All posts tagged with: BCCDC

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are some of the most widespread infections in the world. At any given time you can be exposed to 20 or more different infections caused by viruses, bacteria and single-celled organisms.

STI exposure can happen any time there is sexual contact with anyone involving genitals, the rectum (anal) or the mouth (oral). Bacterial STI’s are treatable and curable, however viral STI’s cannot be cured. Preventing STI’s is easier than treating infections once they occur.

It’s important to be informed and educated on STI’s and HIV. Understand how to reduce your risk of infection, reduce the spread of transmission and understand the risks involved.

Engaging in high-risk sexual activity, such as multiple partners or unprotected sex, the chances of contracting a STI or HIV is dramatically increased. Unfortunately, sometimes the risks have permanent, long-term impacts.

“No matter If you are [HIV] poz or neg there’s someone out their for everyone,” said 23 year old gay porn star, Jayden Grey. “Dealing with HIV now is a lot different than back when nobody knew anything about it.”

In Canada there has been significant preventative education programs implemented over the past two decades to educate individuals on safer-sex practices and sexual education. For those who have contracted HIV, Canada has been seen as a leader in HIV care, treatment and research.

“There is help out there for those who wish to seek it,” said Jayden. “HIV is not a death sentence as long as you keep healthy and do what your doctor advises.”

Getting tested regularily is important, especially if you are engaging in high-risk activity.

“There are people out there that don’t know they have HIV because they won’t go get tested,” said Jayden. “Don’t be scared. Save yourself and the risk of spreading it.”

When is come to safe sex, 23 year old gay porn star, Jayden Grey says, “I say use a condom every time no matter what to lower the risk of catching anything.”

Jayden Grey entered the gay porn industry a year ago and has earned the respect of many of the producers and other models in his industry. Since his debut in porn Jayden has appeared in self-titled movie, Jayden Gey’s House of Sex and in Wilde Bunch.

There is a consistent message coming loud and clear from the new generation of gay porn and adult entertainment community. Their message is consistent –  practice safe sex!

It’s important for continue to remind people the importance of practicing safe sex. Clearly education has played a valuable roll in today’s generation and people understand the importance of the use of condoms and the risks unprotected sex can have.

“Great sex is safe sex unless you are in that committed relationship and you trust each other,” explains Jayden.

“I think if people are going to bareback [have unprotected sex] it’s their own choice,” said Jayden. “They know they have a higher risk of catching an STI (Sexually transmitted Infection) or HIV.”

Quick facts from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) 2009 STI/HIV Annual Report 2009:

• In 2009, 11,173 cases of genital chlamydia were reported in BC
• The rate of genital gonorrhea in BC decreased slightly in 2009 to 1,307 cases from 1,391 cases in 2008
• The rate of infectious syphilis (primary, secondary and early latent syphilis) in BC decreased substantially in 2009, to 216 cases from 328 cases in 2008
• The rate of new positive HIV tests in BC decreased slightly in 2009 to 338 cases from 346 cases in 2008

The risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV cases increase when there is higher risk, including sexual contact with multiple partners. Using safe sex practices, including condoms, can reduce the risk of getting a STI and / or HIV.

In committed long term relationships, the rules seem to change for some couples.

“If you are in a monogamous relationship and you know you both aren’t having sex with others and then I think It would be ok,” said Jayden who had been in a year-and-a-half long relationship when he lived in Iowa.

Before things start heating up in the bedroom, run to your neighbourhood pharmacy or health clinic and pick-up some extra condoms. It’s the safe choice!