Talking
with your sexual partners about HIV or getting tested can seem
hard or even scary at first. However, discussing these things
are important, and it can even make you closer.
In the heat of the moment is usally not
the best time to begin the conversation about HIV or getting
tested for HIV. The best time
to talk to your partner about HIV is before you get intimate.
What do you know about HIV and AIDS? Before
you talk with your partner, be sure to know some basic facts:
What
is HIV?
What
is AIDS?
How
do people get infected with HIV?
Your partner may know less or more than
you about HIV. A lot of people have heard things on TV or from
friends that may not be correct. Making sure you know the facts
will help the conversation go smoother.
If during the conversation you don't know the answer
to something, you can find out together.
Sort
out your feelings about abstaining, different levels of intimacy,
getting tested for HIV, and using condoms before you talk with
your partner. Know what you want
before the conversation starts.
Think about how you'll begin the conversation and what
you want to say. Maybe bring up something you heard in class
or a conversation you had with another friend about HIV. Or
you might say something like, "I feel kind of embarrassed,
but I care too much about you not to talk about this,"
or "I need to talk with you about something that's important
to both of us."
Choose a time to talk before that first intimate moment.
Talking about how to be safe means you'll both be prepared and
relaxed.
Starting the conversation may be the hardest part. Don't
be surprised if your partner says, "I'm glad you brought
it up. This is important for us to talk about."
Not everyone will be comfortable discussing HIV or AIDS. If
they don't know much about the topic, your Knowing
the Facts will help.
Listen to your partner. If they feel uncomfortable, ask
what is making them feel that way.
Here are some conversation examples with some possible responses
concerning:
Postponing
Sex
Using Condoms
Getting Tested for HIV
Health
and Education for Youth and Young Adults (HEY) is a health care
and community education program for youth ages 13-24 who may
be at risk for HIV, or who are living with HIV/AIDS. We offer
confidential medical care, support groups, psychosocial activities
and access to community resources, free HIV antibody counseling
and testing, and educational and interactive programs
