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HEALTHIER YOU: Black women, black men and HIV

December 18, 2018 by  
Filed under Health

Black women, black men and HIV

BY DR. ANNETTE MAYES, OB/GYN

DR. ANNETTE MAYE

Media attention on the topic may have diminished over the last decade or more, but the reality is that the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS remains high within black communities.

Blacks currently account for about 49% of the people diagnosed with the virus, despite comprising only 14% of the U.S. population. And because women are at a particularly high risk of contracting this disease, it’s extremely important for them to have sex health conversations with their partners — as uncomfortable as the topic may be.

Women engaging in sexual activity while dating should plan for their sexual future, just as they would for every other aspect — careers, marriage, children — of their lives.

In reality, the best time for this dialogue is at the beginning of a relationship — before any sexual activity ever occurs. Women often make the mistake of having one of the most important conversations well after there is an emotional attachment and when it is easier to compromise on their beliefs.

Some women are afraid to be more vocal about HIV testing in a relationship out of fear of losing their partner, fear of being perceived as promiscuous, fear of being seen as too headstrong, or fear of being viewed as being accusatory of their mates.

Conversations about HIV testing may be uncomfortable, but they are still very necessary. Remember: put your health first, and your relationship will blossom into what you intend it to be.

For additional information, contact the Las Vegas All Women’s Care Offices at (702)522-9640. Or visit us at 700 Shadow Lane No. 165 (1st floor) in Las Vegas.

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