Unsafe Sex

Test Yourself

1. Approximately what percentage of all AIDS cases have been attributed to transmission through heterosexual sex? a) 5%, b) 30%, c) 50%, c) less than 1%. [answer]
2. True or False: Research suggests that HIV may be transmitted through pre-ejaculate. [answer]
3. True or False: Unprotected vaginal intercourse places both partners at risk, but transmission from the man to the woman is more likely than transmission from the women to the man. [answer]
4. There have been no reported cases of HIV transmission from which of the following behaviors? 1) kissing, b) oral sex, c) both a and b are correct, d) none of the above. [answer]
5. True or False: Reviews have shown that at least 10% of Americans and their sex partners regularly engage in anal sex. [answer]
6. True or False: Rimming has clearly been related to transmission of both hepatitis B and parasites. [answer]
7. Which of the following is generally considered to pose the highest HIV infection risk? a) oral sex, b) unprotected anal intercourse, c) vaginal intercourse, d) fisting. [answer]
8. Which of the following is considered the most popular form of sex among gay men? 1) anal sex, b) fisting, c) oral sex, d) none of the above. [answer]

Discussion Questions

• Many counselors and clients are uncomfortable talking about sex. How can counselors feel more comfortable? And, how can counselors help clients feel more comfortable discussing sexual histories and behaviors, especially unsafe behaviors?
• How can counselors respond when clients resist talking about sex?
• How can counselors assess clients' knowledge of HIV-related risks and willingness to avoid unsafe sex?
• How can counselors help clients link unsafe sex behaviors to such issues as their reasons for having sex and their feelings for themselves? How can they relate unsafe sex to substance using behaviors?
• How can counselors help clients link unsafe sex behaviors to such issues as their reasons for having sex and their feelings for themselves? How can they relate unsafe sex to substance using behaviors?
• How can counselors respond when clients are willing only to reduce some of their unsafe sex, while still engaging in other HIV- related risk behaviors?
• Is it useful to work with clients to present the HIV-related risk of various behaviors on a continuum? What other methods are useful for helping the client measure the relative risk of behaviors?

Answers to "Test Yourself"

1. A. About 5% of all cases of HIV infection [in the US] have been attributed to heterosexual intercourse [according to the CDC. Worldwide, more than 50% are heterosexually transmitted. See the WHO Global Programme on AIDS for more information.]
2. True.<.a> Research suggests that HIV may be transmitted though pre- ejaculate, the fluid released by the penis before full ejaculation.
3. True. Both partners are at risk in vaginal intercourse, although the risk to the female partner is greater.
4. A. there have been no reported cases of HIV infection from kissing. There have been reports of transmission through oral sex.
5. True.
6. True.
7. B. Unprotected anal intercourse is the sexual behavior that poses the greatest risk for HIV infection. Most cases of HIV infection through sexual behavior have been attributed to unprotected anal sex.
8. C. Oral sex is considered the most popular sexual behavior among gay men.