Smart Sex Workshops
smart sex workshop for educators
Site: | K-Net Meeting Place |
Meeting Place: | Here for You |
Book: | Smart Sex Workshops |
Printed by: | Guest User |
Date: | Wednesday, 29 January 2025, 12:11 AM |
Table of Contents
Introduction to these workshops
Below you will find three workshops developed from Aids Community Care Montreal (http://www.accmontreal.org/en/about.html) by Ian Wilson, from the University of British Columbia. There are 4 main workshops:Human Graph Workshop Outline
Human Graph Workshop Outline
1. Introduce the facilitators, the organization, and our goals. Talk briefly about making the classroom an open, respectful place for people to talk without being judged.
2. Human Graph Activity
3. Final Questions/Conclusion and Evaluation Form
Goal: Address topics that are potentially controversial amongst teens (for example: stigma, peer pressure, slang terms, sexual expression, homosexuality, protection) to try and debunk some common misconceptions and stereotypes, and also to stimulate dialogue about such topics.
You Will Need:
Introduction
Hi, my name is _____________. I work to promote awareness and responsibility among youth about smart sex, healthy relationships, and HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Here is my contact information (have name, website, email address on board) so that if you think of any questions after the workshop you can ask them or you can look up some information on the topics we’ll be covering.
Today we are going to discuss some potentially controversial statements through a workshop called the ‘Human Graph’. To do this we need to make everyone in the class comfortable so that they will be willing to talk about their opinions. How can we make sure that everyone is comfortable talking? (Elicit responses such as: respect, listen when someone talks, don’t laugh at anyone, there’s no such thing as a stupid question, everything that is said in the room stays in the room….write these responses on the board.)
Human Graph Activity
Hand out a Human Graph to each student. Give them a minute to read the instructions at the top of the page.
Recap for them: “Read a statement, think about it, and then decide whether you agree (A) with it, disagree (D) with it, or are undecided (U). Circle the corresponding letter. Do this for each statement. When you are finished turn over your paper.”
When all students have their paper turned over collect them, shuffle them, and then redistribute one to each student.
*NOTE –you can skip this step if the students tell you they are comfortable expressing their opinion in front of the class, otherwise this takes away the shyness because they are representing an unknown person’s opinion
Read through the statements one at a time, using one side of the room as ‘Agree’, the other as ‘Disagree’, and the center as ‘Undecided’ (you may want to move the desks around so they can sit). Have students move to the side of the room that corresponds to the answer circled on the page they have in front of them.
For each statement ask the students on the ‘Agree’ side why they think someone might agree with the statement (remember that they may not agree, but the person’s sheet they have did). Do the same for the ‘Disagree’ side. Use the questions below as guidelines to stimulate discussion –you don’t have to ask them all.
Conclusion
Ask the participants if they have any questions. Answer any questions you can, otherwise refer to our contact information or give them resources to find the answer. Leave them with contact information in case they think of questions later and would like to contact you (you wrote this on the board at the beginning of the workshop).
Ask the participants to fill out an evaluation form to let us know what they thought of the workshop. Tell them to be honest, and that it’s okay if there were things they didn’t like. Tell them not to put their name on it. Make sure to collect all of the workshop evaluations.
Human Graph Activity Sheet
Human Graph Activity Sheet
Please circle your answer for each of these statements.
A = Agree D = Disagree U = Undecided
Don’t sign your name, it’s anonymous.
You should only have sex if you love someone.
A D U
You and your partner will have more pleasure if you communicate what you want and don’t want.
A D U
It’s okay to masturbate.
A D U
The size of a penis affects a partner’s pleasure.
A D U
Two guys can be in love.
A D U
You can stop sexual activity at any time.
A D U
All women have orgasms from vaginal sex.
A D U
Being drunk makes sex better.
A D U
Anal and oral sex don’t count as real sex.
A D U
What happens in porn happens in real life too.
A D U
If you carry a condom, it means you want sex.
A D U
If anything hurts, you should stop and try something different.
A D U
If you have sex with multiple partners you’re a slut.
A D U
It’s easier to say no to someone your own age than it is to say no to an older person.
A D U
If a girl is on birth control you don’t need a condom.
A D U
Sexual invitation may be expressed unknowingly through the clothes you wear.
A D U
If you experiment sexually with someone from the same sex it means you are gay.
A D U
If you say no you’re “a freeze”.
A D U
It’s the guy’s responsibility to provide the condom.
A D U
“SEX” implies mutual consent.
A D U
Smart Sex Workshop Outline
Smart Sex Workshop Outline
1. Introduction
2. What is sex?
3. Birth control methods
4. General condom use
5. 12 steps of condom use
6. Condom demonstration
7. Glove and lube activity
8. Scenarios for negotiating condom use
9. Final Questions/Conclusion
10. Evaluation Form
You will need:
Introduction
Write our name, website address and phone number on the board before you start. You can also write your names on the board.
Hi, my name is _____________ and I volunteer for ……….. We work to promote youth health, awareness, responsibility and action about safe sex, healthy relationships, HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Today we will take a look at some scenarios that cover these topics.
Today I’m here to talk about sex. There’s so much information about sex available –maybe you hear stuff from your friends, or read things in books, magazines, or on the internet. Some of this information can be confusing, so it is really common for people to have lots of questions. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and I’ll do my best to answer them. You can always get a hold of me anonymously after the workshop through phone or email.
This workshop isn’t just for people who are having sex right now. It’s useful to think about sex and have information before you actually need to use it, or in case one of your friends wants to talk about it.
This can be an intense topic, so you may have strong reactions and people will have a lot of different opinions. How do you think we can make the space safe for everyone here?
Write the suggestions given on the board, including respect, listening to each other, keep what is said in the room……
Conclusion
Ask the participants if they have any questions. Answer any questions. Leave them with contact information in case they think of questions later and would like to contact you (you wrote this on the board at the beginning of the workshop).
Ask the participants to fill out an evaluation form to “let us know what you thought of the workshop”. Tell them to be honest, and that it’s okay if there were things they didn’t like. Tell them not to put their name on it.
What is Sex?
Activity Summary:
Sex can mean a wide number of things to different people. If you’re doing things with a partner, anything is fine as long as you and your partner are both in agreement with what you want to do. Get the participants to think about sexual situations, decisions, and consequences. Emphasize being comfortable with personal choices and desires around sex. Emphasize importance of mutual consent, pleasure, and responsibility related to sex.
Instructions:
Wait for and encourage responses after you ask each of the following questions. Write down everything the group suggests randomly on the board. Use your judgment and rephrase responses if needed to create a respectful environment.
*Note - Be aware of not just having a heterosexist slant. You can use ‘partner’ or ‘boyfriend or girlfriend’ rather than only using opposite gender examples. If participants are slow to participate, suggest some responses and ask if the group thinks they are appropriate.
Reject responses only if they are clearly discriminatory, sexist, violent, homophobic, etc. Address inappropriate responses immediately. If possible, rephrase or suggest alternate responses. For example, if someone suggests an association with sex that has to do with coercion or force, explain right away that violence and forcing someone are not part of sex, and that sex can only happen when both/all of the participants want to be doing what they’re doing. You can also emphasize that sex is about pleasure, not about force, and you can ask the participant to offer another example of sex that takes this into account, or you can write ‘mutual pleasure’ on the board.
Examples of responses people might give :
Remember:
General Condom Use
Activity Summary:
Participants will learn what condoms are, why they are important, condom types, which type are good for what activity, lubrication, and storage issues.
There are condoms for use by both males and females. Condoms are barriers worn over the penis or inserted into the vagina that help to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. They must be used properly to be protected during sex.
There are lots of different types of condoms available. Each person may have different preferences when it comes to condoms. Some people find certain kinds feel better or fit better for them. There are also condoms and barriers made for specific activities, such as oral sex.
Condoms should be kept close at hand, such as in a bedside table or sock drawer. They should also be kept away from heat and direct sunlight as heat damages the latex leading to breakage. Do not store condoms in your wallet for weeks or months because the body heat damages them and there is risk of puncture. Also, it is best to use name brand condoms like Durex or Trojan.
Different types of lubricant, or lube, also have different consistencies, and you can pick your personal favorite. It is important to use water or silicon based lube with condoms because anything oil based (Vaseline, moisturizer, baby oil, etc.) will break down latex and will very likely cause the condom to break.
12 Steps of Condom Use
Activity Summary:
Participants should understand the reasons behind the steps to properly use a condom.
Preventing STIs and pregnancy are two important reasons to practice safer sex, including using a condom. If you are sexually active, condoms are still one of the best ways to protect against most STIs and can be used for contraception either alone or along with other methods. Other methods alone (pill, diaphragm, IUD) do not protect against STIs.
Instructions:
Place the 16 steps randomly on the board. Explain that there are 12 real steps and 4 steps that don’t actually have anything to do with using condoms properly. Ask the group what they think is the first step. You may have to explain that the first couple of steps happen before the condom even enters the picture. Go through the steps as they identify them in order, asking them about the reasons for each step and making sure the explanations are clear.
The Steps:
It may seem like there’s a lot, but it gets faster with practice. If you try this out first when you’re alone, you’ll be much more comfortable with your partner.
1. Discuss what you’re going to do with your partner - establish consent, make sure you both want the same thing and that condoms and lube will be available if the activities require them.
2. Play, explore and drive them wild without genital contact – the penis needs to be hard for the condom to go on, and this gives both partners a chance to get sexually excited, relaxed, and lubricated (if female).
3. Check the expiration date –condoms are made of latex, which weakens over time, especially when stored in a hot or sunny place. A condom is much more likely to break after the expiry date or when stored in a wallet for a long time or over a radiator. Ask the group where good places to store your condoms would be –like a knapsack, underwear drawer, under the bed, etc.
4. Open the condom without snagging it with nails, jewelry, or teeth – make sure you don’t damage the condom while opening the package. A damaged condom may leak or break.
5. Check which way the condom rolls easily so it goes on right side out – the condom won’t roll on well the wrong way. If you start with the wrong side, you have to throw it out since there will be pre-cum on the outside when you turn it around, and this can cause pregnancy and transmit HIV.
6. Add a drop of lube on the inside of the condom – this increases pleasure for the person wearing the condom, and makes sure that air stays out of the tip when you pinch it.
7. Pinch the tip – this takes out the air and makes space for the ejaculate in the tip, so the condom is less likely to break when he ejaculates. This is one of the most important steps.
8. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis – this makes it less likely to slip off during sex.
9. Add lubricant for slippery, sensual s-excitation – lube feels better for both partners and decreases the chance of condom breakage. The vagina usually produces lubrication when a women’s sexually excited, but this varies from person to person and throughout her menstrual cycle, and it’s always fine to add more. For anal sex, lubrication is essential because the anus has no natural lubrication.
10. Have yourself a good time, adding some water if the lube dries out – water will make water based lube slippery again, and sex is about enjoying yourselves.
11. Guys –pull out before you get limp, holding the base of the condom – If you pull out while still hard, it makes sure no semen leaks out inside your partner, and holding the condom makes sure it doesn’t come off inside while pulling out.
12. Throw the condom and package into the garbage. Never re-use – You can’t reuse any kind of condom, and throwing things in the trash is just plain polite. Not to mention that condoms have been known to clog toilets….
One last thing –condoms stretch. I can make this one fit over both of my hands. Some guys prefer large condoms for comfort, but unless someone has very specific elephantitis, he’ll fit into whatever you have available.
The after step: Bask in the afterglow
The non-steps: Disinfect your earrings. Eat a hearty breakfast. Eat a banana.
Scenarios for Negotiating Condom Use
Activity Summary:
Even when people have a lot of information about condoms, they are not always using them 100% of the time. This activity encourages participants to think about why people may not use condoms, and what some possible responses to these reasons may be.
Do you think that everyone uses condoms all of the time?
Participants will usually say no. If they say yes, you can say that actually this isn’t true, and that many people don’t use condoms every time.
What do you think are some of the reasons that people don’t use condoms all the time? Write responses on board.
Examples they may give:
We’re going to go through some of these reasons. Imagine you’re with someone who says one of these things to you as a reason for not using a condom. Here’s a chance for you to think of how you might respond to that person, to let them know that using a condom is important to you.
I’m going to pass you each a slip of paper with something someone might say to you as a reason not to use a condom. How would you respond to someone who says this to you? Distribute the slips of paper
Go through the group, asking the person to read their slip and then asking what they would say. Encourage and prompt the person to respond if they say “I don’t’ know”. Do not overly insist. If the person doesn’t respond ask the rest of the group if anyone has any suggestions. Only offer suggestions yourself if there really are no responses forthcoming. Do not be too quick to jump in and offer suggestions. It is preferable for the participants to come up with their own way of saying things, as these will likely be more relevant and useful to them.
Reasons to not use condoms (on their slips):
Additional activity option:
You can pair people up and have them respond to each other’s phrases.
Go back to the reasons that you wrote on the board earlier. Cross out the ones that have been responded to. Ask for possible responses to any remaining phrases.
Condom Demonstration
Activity Summary:
Allow the participants to get hands on experience putting on a condom.
Use a jelly or wooden dildo as the model. Introduce the model by name to get the participants laughing and to create a fun atmosphere. Pick the best option based on time available, number of participants, level of control/rowdiness, maturity, etc.
(This puts a lot of focus on one member of the group. It can either be hard to get a volunteer or too many people may want to have a turn).
Glove and Lube Activity
Activity Summary:
Give the participants an opportunity to feel the difference that lube can make when used with a barrier. Recap by explaining the importance of lube for sensation and to decrease the chance of condom breakage.
Now we’re going to test out the difference that lube makes to the feel of latex.
Ask if anyone is allergic to latex. Distribute one latex glove to each participant, or nitrile gloves to those who are allergic to latex. Ask them to put it on the hand of their choice.
What does the glove feel like? What does it feel like to rub your fingers together? What does it feel like to shake someone’s hand with the glove on? What does it feel like to rub your fingers with someone else’s fingers?
Now I’m going to put a little lube on your glove. I’d like you to rub your fingers together. What does that feel like? What does it feel like to shake someone’s hand now, with the lube on? What about rubbing fingers?
Which one feels better? Which one is more fun? What is the difference in feeling with the lube compared to without the lube?
Allow time for the participants to interact with each other and test the feeling. It’s okay if the participants react negatively to the lube. You can say that sometimes it feels strange, especially if you’re not used to it. You can also say that it usually adds sensation and pleasure in sexual situations.
Recap by saying:
Get the participants to take off the gloves and throw them out (you can pass around tissue or wet wipes to clean hands).
Birth Control Methods
Activity Summary:
Participants will be presented with the options available for birth control. They will become aware of the several methods available including the use, pros and cons, effectiveness, and cost. The aim is to enable the participants to make informed decisions about the contraceptive method they choose to use to protect themselves.
Now we are going to discuss the many different types of birth control. When selecting a birth control method you want to assess the effectiveness, the risks and side effects, the potential benefits, and the costs.
The best birth control method, though, is the one that fits with your goals, values, likes and dislikes, and daily lifestyle. Use the information presented as a tool to help you come to a decision as to which birth control method fits the best for you.
An important thing to remember is that birth control often only protects against pregnancy and other measures such as condoms need to be used at the same time to protect against HIV and STIs.
Positively Negative Workshop Outline
1. Introduction
2. HIV Basics
3. Treatment
4. Transmission
5. Risk Levels Game
6. Prevention
7. Getting Tested
8. The Big 8 STIs
9. Final Questions/Conclusion
10. Evaluation Form
You will need:
Introduction
Write our name, website address and phone number on the board before you start. You can also write your names on the board.
Hi, my name is _____________ and I volunteer for ……….. I’m here to promote youth health, awareness, responsibility and action about safe sex, healthy relationships, HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Today we will take discuss the ABCs of HIV, and the basics you need to know to stay “positively negative”.
What do people think of when they hear the word “HIV”?
Write a minimum of 6 answers of the board.
Conclusion
Ask the participants if they have any questions. Answer any questions. Leave them with contact information in case they think of questions later and would like to contact you (you wrote this on the board at the beginning of the workshop).
Ask the participants to fill out an evaluation form to “let us know what you thought of the workshop”. Tell them to be honest, and that it’s okay if there were things they didn’t like. Tell them not to put their name on it.
Distribute pamphlets (if available) as they hand in their evaluation forms.
Treatment of HIV
Even when someone gets AIDS, they can often get better with the medications that now exist for HIV. They work by slowing down the reproduction of the virus. When there are fewer copies of the virus in the body, the immune system gets a chance to rebuild itself. However, HIV is always in the body and the individual can still infect others when practising behaviours known to transmit HIV . Treatment is NOT the same thing as a cure.
A person infected with HIV will go through a number of stages, each accompanied by different signs and symptoms. The symptoms which include fever, rash, headache, body aches, and swollen glands may be mistaken for those of flu. Although the symptoms may pass over time, the person’s ability to fight pathogens decreases because of their suppressed immune system.
The medication is not an easy thing to live with. Treatment with antiretroviral medications can prolong the life of those infected with HIV. But,
There needs to remain enough medication in the bloodstream in order to be effective. Some pills you take with food, some on an empty stomach. A person on medication must schedule their meals around their pills. This can affect social events like birthday celebrations, meals with friends, and other social events. Despite this, antiretrovirals are the best method of treatment currently available.
The search for a vaccine to prevent HIV infection is ongoing and may be up to 10-15 years away. Since HIV was first detected, several new strains of the virus have emerged, further complicating the already enormous difficulties of developing an effective vaccine.
Despite the supposed promise of cutting edge research and treatment, a number of obstacles remain in the fight against HIV. One is the nature of the virus itself. HIV belongs to a family of viruses called retroviruses , which reproduce in a manner that makes them difficult to combat. Medications can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to nearly zero but, the retrovirus remains integrated in ones DNA and will never come out.
Overuse of HIV treatment medication or not taking your pills at the correct time causes the virus to mutate, leading to drug resistance and new HIV strains that make the previous treatment ineffective.
Transmission of HIV
There are many myths about how HIV is or is not spread. The fact is,
Ask the class to name all the body fluids they can and write them on the board under either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
Yes – they can transmit |
No – they can’t transmit |
|
· Saliva, snot, tears, earwax
|
If one of these 4 body fluids is not present, there is NO RISK. But just the presence of fluid alone isn’t enough…
The fluid needs a way to get into the bloodstream of a second person. If you’re alone, there is NO RISK. Also, skin provides a layer of protection against all sorts of germs that you come across everyday, so you can’t transmit the virus through healthy skin.
A HIGH RISK activity provides one of the 4 fluids with a way inside the body (either directly or through a fragile membrane like the vagina, anus, or penis). The following activities are how the vast majority of people catch HIV.
Risk Levels Game
Divide participants into smaller groups (4-6) and give each group a stack of ‘activity cards’ and a set of ‘risk levels’ cards. Have them discuss among themselves which level each activity goes under. When they are finished have the group share their different activities/levels with the class to make sure they’ve got it right.
Do an example activity first, being sure to explain your reasoning on how you determine the risk level.
Ejaculation on Skin –No Real Risk -2 people, semen present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier
Masturbating Someone –No Real Risk -2 people, semen present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier
Fingering Barehanded - No Real Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier
Fingering with a Glove – No Real Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier and the glove provides an extra barrier in case of cuts
Oral Sex with Latex Dam - No Real Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present, but the latex dam provides a solid barrier that’s unlikely to break
Oral Sex with Condom - No Real Risk -2 people, semen or pre-cum present, but the condom provides a solid barrier that’s unlikely to break
Rimming, no Latex Dam –No Real Risk -2 people, but feces does not transmit HIV (can transmit parasites though)
Rimming with Latex Dam - No Real Risk -2 people, but feces already does not transmit HIV and the latex dam provides an extra barrier against other STI
Rubbing Vulvas –No Real Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present, but tearing of the vulva and contact with bloodstream is considered to be unlikely by Health Canada
Sharing Condom Covered Sex Toys –No Real Risk –if the condom is thrown out after each use, any fluids are thrown out with it, so there is only 1 person in contact
Fisting Barehanded - No Real Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier. Note: this activity is likely to cause tears that increase the risk of activities that follow.
Candlelight Dinner –No Real Risk -1 person
Masturbation - No Real Risk -1 person
Striptease - No Real Risk -1 person
Reading Erotica/Porn - No Real Risk -1 person
Phone Sex - No Real Risk -1 person
Role Playing - No Real Risk -1 person
Sharing Clothing - No Real Risk -1 person
Dry Kissing - No Real Risk -2 people, but saliva does not transmit HIV
French Kissing - No Real Risk -2 people, but saliva does not transmit HIV
Licking Skin - No Real Risk -2 people, but saliva does not transmit HIV
Nibbling Ears - No Real Risk -2 people, but saliva does not transmit HIV
Biting, no Broken Skin - No Real Risk -2 people, but saliva does not transmit HIV
Hugging - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Tickling - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Playing Sports - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Dancing Together - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Rubbing Bodies - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Sensual Massage - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Scratching - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Spanking - No Real Risk -2 people, but sweat does not transmit HIV
Showering - No Real Risk -2 people, but no fluids exchanged
Tying Someone Up - No Real Risk -2 people, but no fluids exchanged
Using a Public Toilet – No Real Risk -2 people may be in contact through seat, but urine and feces don’t transmit HIV, and the bum skin touching the seat provides a solid barrier
Sharing Cleaned Penetrative Sex Toys –Low Risk -2 people in contact through the toy, traces of vaginal fluid or blood could be present after washing and in contact with the lining of the vagina or anus/rectum. Cleaning means boiling or washing with household bleach. Cleaning does not get rid of Hepatitis.
Sharing Cleaned Needles –Low Risk -2 people in contact through the needle, traces of blood could be present after washing and in direct contact with the bloodstream. Cleaning means rinsing the needle and syringe with sterile water three times, followed by rinsing them with full strength household bleach three times, followed by rinsing them with sterile water three times. None of the liquids should be reused, and both bleach and sterile water can be found at needle exchange sites. Cleaning does not get rid of Hepatitis.
Vaginal Sex, no Condom – High Risk -2 people, semen and vaginal fluid present and in contact with the lining of the vagina, urethra, and fragile skin on the penis
Anal Sex, no Condom – High Risk -2 people, semen and possibly blood present and in contact with the lining of the anus/rectum, urethra, and fragile skin on the penis
Sharing Penetrative Sex Toys –High Risk -2 people in contact through the toy, vaginal fluid or blood present and in contact with the lining of the vagina or anus/rectum
Sharing Steroid Needles –High Risk -2 people in contact through the needle, blood present and in direct contact with the bloodstream
Sharing Piercing Needle – High Risk -2 people in contact through the needle, blood present and in direct contact with the bloodstream
Sharing Heroin Works – High Risk- 2 people in contact through the works, blood present and in direct contact with the bloodstream. Heroin works include the needle, syringe, as well as the spoon and cotton used to prepare the drug.
Fisting with a Glove - No Real Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier and the glove provides an extra barrier in case of cuts. Note: this activity is likely to cause tears that increase the risk of activities that follow.
New Tattoo Needle –No Real Risk -2 person. Note: there are other forms of cross contamination, such as sharing ink or ink wells, using unsterilized tubes, not wearing gloves, and not covering switches, the machine, and bottles with new plastic.
Preparing Food –No Real Risk -1 person. Even if someone accidentally cuts themself while preparing food, they will likely throw out anything that comes in contact with blood
Spilled Blood on Skin –No Real Risk -2 people, blood present, but healthy skin provides a solid barrier. Note: It’s still a good idea to wear gloves when giving first aid to prevent germs on your skin from getting into an open wound and to prevent any possible risk
Oral Sex, no Latex Dam –Low Risk -2 people, vaginal fluid present and in contact with the mouth
Oral Sex, no Condom –Low Risk -2 people, semen or pre-cum present and in contact with the mouth
Vaginal Sex with Condom –Low Risk -2 people in contact, semen and vaginal fluid present, but the condom provides a barrier. The risk comes from any genital contact before putting on the condom, or if the condom breaks or slips off
Anal Sex with Condom –Low Risk -2 people, semen and possibly blood present, but the condom provides a barrier. The risk comes from any genital contact before putting on the condom, or if the condom breaks or slips off
Sharing Cocaine Straws – Low Risk -2 people in contact through the straw because cocaine dilates blood vessels and makes them burst, blood present and in contact with the nose. The risk may be higher depending on the circumstances.
How to Evaluate Risk
High Risk – Low Risk – No Risk
If you ask this series of questions, you can figure out the risk level of any activity.
(Note – We’ve combined Health Canada’s No and Negligible Risk categories into No Real Risk. Activities in both categories have never been shown to transmit HIV, and the two separate categories are confusing to explain in workshops.)
1 ) How many people are involved?
- 1 person = No Real Risk
- 2 or more people = need to ask the next question
2) What body fluids are present? Can they transmit HIV?
- No body fluid = No Real Risk
- Saliva, mucous (snot), tears, sweat, ear wax, vomit, urine, feces = No Real Risk
- Blood, semen (including pre-cum), vaginal fluid (including menstrual blood), breast milk = can transmit HIV, need to ask the next question
3) Does the body fluid that can transmit HIV have a way inside a second person’s body?
- Contact with healthy skin = No Real Risk (Skin provides a solid barrier against viruses. Health Canada also includes skin with minor scratches, hangnails, scabs that are beginning to heal, and fingernails bitten to the quick in this category.)
- Contact with a stronger membrane (usually on the head –mouth, nose, eyes, ears) = Low Risk (They defend themselves and provide a relatively stron barrier against viruses, but it is possible for HIV to get in. There haven’t been many cases of HIV transmission reported, but it is possible. Cuts or sores in the mouth make catching HIV through oral sex more likely, but still Low Risk.)
- Using a latex, polyurethane, or vinyl barrier for Low Risk activities brings them down to No Real Risk. The risk was low to begin with, and the barrier is unlikely to break.
- Contact with a fragile membrane (the genitals –lining of vagina or anus/rectum, fragile skin onpenis, urethra) or directly with the blood stream = High Risk (These membranes/blood stream are less equipped to defend themselves against viruses, especially during the friction that comes with sex. These activites are how the vast majority of people catch HIV.)
- Using a latex or polyurethane condom for High Risk activities bring them down to Low Risk. The only risk is that the condom could break or slip off. Cleaning needles and syringes with water, then bleach, then water reduces your chance of catching HIV (to Low Risk), bu will not kill Hepatitis).
Important –Activities with Low or No Real Risk of catching HIV may still transmit other STIs. Kissing can transmit cold sores, fingering could transmit genital warts (HPV), oral sex can transmit chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, herpes, and HPV, rimming can transmit hepatitis A and parasites, and vaginal or anal sex with an intact condom can transmit herpes and HPV if the sores are not covered by the barrier.
Prevention of HIV
HIV infection can be prevented. The person who chooses to abstain from sexual intercourse and who does not use intravenous drugs greatly reduces the risk of HIV infection. In addition, abstaining from the use of alcohol and other drugs, which can impair a person’s judgment in regard to sexual activity and drug use, can also reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Making responsible decisions about your own activities and behaviours is your most valuable tool for protecting yourself against HIV infection. As scientists continue to search for a cure for this disease, you have a responsibility to yourself and to others to avoid any behaviour that could put you at risk of infection.
Preventing the Spread of HIV
Although the hopes of ever finding a cure or vaccine for HIV infection are uncertain at this point, there is some cause for optimism. HIV is, but the most part, preventable. By avoiding high risk behaviours, staying informed, and making responsible decisions, you can protect yourself and others from infection. The common misconception that HIV only affects homosexuals is untrue; heterosexual transmission is increasing and is the number one way that HIV is spread worldwide!
AIDS is a pandemic - an outbreak of infectious disease of global proportions . The first step toward altering the picture is educating the public.
Getting Tested for HIV
How can you tell if someone is infected with HIV?
The only way is to take a blood test, because there are no symptoms. 1/3 of the people living with HIV don’t know they have it.
You must wait at least 3 months after your most recent possible exposure. Often called the “window period”, this is the time it takes for the antibodies to develop in your blood. If you get tested before 3 months, the test will not be accurate.
3 months = 98% effective 6 months = 100% effective
There are 3 kinds of testing one can choose to determine their HIV status:
Testing for HIV is done with a blood test called ELISA. The test looks for HIV antibodies produced in the blood. Inaccuracy is a problem of the test because of the time antibodies take to develop, as well as false positive results caused by health conditions like hemophilia and pregnancy. Results usually take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to arrive.
Another test used to determine HIV infection status, often used as a confirmation, is the Western blot which identifies if specific HIV proteins (antibodies) exist in the blood.
In addition to the regular blood testing methods, there is a rapid test that can be done with results ready in as little time as 20 minutes. The test involves pricking the finger to draw blood which is then tested for HIV. The problem with this test is that the positive result is not conclusive and the regular blood test will also be needed as confirmation. But, the negative result means you are negative for HIV.
Counselling surrounding HIV testing is an important issue. Being tested can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for people. It is crucial to get pre-test and post-test counselling, especially when choosing the rapid test, in order to help one deal with the implications of their test results.
The Big STIs
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections (sometimes called STDs, Sexually Transmitted Diseases). There are more than 20 kinds of STIs but we are going to talk about the “Big 8” –the 8 that can be fatal (i.e., can cause death).
STIs are infections caused by viral or bacterial organisms. It is possible to be infected with an STI and not know it because:
· The symptoms haven’t shown up yet
· The symptoms are so mild that you might not notice them
· The symptoms are in places that are hard to see, and you might not notice them
· The symptoms came, and then went away
Even if there are no noticeable symptoms, the infections can still be passed to others.
Anyone can get an STI. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, married or single, rich or poor. You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them (sometimes you can’t even tell if you have one yourself). If you are over the age of 13 you can get tested confidentially (<13yrs your parent would be contacted if you tested positive for anything).
Elicit the 8 following STIs and write them on the board as they get named:
1. HIV/AIDS -virus
2. Herpes -virus
3. HPV -virus
4. Hep B -virus
5. Hep C -virus
6. Gonorrhea -bacteria
7. Chlamydia -bacteria
8. Syphilis -bacteria
***All 8 can be absorbed through ANY mucous membrane! (lining of vagina, rectum/anus, urethra/penis, mouth, eyes, nose)
Go briefly over each of the 8 STIs here –use your own judgment to decide how much detail to give (based on class age, knowledge, interest, etc.)
1. HIV/AIDS - infects the immune system
H uman Immunodeficiency Virus
A cquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome
- Transmission: entry into the body (through membranes or bloodstream) of one of 4 possible body fluids of an infected person (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk)
- Symptoms: none initially. Eventually opportunistic infections may result due to immune system suppression.
- Testing: blood test
- Treatment: Antiretroviral medications. No cure.
2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) - infects a
mucous membrane; HSV 1 – usually oral (60% of adults infected), HSV 2 – usually genital (20% of adults infected)
*can cross infect!
*biggest confounder for transmitting HIV!
a. Transmission: contact of genitals/mucous membranes with someone’s lesions or just before an outbreak
b. Symptoms:
i. periodic appearance of fluid filled blisters, flu like symptoms
ii. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms (less than ½ of people know they are infected)
c. Testing: No test available in Canada unless you have visible blisters (a doctor may be able to diagnose based on observation or test fluid from blisters)
d. Treatment: Drugs (antivirals) can reduce severity and frequency of outbreaks. The virus cannot be eliminated from the body (i.e., no cure)
i. Vaccine development initially looked promising (in lab trials) however doesn’t seem to work in humans
3. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) –
“warts”- infects skin or a mucous membrane
a. Transmission: contact with someone’s warts or infected site
b. Symptoms:
i. There are over 200 types of HPV and many have no symptoms. The majority of sexually active people have some form of HPV.
ii. appearance of warts or possibly itchy lesions on skin
iii. Linked to cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in men. Apart from smoking it’s leading cause of mouth/throat cancer
c. Testing: No test available in Canada unless you have visible blisters (a doctor may be able to diagnose based on observation)
d. Treatment: Surgery, laser removal, or freezing can get rid of warts, but the virus is still in the body (no cure). Annual pap smears to detect abnormal cells and prevent cancer.
4. Hepatitis B - infects the liver
a. Transmission: entry into the body (through membranes or bloodstream) of one of 5 possible body fluids of an infected person (blood, semen/pre-cum, vaginal fluid/menstrual blood, breast milk, saliva)
b. Symptoms:
i. sometimes none or mild
ii. Fever, fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
iii. cirrhosis or cancer of the liver
c. Testing: blood test
d. Treatment:
i. Rest
ii. A preventative vaccine is available (given in grade 6 in BC)
iii. Medications eliminate the virus in some people (40-50% effective), but have serious side effects
iv. 10% become carriers for life - 50% of carriers develop serious liver problems (cirrhosis and cancer)
v. No cure!
5. Hepatitis C - infects the liver
a. Transmission: entry into the body (through membranes or bloodstream) of blood
b. Symptoms:
i. sometimes none or mild
ii. Fever, fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
iii. cirrhosis or cancer of the liver
c. Testing: blood test
d. Treatment:
i. Treatment exists but can be accompanied by serious side effects and is only effective in 40-50% of cases
ii. 85% become carriers for life - 50% of carriers develop serious (liver problems cirrhosis and cancer)
iii. No cure!
6. Gonorrhea - “clap”- infects a mucous membrane
(vagina, cervix, urethra, rectum, eyes, throat)
a. Transmission: occurs by exposure of mucous membrane/genitals to infected person’s semen or vaginal fluid
b. Symptoms:
i. sometimes painful urination, unusual discharge from vagina/penis, lower abdominal pain
ii. sometimes no symptoms
iii. can cause scarring in fallopian tube in left untreated which can lead to ectopic pregnancies/can cause prostate infection
*~1000 women/year die from ectopic pregnancies (usually related to gonorrhea/Chlamydia)
*gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the leading causes of female infertility in North America
c. Testing: swab (cervix, throat, urethra, rectum)
d. Treatment: cure with antibiotics –both partners need to be treated!
7. Chlamydia - infects a mucous membrane (vagina, cervix,
urethra, rectum)
a. Transmission: occurs by exposure of mucous membrane/genitals to infected person’s semen or vaginal fluid
b. Symptoms:
i. sometimes painful urination, unusual discharge from vagina/penis, lower abdominal pain
ii. sometimes no symptoms (in 50-75% of infections)
iii. can cause scarring in fallopian tube in left untreated which can lead to ectopic pregnancies
c. Testing: swab (in vagina or urethra), or urine sample
d. Treatment: cure with antibiotics –both partners need to be treated!
8. Syphilis - infects a mucous membrane and eventually
organs if untreated
*prevalence increasing again –people testing positive without any
lesions!
a. Transmission: occurs by exposure of mucous membrane/genitals or openings in the skin to infected person’s chancre or rash (which contains the bacteria)
b. Symptoms:
i. 1st phase: painless chancre (“sore”) at site of infection
ii. 2nd phase: painless rash on any part of the body
iii. 3rd phase: infection or organs such as brain and heart (causes heart disease, insanity, and arthritis)
c. Testing: blood test
d. Treatment: cure with antibiotics
Romance High Jinx Workshop Outline
Romance High Jinx Workshop Outline
1. Introduction
2. Ice Breakers
3. Romance High Jinx Activity
4. Final Questions/Conclusion
5. Evaluation Form
You will need:
Introduction
Hi, my name is _____________ and I volunteer for ……….. I’m here to promote youth health, awareness, responsibility and action about safe sex, healthy relationships, HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Today we will take a look at some scenarios that cover these topics.
Before we get into that activity let’s do a little warm up game.
Ice Breakers
Romance High Jinx Activity
Hand out a scenario sheet to each student.
This activity is meant to explore scenarios relating to relationships, HIV/AIDS, making decisions about sex, and condom negotiation and use. We’ll go question by question. I’ll read out the scenario and let you, the students, read and choose your answer by yourself or through discussion with your neighbor. There is no right or wrong answer, each person is entitled to their own opinion and we’re not going to judge each other based on our answers here. Afterwards, we’ll discuss each answer, and I’ll ask some more questions to facilitate the discussion and address the underlying issues of the activity.
Relevance: Relationships: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11
HIV/AIDS: 3, 6
Making decisions about sex: 1, 5, 9, 10
Condom negotiation: 5, 6
Conclusion
Ask the participants if they have any questions. Answer any questions. Leave them with contact information in case they think of questions later and would like to contact you (you wrote this on the board at the beginning of the workshop).
Ask the participants to fill out an evaluation form to “let us know what you thought of the workshop”. Tell them to be honest, and that it’s okay if there were things they didn’t like. Tell them not to put their name on it.
Ice Breakers
Activity Summary:
Quick games to get everyone comfortable with the group and discussion.
People To People
Purpose: An exercise in self awareness and to find out more about our own personal boundaries.
Directions: Tell them to pair up, and it doesn’t matter who with because they’ll be changing in a minute anyways. Explain it’s a game about connecting body parts. If there’s panic, don’t worry because I’ll only call body parts that we all have. Call out two body parts to connect ie. fingertip to earlobe. Give a couple more body parts to connect and then say “In this position, I want you to find out your partner’s name and ask one of the below questions?” When that’s done yell, “people to people,” which is the sign to find new partners. Do 5 or so times or before they look bored.
Questions to ask: Tell them your name and…
A favorite TV show.
If you have a pet and what kind.
A favorite hobby of yours.
A favorite sport you do or wish you did.
A favorite food.
If you had to listen to a CD for a year, what would it be?
A favorite movie.
Observations to make: Did you get a sense of your boundaries? Some positions may have been easier and more comfortable than others? You may have not done some of the positions, which is ok. Who did you pick as your partner? Someone you knew and were comfortable with, or someone you didn’t know well?
I’m Glad I’m Here
Purpose: Another exercise in self awareness and to put things into perspective.
Directions: Explain we all have places we’d rather be right now – for instance, on a beach in Hawaii – but what about the places we’d rather NOT be? Begin by saying,
“I’m glad I’m here because at LEAST I’M NOT…”
in the dentist’s chair, for example. Go around the room listening to others and taking turns as each person goes.
Romance High Jinx Activity Sheet
Romance High Jinx
1) Laura is madly in love with Phil, and she thinks he’s the best thing ever to happen to her. Phil likes Laura and he’s having fun, but he doesn’t see this as a serious relationship.
a) They should keep spending time together and see what happens
b) They should break up now since it obviously isn’t going anywhere
c) They should talk about what they each want out of the relationship
d) Laura should sleep with Phil to make him love her
2) John met Maria three weeks ago. They spend all their time together except when they go to class. Eric misses his friend John.
a) John and Maria should enjoy what they’ve found
b) John should make some effort to spend more time with Eric
c) Eric should join John’s classes
d) Eric should spend his time with his other friends
3) Luke gets to a party to find his girlfriend making out with another guy. They’ve never talked about (non) monogamy or being exclusive. His best course of action would be to:
a) Storm out of the house calling his girlfriend a lying cheating ho
b) Sit down and join them
c) Leave the party and then have a little chat with the girlfriend the next day
d) Ignore it because they’ve never discussed the topic
4) Steve has considerably more money than Kevin. He regularly goes to the movies, and would love to have his boyfriend come with him. They should:
a) Each pay for their own tickets
b) Have Steve pay for both since he has more money
c) Alternate paying, but the one who pays gets to pick whether they go to the theatre or rent a movie
d) Pick an activity that doesn’t cost money
5) Angela’s excited about her boyfriend. She loves the way the two of them talk, they way he looks, and the way they kiss. Lately she’s been getting the feeling he wants to go further than kissing. She should:
a) Make a move so he knows that she’s interested
b) Explain that she loves making out with him, but she’s freaked out by the idea of sex right now and really doesn’t think she’s ready
c) Explore other ways of being sexual together
d) Talk about whether they both want this, what they would do if the condom broke, and who’s going to get the condoms and lube
6) Rob is HIV positive. He’s been spending a lot of time with Jackie and really likes her. She doesn’t know he’s living with HIV. Rob should:
a) Wait until things get serious before talking about such a personal issue
b) Tell Jackie right away so he can find out how she would react
c) Test the water by talking about HIV-related current events
d) Stop hanging out with Jackie so he can’t get hurt by her rejection
7) Pamela hasn’t had a boyfriend in a year and a half. Her friends keep asking her about it, and pointedly introducing her to men she has absolutely no interest in. She should:
a) Go on the dates because you never know what could happen
b) Enjoy the extra time she has to focus on her artwork/basketball/friends
c) Join a convent to send her friends a message
d) Continue being happy as the independent and fabulous individual she is
8) Fracois has been checking Stephanie out for a while. They’re both interested, but Ralph (Stephanie’s ex-boyfriend) is Francois’ best friend. They should:
a) Get together, but never tell Ralph
b) Decide that it will never work because it would jeopardize the friendship
c) Start dating and be prepared to deal with Ralph’s reaction
d) Francois should talk to Ralph before pursuing Stephanie
9) Emma and Bruno hit it off and have been dating for five weeks. While making out has been fantastic, Emma’s looking for a little bit more.
a) Emma should just grin and bear it
b) Emma should send a few hints Bruno’s way
c) Bruno should realize that if he doesn’t put out, Emma will lose interest
d) They should have a frank talk about what they do and don’t want to try
10) Gino met Sandra three weeks ago. They haven’t stopped making out except to go to school. Gino’s not even totally sure what Sandra’s last name is.
a) Gino should ask what Sandra’s last name is
b) They should go out for dinner and have a conversation
c) Why dos Gino need to know Sandra’s last name?
d) They should take a break to give their lips a chance to breath
11) Billy is in grade 12. Mary, a grade 8 student, has math class next to Billy’s locker every morning. Billy has lately been waiting around for Mary to show up for class. Mary thinks Billy’s really cool and is being encouraged by her friends to respond to Billy’s overtly sexual attention. Mary should:
a) Talk more with Billy and get to know him
b) Pay more attention to the way she dresses so that Billy will be sure to notice her every time she walks by
c) Ignore Billy and find a guy her own age
d) Accept Billy’s invitation to go to his house with him after school because his parents will still be at work
Workshop Evaluation
Workshop Evaluation
Did you learn something new during the workshop? Yes No
If yes, what did you learn? ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After this workshop can you see yourself doing anything differently? Yes No
If yes, what? If no, why not? _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Was the information easy to understand? Yes No
Did you feel encouraged to ask questions and participate? Yes No
If no, why not? ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Was the workshop relevant to you? Yes No
Why or why not? __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What did you enjoy most? ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
What other topics do you think we should cover in this workshop? ____________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any other suggestions or comments? ________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please tell us about yourself Age: ________ Sex: ________
Thanks for your feedback!!!