Info for Women...

HIV and AIDS were originally thought to affect mostly gay men. However, women have always been affected too. And even though more men than women have HIV, women are catching up. In fact, if new HIV infections continue at their current rate worldwide, women with HIV may soon outnumber men with HIV.

The good news is that many women with HIV are living longer and stronger lives. With proper care and treatment, many women can continue to take care of themselves and others.

In some respects HIV and AIDS affect women in almost the same way they affect men. For example:

• Women of color (especially African American women) are the hardest hit.
• Younger women are more likely than older women to get HIV.
• AIDS is a common killer, second only to cancer and heart disease for women.

How are women getting HIV?
The most common ways are (in order):

• Having sex with a man who has HIV – most likely through anal sex.
• Sharing injection drug works (needles, syringes, etc.) used by someone with HIV.

Anal Sex
Anal sex can be fun for both you and your partner…but there are a few things you need to know when you decide to play back there.

• Something that has been put in your butt should never be put anywhere else unless it’s been washed really well. Never take his dick out of your butt and then put it in your vagina. You’ll get a vaginal infection in nothing flat.
• Lube, lube, lube. Your butt doesn’t get wet like your vagina: you gotta bring your own juice. You need some lube and it shouldn’t be spit or Vaseline. Use something like KY Jelly or Id Glide. Use LOTS of lube; we just can't emphasize this point enough.
• Start Small. A dick can be a pretty big thing to stick up your butt. Have your partner start small with one finger and then add a few more fingers to see what you like. Take your time and don’t let yourself be rushed.
• Clear the Way. Before having anal sex, a person should have a good, complete bowel movement. If you don’t, he could run in to something you’d rather he avoid.
• You need to know that anal sex without a condom is the riskiest sex you can have. Your butt has only one thin layer of protective skin and it tears easily when something is pushed inside. You might not even know your butt has been torn. But those tears in the skin give HIV a place to infect you. And that will change your whole life.

The bottom line:
ANAL SEX WITHOUT A CONDOM IS 2000 TIMES RISKIER THAN ANAL SEX WITH A CONDOM.  PROTECT YOURSELF!

Douching
Your mother douched and your grandmother douched and your sister probably douches every week. But here is the truth:

• You don’t need to douche after your period or before and after sex. Your body will clean itself.
• If you have a constant odor down there after you shower, you need to see a doctor.
• Douching makes the lining of your vagina raw and makes you more likely to get HIV or another infection. And it doesn’t matter what kind of douche you use...homemade or store bought.

The bottom line:
DON’T DOUCHE.  IT WILL HURT YOU MORE THAN HELP YOU.