sometimes we make assumptions about our sexual partners that lead us to rationalize away the need to use condoms. So, if we're HIV-negative (that is, we don't have the HIV virus), we might assume that our partner must also be HIV-negative. We might think that that means we don't have to worry about condoms. Or, if we're HIV-positive (that is, we do have the HIV virus) we might assume that our partner must also be HIV-positive. We might mistakenly assume that we don't need to use condoms. It's better to avoid making decisions about our health based on assumptions and guesswork. Sometimes we meet a guy, start dating, and before too long the condoms are left to gather dust in a drawer. How do we explain ourselves? Oh, let us count the ways: "he'd never cheat on me" or "he'd tell me if he fooled around with someone else and did something that was risky." Relationships are more complex than that. Sometimes you're out just having fun. Out at a club, having some drinks with friends or by yourself. Maybe you've taken some drugs to loosen up and have some fun. You find yourself getting into the music and interested in that hot guy next to you. You've gotta have him. You've gotta have it. Maybe it's the drinks you had that set you at ease or the drug you took that got you going, but before too long you're getting hot. And at that point the last thing on your mind is a condom. You get the picture. There are lots of reasons why we have unsafe sex. But unsafe sex can put you and your partners at risk for infection (or re-infection) with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Condom Country?Time for a reality check. Despite the fact that treatments for HIV infection have helped many people with HIV/AIDS to live longer, THERE IS STILL NO CURE FOR HIV/AIDS. True, there are drugs you can take if you are infected with HIV that can help you. But don't be fooled by those slick advertisements for anti-HIV medication featuring models in the prime of fitness and vitality, climbing mountains, finishing triathlons, and cycling through the great outdoors. The reality can be very different. Some of those drugs you will have to take in the morning as soon as you get up. Some you can only take on an empty stomach. Some only with food. Some will make you need to sit on (or lean over) the toilet. Others will wreck your appetite or play havoc with your sleep. Sure there are drugs out there to help. Lots and lots of drugs. Every day. For the rest of your life. A life filled with nasty side effects. If you're living with HIV/AIDS and taking the (so-called) 'cocktail,' you know what this means. So know this: if you are HIV-negative, THERE ARE LOTS OF GOOD REASONS TO STAY HIV-NEGATIVE. If you are HIV-positive, THERE ARE IMPORTANT WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH. And what's the best way to do that? Use a latex condom and plenty of water-based lubricant when you fuck someone or get fucked. 'Top' or 'bottom.' HIV-positive or HIV-negative. It's up to all of us. So protect yourself and each other. Spread the word. And welcome to condom country. Ride safely!
Want to know more about the increase in HIV infections among MSM? Follow the following link to the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) website to view and/or hear the slide presentation from Dr. Robert Remis, presented at the OHTN Research Day, 2000.
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