How HIV is Increasing Among Heterosexuals

It is a myth that AIDS is a gay disease. The fact is, 32% of Americans who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2007 were heterosexual. (See chart.)

HIV does not discriminate. Anyone can get it if he or she is not careful. You have probably heard many times about the importance of using condoms and practicing safe sex. Here is another reminder, and some tips about communicating openly with your sex partners.

Let's Talk About Safe Sex!
We know it can be awkward talking about safe sex with your partner. But it's important to take the initiative and be strong. Your partner may also respect you more because you're showing that you care about yourself and your future. Don't wait until the heat of the moment to bring up the topic. It's easier to discuss ways to have safer sex ahead of time so you'll both be clear. It might even get you in the mood!

Talk to your partner as if he/she were your best friend. "Above all, I respect you as a friend, and I don't want either of us to get HIV and other STDs. We've got to be safe and use condoms."
Suggest getting tested for HIV together. The experience may bring you closer emotionally. "I'll feel better if we know our HIV status before having sex. Let's get tested together."
Be prepared to state your concerns around HIV and/or pregnancy and don't back down. "I really want to be with you, but we haven't been tested yet. We've got to be safe and use condoms."
If you haven't used condoms in the past and want to start, try explaining that you need to do things differently. "I know we haven't used condoms in the past, but now I realize that was a mistake. We need to be smarter."

Sources:
* The chart used here was published in "HIV/AIDS in the United States," Centers for Disease Control, August 2009.


Explore further:	How HIV is Increasing Among Heterosexuals It is a myth that AIDS is a gay disease. The fact is, 32% of Americans who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2007 were heterosexual. (See chart.) HIV does not discriminate. Anyone can get it if he or she is not careful. You have probably heard many times about the importance of using condoms and practicing safe sex. Here is another reminder, and some tips about communicating openly with your sex partners. Let's Talk About Safe Sex! We know it can be awkward talking about safe sex with your partner. But it's important to take the initiative and be strong. Your partner may also respect you more because you're showing that you care about yourself and your future. Don't wait until the heat of the moment to bring up the topic. It's easier to discuss ways to have safer sex ahead of time so you'll both be clear. It might even get you in the mood! Talk to your partner as if he/she were your best friend. "Above all, I respect you as a friend, and I don't want either of us to get HIV and other STDs. We've got to be safe and use condoms." Suggest getting tested for HIV together. The experience may bring you closer emotionally. "I'll feel better if we know our HIV status before having sex. Let's get tested together." Be prepared to state your concerns around HIV and/or pregnancy and don't back down. "I really want to be with you, but we haven't been tested yet. We've got to be safe and use condoms." If you haven't used condoms in the past and want to start, try explaining that you need to do things differently. "I know we haven't used condoms in the past, but now I realize that was a mistake. We need to be smarter." Sources: * The chart used here was published in "HIV/AIDS in the United States," Centers for Disease Control, August 2009.