STD's

[Auset]

Let's shed some light on a deadly situation that is plaguing our communities desperately. Std's are haunting the black community and they can be the most deadly thing since the handgun do to something even more deadly, silence. We need to learn to talk about it so that we can learn more and endanger our selves less.
First question, if your longtime friend got in contact with an std how would you handle it? Would it change your friendship?

[The_Realist]

if it's a friend? no.
i just hope they learned to think twice in the future... they'll still be my friend regardless.

Now, if it's a "companion"... Peace.. we can be cool.. that's it.

[Auset]

What would be your reaction if it was your companion? Would you be hostile?

[khandi]

One of my girls from high school kept getting burned after a while I had to distance myself from from old girl cuz people swear that birds of a feather flock together and that was so not cool! I don't think I would stay with a sex partner if they had a n STD unless I was deeply in love with that person!

[Auset]

Real life situation, a man cheated on his wife and brought aids back to the equation, the family wanted him basically not breathing but she found new love for him and christ and they are now together until the end. Both now with aids.... is this the type of love that would keep you there? I'm not so sure if I could forgive my man for cheating on me and bringing aids back to me, in the event that that happened I may be behind bars for manslaughter. Straight up. But different people have different types of love they showcase. That would be my wake up call. What about you?

[khandi]

You know after he already gave me aids because he cheated I still would have to give him another chance. I know he cheated but I would only be able to stop loving him if I knew he set out to harm me. As long as it falls under the category of a mistake I am able to forgive. I would I'm sure have spouts of resentment and feelings of you did this to me! It's a sad situation all around but hating that person would only make me feel worse.

[Auset]

Would you want some time to your self to understand the severness of the situation, like knowning that he basically took your life extention away. That would be all I could think about, he's took away me growing old with my kids. But then again there is treatment. The woman I'm speaking of has done alot of experimental treatment and it has helped her so much they have brought it back down to a low form of hiv.

[khandi]

I think if we both have it now (even though it is his fault) we might as well fight it together. It's hard for me to turn my back on people no matter how much they deserve it sometimes!

[Auset]

girl you are the bomb, I can honestly that, I am the type that don't give you a chance to play me the fool twice. But we need to talk about this so we can educate ourselves because it can happen to any of us, just when we get in that comfort zone. I'm going to bring some facts about std's over too. Let's continue to discuss.

[Auset]

Lord ya'll gon think I caught something. Na, I'm just tryin to shed a little light on a situation that is killing our community so here are some facts and resources that are helpful on this topic.

Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are diseases that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis.

STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, like AIDS, cannot be cured and are deadly. By learning more about STDs, you can find out ways to protect yourself from the following STDs.

Genital herpes
Human papilloma virus/Genital warts
Hepatitis B
Chlamydia
Syphilis
Gonorrhea ("Clap")
What Are the Symptoms of STDs?

Sometimes, there are no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include one or more of the following:

Bumps, sores or warts near the mouth, anus, penis or vagina
Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina
Skin rash
Painful urination
Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats
Aches, pains, fever, and chills
Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
Discharge from the penis or vagina (Vaginal discharge may smell bad.)
Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period
Painful sex
Severe itching near the penis or vagina
How Do I Know if I Have an STD?

Talk to your doctor. He or she can examine you and perform tests to determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease. If you think that you have an STD, it's important to see your doctor. Treatment can:

Cure many STDs
Lessen the symptoms of STDs
Make it less likely that you will spread the disease
Help you to get healthy and stay healthy
How Are STDs Treated?

Many STDs are treated with antibiotics.

If you are given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it's important that you take all of your medicine, even if the symptoms go away. Also, never take someone else's medicine to treat your illness. By doing so, you may make it more difficult to treat the infection. Likewise, you should not share your medicine with others.

How Can I Protect Myself From STDs?

Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STDs:

Consider that not having sex or sexual relations is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
Use a latex condom every time you have sex. (If you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based.)
Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD.
Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
Choose your sex partners with care. Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STD.
Get checked for STDs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you are drunk or high.
Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.
Learn about STDs. The more you know about STDs, the better you can protect yourself.
How Can I Prevent Spreading a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.
Don't resume having sex unless your doctor says it's okay.
Return to your doctor to get rechecked.
Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.

[Simply_Uneque]

I hear what you guys are saying but I don't think that I would be able to forgive my man if he went out, cheated, contracted HIV, and transmitted it to me. Whether it was intentional or not. If he wasn't out there doing things that he had no business doing, then no one then he would not have it not have gave it to me. You know what I mean?

Now if a friend of mine caught a STD, they would still be my friend. They can't give it to me. We all have to be educated in this area. This is a time in their lives when they will need all the true friend they can get. You know what I mean?

Did anyone see that episode of "A Different World" when Josie told the class that she had AIDS? Kimberly, Mr. Gaines, and the English Teacher were the only ones who did not treat her different.

[Tori]

New Cocktail to fight AIDS cases: U.S. researchers said on Wednesday they had established the "best" cocktail of AIDS drugs to start patients on -- one that keeps the virus at bay for the longest time with the fewest side effects. The cocktail includes the oldest HIV drug, GlaxoSmithKline's AZT, also known as zidovudine; Glaxo's Epivir, known as lamivudine or 3TC; and Bristol Myers Squibb's efavirenz, sold under the brand name Sustiva. The researchers said their government-funded studies, published in the New England Journal of Medicine were aimed at helping doctors and patients navigate through the maze of 19 HIV drugs.

[The_Realist]

"What would be your reaction if it was your companion? Would you be hostile? "
-Auset

i'd be disgusted.. i always maintain composure.. so, nah, no need for hostility.. i'd tell him he's disgusting and tell him he lost a good thing, because i'm out.

[Auset]

Has anyone read the book by Nikki Taylor a hustlers wife? What was your reaction when Yarni gave so easily into Benji's betrayal. Would you have been so leinant? Given him hell for a few days and then when he buys you something nice let it go.

Guys, what are you thoughts, take every situation and flip it so it caters to you, i'm interested into what you have to say also.