Sexuality and the involved emotions such as love, desire and the feeling of belonging are a natural part of most people’s lives.
This special kind of physical contact between individuals can bestow well-being, pleasure and trust. A sexual relationship should always be voluntary and consensual.
The use of condoms and female condoms during sexual intercourse (vaginal oder anal) prevents HIV infections and reduces the risk of catching other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms and female condoms also prevent unintentional pregnancies.
If you want to know your HIV status, an HIV test can be conducted at a public health department. This blood test is anonymous and mostly free of charge. The test result will not be revealed to anyone but you.
Please do not hesitate to contact Aidshilfe (AIDS-support-organisation) in your region if you have any questions regarding HIV or other STIs. Counselling is free and confidential. Information on transmission, prevention, testing and treatment is offered. You do not have to give your name.
HIV infections must be treated medically to prevent them from becoming life-threatening. Unlike in Germany, treatment is not always available in other countries. In certain circumstances an HIV infection might therefore be a reason for being admitted to an asylum. Please contact ‘Aidshilfe’ (AIDS-support-organisation) in your region for further information.
A condom is made from a very thin natural rubber (latex) and put on the penis before sex.
Condoms make people feel safe during sex and enable them to enjoy their sexuality free from worries. Condoms are easy and safe to use. It is always advisable to use a condom, no matter whether you are in a new or in a longterm relationship or if just met the person you are intimate with.
If two people want to have sex, one of them puts the condom on the erect penis. Always put the condom on before the penis touches a woman’s or man’s genitals or bottom. Condoms act as a thin barrier, avoiding the exchange of body fluids and collecting the semen after the ejaculation. They are hardly noticeable during sex.
Condoms prevent the sexual transmission of HIV which is the cause of AIDS. Individuals with HIV have to take medication on a daily basis for the rest of their lives. The medication cannot cure HIV but it can avert HIV from developing into AIDS.
The use of condoms can also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that might lead to infertility or serious health problems. Another benefit of condoms is the prevention of unintentional pregnancies.
