Past or Present Drug Use Many people tend to forget that HIV is also transmitted through sharing needles. In fact, the number one route of HIV infection for African American women is having unprotected intercourse with an injection drug user. We need to know whether our partners use or have ever used drugs. We also need to keep in mind that being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs impairs reason and judgment. So, using substances may also impair our ability to protect ourselves.
Female condoms are available in drug stores and are an effective, female-controlled barrier method.
Using a condom may be easier said than done, but it s definitely possible. We need to remember that this isn t an issue of trust. It s better to lose a relationship than ruin your life. Some people think that condoms decrease the pleasure of sex. An untreated STD leaves a sista more vulnerable to HIV infection.