HIV and AIDS

Information Sheet

NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS

Geography Number of Tins of Rice

PLHIV (approximation)

Sub-Saharan Africa 24,700,000

Ghana 221,941

Western Region, Ghana 25,688

Central Region, Ghana 17,468

Greater Accra Region, Ghana 26,715

Volta Region, Ghana 18,495

Eastern Region, Ghana 32,880

Ashanti Region, Ghana 30,825

Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana 20,550

Northern Region, Ghana 7,193

Upper East Region, Ghana 24,660

Upper West Region, Ghana 17,468

One Tin of Rice = 15,300 grains of rice (people living with HIV and AIDS)

Technical Report - Estimates and Projections of National HIV Prevalence and Impact in Ghana, Using
Sentinel Surveillance Data Adjusted with DHS+ Data 2006

Technical Report - 2010 HIV Sentinel Survey Report, National AIDS Control Programme
Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health
 HIV and AIDS
Information Sheet

HIV TRANSMISSION - QQR

For HIV transmission to take place, remember QQR:

Quality of the virus must be strong
Quantity of virus must be large
Route of transmission must be available

Quality
• HIV can not survive outside the human body
• HIV dies when it meets air or heat
• HIV can survive inside a syringe if there is no air (vacuum)

Quantity
• HIV can be found in large amounts (quantities) in semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and breast milk
• HIV can be found in saliva, tears, vomit, faeces, and urine, BUT it is NOT enough to be
transmitted (unless blood is also present)
• HIV is NOT found in sweat

Route
• For HIV transmission to take place, the HIV must get into the body’s bloodstream.
• If someone cuts himself, the blood flows out (away from the bloodstream); if you touch
someone’s bleeding cut, blood will not enter into your bloodstream unless you also have an open
sore or wound.

Using QQR, you can see why HIV CANNOT be transmitted by:
Kissing Shaking hands
Hugging Sharing cups and plates
Mosquitoes Sharing toilets
Using the same wash water

In Ghana, the main route of HIV transmission is by sex. The main risk is through the penis to the vagina
and from the penis to the anus. There is a lesser risk of transmission from the penis to the mouth. There
are almost no recorded cases of transmission from an HIV + woman’s vagina to an HIV – person’s mouth.
There are no recorded cases of transmission from an HIV + person’s mouth to an HIV – person’s vagina
or penis.

During sex, HIV can pass from -

Man to Man
Man to Woman
Woman to Man
 HIV and AIDS
Information Sheet

HIV Risk of Infection

Higher Risk

Anal sex without a condom and without a lubricant

(A rectum is not designed for sex. A penis can cause rips and tears inside, allowing exchange of blood and
semen.)

Vaginal or Anal Sex without a condom with a person with an STI

(STIs bring blood to the surface of the skin, increasing the opportunity for infection.)

Vaginal sex without a condom and without a lubricant

(Semen and vaginal fluids can contain HIV.)

Using Vaseline or hair oil to lubricate a condom

(Oil-based products weaken male condoms and can cause them to break.)

Sharing needles
(Injecting drug users tend to inject other people’s blood right into their veins.)

HIV + woman getting pregnant or breastfeeding

(A pregnant woman with HIV has one chance in three of infecting her child at birth or through
breastfeeding.)

Excessive alcohol
(Too much alcohol can reduce the desire to use a condom, or cause one to forget to use a condom.)

Drug use
(Too much drug use can reduce the desire to use a condom, or cause one to forget to use a condom.)

Lower Risk

Anal sex with a condom and with a lubricant

(A condom is good protection against HIV unless it breaks or is used improperly)

Vaginal sex with a condom and with a lubricant

(A condom is good protection against HIV unless it breaks or is used improperly)

Oral sex with a condom

(While a much lower risk than anal or vaginal sex, condoms are not 100% effective against HIV because
they may break or be used improperly)

Sex with multiple partners with a condom and with a lubricant

(Reducing the number of partners reduces the risk of HIV)
 HIV and AIDS
Information Sheet
Sharing uncovered sex toys (dildos or vibrators)
(There is a possibility of exchange of blood, semen, or vaginal fluids if a sex toy is not covered with a
condom or washed well before sharing with a partner.)

No Risk (Safe)

Handshakes
(The skin is a good protective coating. HIV doesn’t go through it unless there is an open sore or cut.)

Being bitten by a mosquito

(HIV is not present in a mosquito’s saliva that is injected when biting a person. If mosquitoes transmitted
HIV, then many more people of all ages would be infected)

Sharing a toilet
(HIV is very weak outside the body. It dies in the air very quickly.)

Masturbation
(There is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk, as masturbation only involves one
person.)

Fingering
(There is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk; however, it is important to wash
your hands after fingering to avoid the possibility of contracting Hepatitis.)

Rimming
(There is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk; however, anal hygiene is important
as there is a risk of contracting Hepatitis.)

Body Rubbing
(There is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.)

Cyber Sex
(There is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk as cyber sex, or internet sex, is
through communication using computers.)

Sharing a toothbrush
(Sharing brushes may not be hygienic, but HIV transmission is not a problem.)

Touching/hugging a person with AIDS

(There is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.)
 HIV and AIDS
Information Sheet
Sweat and Tears
(HIV has been found in tears in very low quantities from some AIDS patients, but it is not enough to
transmit HIV. HIV has never been recovered from the sweat of HIV-infected persons.)

Sharing spoons/forks/plates/cups with a PLHIV

(HIV is a very weak virus outside the body. It dies in the air very quickly and is killed by
soap and water.)

Sharing phones
(HIV is a very weak virus outside the body. It dies in the air very quickly.)

Deep kissing with tongues

(HIV can be found in saliva but not in enough quantities to transfer the virus from one person to another.)
 HIV and AIDS
Information Sheet

ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART)

• Antiretroviral therapy is a treatment, not a cure for HIV.

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) or antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) do not kill the HIV virus. How-
ever, they can help to decrease the amount of virus in the body (viral load).

• ARVs are taken in combination, usually three different ARVs every day. Each drug attacks HIV
in a different way.

• ARVs should not be started until a blood test is done to determine how much HIV is in the body
(viral load).

• Once started, ARVs must be taken for the rest of a person’s life, and must be taken properly every
day at the specified times.

• ARVs can cause side effects (e.g. nausea, anaemia, rashes, and headaches).

• ART helps the body to strengthen the immune system and fight off opportunistic infections.

• ARVs should never be shared. When they are prescribed, they are for one person.

• ART reduces HIV transmission from the mother to child during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and
breastfeeding.

Adapted from Peer Education Facilitators Manual for HIV High-Risk Populations (COH Zambia)
 Sexually Transmitted Infections
Information Sheet

Relationship between HIV and other STIs

There is a close relationship between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

1. HIV is one type of sexually transmitted infection (STI)

2. STIs increase your risk of contracting HIV

A person who has an STI is at a much higher risk of contracting HIV through sex from an infected
person. The sores, blisters, and rashes from the STI can provide openings for HIV to enter the body
(like those symptomatic of syphilis or herpes). However, research also shows that STIs that do not
cause breaks in the skin (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) also increase one’s chances of being
infected with HIV.

3. STIs increase your risk of transmitting HIV

A person infected with both HIV and another STI has a higher risk of transmitting HIV to another
partner.

4. Prompt and appropriate treatment of STIs reduces individual risk of HIV infection

5. STIs can result in an HIV-infected person (PLHIV) developing AIDS more rapidly
STIs put additional stress on the body’s resistance. Those who are HIV-positive and have another
STI are likely to get sick more frequently and develop AIDS more rapidly. When the body has
to keep fighting infections for a long time, the body’s resistance is weakened and opportunistic
diseases take over.

6. STIs can be symptoms of HIV Infection

HIV infection may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of other STIs. A person infected with
HIV may have more severe symptoms of STIs and the normal treatment for the STI may be
ineffective.
 Sexually Transmitted Infections
Information Sheet

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STI Male Signs and Symptoms Transmission Treatment

---------------------------
If Left
Untreated
Genital May have no symptoms Direct skin-to-skin • Incurable
Herpes Initial infection: contact during • Treatment for
• Flulike symptoms (fever, chills, head anal, oral, or vagi- symptoms with
and muscle aches, and fatigue) nal sex. antiviral medication
• Blisters and ulcers on and around -------------------------------
mouth area or genitals, or in the anus. • Increased risk of HIV
Recurrent infection:
• Blisters and ulcers on genital
area or lips

Syphilis Usually no symptoms Unprotected anal, • Curable with

• Painless round, open sores in oral, or vaginal antibiotics
genital area, anus, and mouth which sex -------------------------------
heal slowly • Blindness,
• Rash on palms of hands and soles of heart failure,
feet and flulike symptoms brain damage
• Proctitis (inflammation of anus and • Increased risk of HIV
rectal lining)

Genital May have no visible symptoms Direct skin contact • Incurable

Warts • Warts in genital area and anus, some- during anal or • Treatment for
times with itching. vaginal sex symptoms
-------------------------------
• Disfigurement of
genitals
• Increased risk of HIV

Gonorrhoea May have no symptoms Unprotected anal, • Curable with

• Painful urination oral, or vaginal antibiotics
• Pus from tip of penis sex -------------------------------
• Proctitis (inflammation of anus and • Urethritis
rectal lining) • Sterility
• Increased risk of HIV

Chancroid • Painful ulcers (sores) on penis or anus Direct contact • Curable with
that bleed easily and appear 3-5 days with discharge antibiotics
after exposure from ulcers (sores) -------------------------------
• Inflammation: one side of lymph gland • Increased risk of HIV
Adapted from CDC website: www.cdc.gov/std/, Training Manual; An Introduction to Promoting Sexual Health
for Men who have Sex with Men and Gay Men (The Naz Foundation (India) Trust), and Uniformed Services
HIV/AIDS Peer Leadership Guide (FHI)
 Sexually Transmitted Infections
Information Sheet

STI Male Signs and Symptoms Transmission Treatment

---------------------------
If Left
Untreated
Chlamydia May have no symptoms Unprotected anal, • Curable with
• Painful urination oral, or vaginal antibiotics
• Discharge from penis sex -----------------------------
• Proctitis (inflammation of anus and • Urethritis
rectal lining) • Increased risk of HIV

Hepatitis A May have no symptoms Rimming (trans- • Hep A vaccination

• Flulike symptoms mitted through for prevention
• Diarrhoea and vomiting faeces) • No treatment
• Jaundice • Bed rest and fluids
• Usually get better
after 2 to 3 weeks of
bed rest.

Hepatitis B May have no symptoms Having sex with • Hep B vaccination

• Jaundice an infected person for prevention
• Fatigue and rimming. Risk • Anti-viral treatment
• Abdominal pain may be reduced --------------------------
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting by condom use • Cirrhosis (scarring
(transmitted of liver)
through blood and • Death from chronic
semen) liver disease

Pubic Lice • Itching of pubic area, mainly at night Direct body • Special shampoos
(Crabs) contact and lotions

Scabies • Itchy red rash on penis, buttocks, Direct body • Special lotions
inner thighs, wrists, ankles, hands, contact and
chest, and back contact with
infected bedding
and clothing
 Condom Use
Information Sheet

CONDOM AND LUBRICANT

What is a condom?
A condom is a thin sheath, usually made of latex, that is placed on an erect penis and used during anal,
vaginal, and oral sex.

How is a condom used?

A condom holds the semen so that sperm cannot pass into the anus, vagina, or mouth. The condom is
placed on an erect penis before sex. The condom is carefully removed after sex. Condoms can only be
used once.

How effective is the condom?

A condom is highly effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, if
used correctly and consistently during every sexual encounter.

What type of lubricants should be used with a condom?

Only water-based lubricants such as K-Y jelly or glycerine should be used with condoms. Oil-based
lubricants such as Vaseline, hair oil, Robb, Nkuto, and Nku should NEVER be used, as the oils cause the
condom to break (making them ineffective).

When should a lubricant be used with a condom?

• When you have anal sex
• When you have dry vaginal sex

What are the advantages of using a condom?

• Protects against HIV and other STIs
• Easy to find
• Inexpensive
• Easy to use

What are the disadvantages of using a condom?

• May occasionally break or slip off during intercourse if not used properly
• May interrupt sexual activity when being put on if the couple is inexperienced in their use
(this improves with continued practice)
• May cause decreased sexual sensitivity if the wrong type of condom is used

What are the possible side effects of using a condom?

• Rarely, there may be an allergic reaction to latex which would cause burning, itching, or swelling
 Testing and Counselling
Information Sheet

POSITIVE LIVING

WHAT IS POSITIVE LIVING WITH HIV?

1. Positive living with HIV is living with hope and determination to delay the onset of AIDS,
thus being able to live a healthy and long life.
2. It means maintaining a positive mental attitude and healthy lifestyle to help the immune
system cope with HIV (or any other illness).
3. It means avoiding infecting others and re-infecting oneself with HIV.

STRATEGIES FOR POSITIVE LIVING

1. Have the Right Attitude

a. Accept HIV-positive status. This will not happen overnight, and people living with HIV need
support to be able to cope.
b. Share your status and worries with those you love and trust.
c. Learn as much as you can about HIV and AIDS and its effects on your life.
d. Share experiences with others in your community who are also living positively to find
strength and hope.

2. Seek Support

a. Talking to somebody helps an HIV-positive person cope with stress and ease tension, and it will
lighten the load.
b. Go back to the counsellor, who will listen to your fears and worries about your status.
c. Avoid being alone — mix with friends and family members.

a. This is helpful if you are a member of a church or religious organization. Talking to someone
you trust will help in reducing your stress and worries.

a. It is important for people living with HIV to take care of their health by protecting themselves
against infectious diseases such as TB, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), malaria,
and chest infections.
b. Seek early medical treatment whenever you suspect you have any infection.
c. Immediate treatment of opportunistic infections helps to keep the immune system stronger and
therefore decreases the viral load.
3. Maintain Good Health
a. Maintain good personal hygiene by taking a bath at least once a day, washing your hands
after using the toilet and before handling food, and keeping your home clean.
b. Avoid infections or diseases by sleeping under a mosquito net.
c. Avoid re-infection of HIV or other STIs by using a condom consistently and correctly with
ALL sexual partners (this includes using a lubricant for anal and vaginal sex).
d. Visit the health centre regularly and go whenever you fall ill.
e. Exercise regularly.
f. Avoid smoking (cigarettes and drugs).
g. Get enough rest.

4. Engage in Social Activities

a. Visit friends and participate in meetings of the local network of people living with HIV
and AIDS to share experiences and challenges.
b. Get involved in care and support groups. This will help you overcome difficult conditions.

5. Make Plans for Your Life

a. Being infected with HIV does not mean one will die immediately; people with HIV may live for
over 20 years with the availability of ART. You need to make plans for your life.

6. Eat Healthy
a. Good nutrition is very impant to help boost your immune system and help protect the body
against disease and infection.
b. Drink boiled or pure water.
c. Avoid alcohol.
d. Eat fresh food, including fruits and vegetables.
 Testing and Counselling
Information Sheet

TESTING AND COUNSELLING

(TC)

What is Testing and Counselling (TC)?

TC is a service where people can choose to go for an HIV test and receive counselling. Test results are
confidential and only shared with the person receiving the test.

What are the steps for TC?

• First, a person will visit with a counsellor for pre-test counselling to talk about why he wants to be
tested, and to discuss the possible results.
• Second, a consent form is signed if a person agrees to take the test. A small amount of blood is
taken for testing for the presence of HIV antibodies.
• Third, the person will meet again with the counsellor in a post-test counselling session to receive
the results and discuss any next steps.

Why should I get tested?

• TO KNOW MY STATUS
• Had sex without a condom
• Condom broke during sex
• Have multiple partners
• Partner tested positive
• Am frequently sick and worried about HIV and AIDS
• To receive treatment, care, and support if HIV-infected

If I test negative, does this mean I do not have HIV?

No, there is a period of about three months after you are infected when you may test negative but actually
have HIV. This three month period is called the window period. During the window period, HIV may
be present in the body, but the body’s immune system has not yet developed the antibodies that are found
by the HIV test. If you test negative, you should test again after three months to be certain you are HIV –.

The test cannot tell

• When a person was infected
• How the person was infected
• Who the infection was from
• Whether a person has AIDS or not

Barriers to TC
• Fear of stigma
• Fear of discrimination
• Fear of results
 Life Skills
Information Sheet

ANATOMY OF THE MALE AND FEMALE SEX ORGANS

What is anatomy and physiology, and why study them?

Anatomy is what the parts of the body look like. Physiology is how the various parts of the body work. It
is important that we learn about our own bodies so that we can take proper care of them.

What are the genitals and reproductive tract?

The genitals are the body parts involved in sex. The reproductive tract includes those body parts that are
involved in sex that are inside our bodies.

Male Organs
External (Outside organs)

Penis – External organ for reproduction and urinary excretion. It is normally hanging downward. When
sexually excited, it becomes hard and enlarges.

Shaft - Filled with a sponge-like tissue that can fill with blood during sexual excitement to become erect
and stiff. It is not a muscle.

Glans - The bulb-like area on the end of the shaft. This area is the most sensitive to sexual arousal. This is
also called the head of the penis.

Foreskin - The covering over the glans, it is cut off during circumcision. It can be pulled back and it also
pulls back by itself during an erection.

Scrotum - The sac or bag that contains the testicles. The testicles are outside the body because they have
to be at the right temperature to produce sperm.

Anus - The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. Although it is not a part of the sex organs, it
is included here because STIs can happen here.

Internal (Inside organs)

Urethra - The tube inside the penis shaft. Urine and semen go through it. Just the opening is visible at the
end of the penis. The STDs gonorrhoea and chlamydia can live here.

Prostate Gland - This gland produces some of the semen that comes out when a man has an orgasm. The
prostate can be infected with bacteria that cause STDs such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. The bacteria are
harder to get rid of when they get into the prostate — antibiotic medicine usually has to be given for a
longer time.
 Life Skills
Information Sheet

Seminal Vesicles - These glands produce some of the semen that comes out when a man has an orgasm.

Vas deferens - This tube connects the testicles with the urethra and carries sperm.

Testicles (Testes) – Located inside the scrotum, their purpose is to make sperm and to produce the male
hormone (testosterone).

Epididymis - This is the area on top of the testicle that collects sperm and connects with the vas deferens.
If some STIs, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, are left untreated, the bacteria can get into the epididymis
and cause them to swell up and become tender.

Cowper’s Glands – A pair of small glands that produce a fluid that is part of semen.

Urinary Bladder – A sac which holds the urine.

 Life Skills
Information Sheet

Male Reproductive Anatomy (uncircumcised)

Circumcised Penis
 Life Skills
Information Sheet

Female Organs
External (Outside Organs)

Labia - There are two pairs of labia or lips: the outer lips (labia major) and the inner lips (labia minor).
They help to protect the opening to the urethra and the vagina. The outer labia may have some pubic hair
on them.

Pubic Hair - Above the labia is the pubic hair which may be in a small area or may cover a large area on
the lower abdomen. This hair develops during the teenage years and serves a protective function.

Clitoris – A small bump at the top of external genitals where the labia meet in the middle. It enlarges
during sexual excitement and its function is for sexual pleasure. It is covered by a hood or fold of skin to
protect it.

Anus - The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. Although it is not a part of the sex organs, it
is included here because STIs can happen here.

Internal (Inside Organs)

Hymen - This is a ring of skin around the opening of the vagina that gets broken during first sexual inter-
course.

Vagina – A hollow, muscular, tunnel-like structure that ends a few inches inside, at the cervix. This is
where the penis fits during intercourse and it is through this tube that a baby is pushed when giving birth.

Cervix - This is the bottom end of the uterus. It has a small opening through which menstrual blood flows
from the uterus. It is also the hole where semen can enter through. This opening, along with the vagina,
can expand greatly during childbirth to allow the baby to exit. When a doctor examines a woman, s/he
will put a speculum (a tool to open the vagina) inside the vagina and look at the cervix for any abnormali-
ties. The lining of the skin covering the cervix is different in young women who have not started to have
their periods yet. This is important in the transmission of STIs since germs may be able to enter more eas-
ily in younger women.

Uterus - This is a muscular organ that has an inner lining with a lot of blood vessels which is shed
monthly during menstruation. The uterus is where a baby develops from an embryo into a foetus.
One of the openings of the uterus is through the cervix, which opens into the vagina. The other
openings are at the other end and open into the fallopian tubes.

Endometrium – The inner layer of the uterus which is shed monthly. The inner lining provides the
necessary environment for a developing embryo and foetus.

Fallopian Tube (Oviduct) - On each side of the uterus there is a narrow tube that reaches out towards
the ovaries. It is through this tube that the egg travels from the ovary to the uterus and where fertilization
takes place if the egg meets a sperm along the way.

Ovary - Women have two ovaries that contain eggs that develop and enlarge during the menstrual cycle
and then pop out near the opening of the fallopian tube. The tube catches the egg and transports it towards
the uterus. About 300 to 400 eggs are produced during a women’s life from the time she starts her period
until she stops (menopause). The other function of the ovaries is to produce the hormones estrogen and
progesterone.

Egg - The egg (also called an ovum or ova) is what combines with a sperm to form a baby. If the egg
travels down the tube without meeting a sperm, it doesn’t get fertilized and it comes out with the monthly
menstrual flow of blood.

Urethra - A tube leading from the bladder that carries urine out of the body. Its opening lies between the
clitoris and the vaginal opening.

Breasts - The breasts are fatty tissues with milk-producing glands inside. The breasts may swell and
become tender before the period starts, and they may also swell during sexual excitement. The nipple can
become firm in the cold or to a touch. Sometimes there is a bit of hair around the nipple. It is common for
one breast to be slightly larger than the other.
 Life Skills
Information Sheet

Female Reproductive Anatomy

(Internal and External Views)
 Information Sheet

GLOSSARY

AIDS Acquired immune-deficiency syndrome; a collection of illnesses which signal

that ones’ immune system has been damaged or suppressed by HIV infection.

Antibody Produced by our bodies in the blood in response to an antigen (foreign body
such as a bacteria or virus).

Antigen Foreign invader or germ that enters the body, such as a virus or bacteria.

Antiretroviral The group of medicines used for ART treatment.

drugs (ARV)

Antiretroviral Treatment with drugs that stop HIV from multiplying in the body.
Therapy (ART)

CD4 Cells A type of white blood cell and an important part of the body’s immune system.
CD4 cells are sometimes called T-cells. When someone is infected with HIV for
a long time, their CD4 cell count gets smaller — a sign that their immune
system is being weakened.

Pubic Lice (Crabs) Small bugs that attach themselves to the skin in the pubic area and lay eggs in
the hair.

Ejaculation Discharge of semen in males.

Erection When the penis fills with blood and becomes hard.

Female Condom A thin rubber tube with rings at both ends that is inserted into the vagina
before sex.

Fingering Inserting one or two fingers into the anus.

Genital Herpes A common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is non-curable and
causes painful blisters or sores on the genital area or lips.

Genital Warts A common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a group of viruses
that cause painless soft growths to appear on the genitals or in the anus.

Gonorrhoea A common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes males to have a
burning sensation when urinating and a thick discharge from the penis. Females
may have similar symptoms – pain when urinating and discharge from the
vagina.
HIV Human immune-deficiency virus; virus that causes AIDS.

Immune System The body’s defense system: made up of organs, tissues, and cells that defend the
body against infection, disease, and foreign substances by attacking the invaders
or the abnormal cells.

Interpersonal Communication that occurs between two people or in small groups. Involves
Communication both verbal and nonverbal forms and both listening and talking.
(IPC)

Life Skills Personal and social abilities that are needed to function confidently and deal
effectively with the demands of day-to-day life. Life skills include
effective communication, decision making, the ability to say no, negotiation
skills, and problem solving.

Masturbation Also known as solo sex. Self-stimulation of genitals for sexual pleasure.

Mutual Touching and stroking each other’s genitals for sexual pleasure.
Masturbation

Opportunistic Infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system caused by HIV.
Infections

Oral Sex The act of using the mouth to suck and lick the penis, vagina, or anus.

Peer Education An approach of sharing information that involves people who are similar.

Proctitis Inflammation of the anus and the lining of the rectum.

Rimming Licking the anus.

Scabies Small bugs that crawl under the skin and cause severe itching.

Semen A liquid produced by the male at orgasm that contains the sperm; carries HIV
when the male is HIV-infected.

Sexually Infections that are caused by viruses, bacteria, or other germs passed through
Transmitted sexual activity.
Infections (STIs)

Sperm Male reproductive cell that is produced in the testes and released when the
male ejaculates.

Syphilis A common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in which a small painless sore is
present in the genitals or vagina for up to one month. Secondary syphilis occurs
several months after exposure with a generalized rash. Third stage syphilis
occurs years later and may affect any organ, including the brain and heart.
T-cells White blood cells that are the primary targets of HIV.

Testes (testicles) The male reproductive organs found inside the scrotum which produce sperm from
puberty.

Transsexual A person who identifies with the opposite sex of which he or she was born.
S ome transsexual people change their bodies through hormone treatments
or operations.

Transvestite A person who cross-dresses (man dressing as a woman); a transvestite may also
be called a cross-dresser.

Tuberculosis (TB) A lung infection that can occur in people with weakened immune systems and
is easily transmitted. TB can be successfully treated with medication.

Urethritis Inflammation of the urethra; men most often get urethritis from gonorrhoea and
chlamydia. Symptoms include burning and pain when urinating.

Virus A disease-causing organism that can not be seen and which lives inside a person
or other living organism.

White Blood Cell A type of blood cell that helps fight infections.

Window Period The time period between when a person is actually infected with HIV and when
antibodies to HIV can be detected in the test. The window period varies among
people. Nearly everyone who is infected with HIV will have antibodies detected
by testing within 3 months of the infection.

Note: Definitions for the male and sex organs are found in the “Life Skills” information sheet.