Youngsters say sweets have to be unwrapped for pleasure
There is an emerging and disturbing trend where some youngsters are increasingly engaging in unprotected sex.
HIV Activist, Pako Bootsapo has observed that some see this risky behaviour that exposes them to HIV infection as fashionable and something to boast about.
Bootsapo told The Midweek Sun that this might explain the rise in new HIV infections despite messaging aimed at making people aware of the dangers of unprotected sex.
According to Bootsapo, some youth believe that “boloto” is more pleasurable than protected sex. However, unprotected sex does not only pose a risk to HIV infection but also to other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
In his interactions with young people, Bootsapo says young people seem oblivious to the risks with some uttering irresponsible statements like, “sweet ga e monate e jewa phuthetswe,” loosely translated, ‘candy cannot be eaten in its wrapper.’ By saying this, they mean sex is not enjoyable with a condom.
“Some say raw sex is better than protected sex as it is more enjoyable and creates a special bond between lovers,” Bootsapo said.
He emphasises that youth need to know that HIV negative status expires every time one has unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown.
Further, that one cannot by looking at their sexual partner know whether they are HIV positive or not.
Bootsapo added a caution to those who are HIV positive, stating that being undetectable is not a green light for unprotected sex.
He explains that being undetectable does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.
In addition, if someone who is undetectable has unprotected sex with an individual who is infected this can make them vulnerable to re-infection.
HIV Activist, Pako Bootsapo has observed that some see this risky behaviour that exposes them to HIV infection as fashionable and something to boast about.
Bootsapo told The Midweek Sun that this might explain the rise in new HIV infections despite messaging aimed at making people aware of the dangers of unprotected sex.
According to Bootsapo, some youth believe that “boloto” is more pleasurable than protected sex. However, unprotected sex does not only pose a risk to HIV infection but also to other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
In his interactions with young people, Bootsapo says young people seem oblivious to the risks with some uttering irresponsible statements like, “sweet ga e monate e jewa phuthetswe,” loosely translated, ‘candy cannot be eaten in its wrapper.’ By saying this, they mean sex is not enjoyable with a condom.
“Some say raw sex is better than protected sex as it is more enjoyable and creates a special bond between lovers,” Bootsapo said.
He emphasises that youth need to know that HIV negative status expires every time one has unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown.
Further, that one cannot by looking at their sexual partner know whether they are HIV positive or not.
Bootsapo added a caution to those who are HIV positive, stating that being undetectable is not a green light for unprotected sex.
He explains that being undetectable does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.
In addition, if someone who is undetectable has unprotected sex with an individual who is infected this can make them vulnerable to re-infection.
