They taught us that “prevention is better than cure” but we know well the difficulty of putting into practice two fundamental principles of Social Ethics, that of prevention and precaution. Moving from a culture of need, of individual emergency to that of prevention in the social and civil spheres is a challenge that must involve everyone, the result of a total mobilization.
PREVENTION
Female condom
A female condom (also known as a femidom) is a device that is used during sexual intercourse as a barrier contraceptive to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.
The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting sheath with a flexible ring at each end. They typically come in various sizes. For most vaginas, a moderately sized condom is adequate. The inner ring at the closed end of the sheath is used to insert the condom inside the vagina and to hold it in place during intercourse. The rolled outer ring at the open end of the sheath remains outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia.
It has to be applied in the vagina before the intercourse and at each end, it is steeped in a lubricating cream. It retains the sperm just like a male condom. It can be purchased at pharmacies and each new intercourse requires the use of a new Femidom.
Condom
A condom (male use) is a sheath-shaped barrier device that may be used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and spreading sexually transmitted infections. It is rolled onto an erect penis before intercourse and blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of a sexual partner.
In latex, to wear it, it has to be unrolled entirely on the penis before any sexual intercourse; it has to be of the right size with no air inside, to avoid any risk of breakage. It should be placed at the beginning of the intercourse, because drops of sperm can escape before ejaculation. Condoms are available in many sizes, colours, varieties and tastes. Remember to check the expiration date and avoid to tear it when opening the package. The condom should not be stored or kept in warm places for a long time, as the wallet. Its correct use provides protection of 97% from pregnancies and against sexually transmitted infections. The use of aqueous lubricants reduces the risk of condom breakage.
Test HIV / IST
The HIV test is simple, it can be done only with the consent of the interested person, and respecting his/her confidentiality; it is generally free in public centers, but there are cases where the payment of a ticket is required.
Generally, it consists of a simple blood test and the result is available after a few days. Only a few centers, on request, use kits for rapid saliva test that provides results after about 20 minutes; any positive result has to be confirmed by blood tests.
