Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Each time one watches sex tapes, which nowadays are a dime a dozen, one stark practice is prevalent - lovers are often not wearing condoms.

But with the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in Jamaica, where 25,000 to 30,000 persons are infected, and 15,000 unaware of their status, one wonders if persons are taking their lives seriously.

Sharmaine Bryan, a 29-year-old university graduate, is involved in a relationship with a married man but doesn't use a condom.

While she was aware of the risks of unprotected sex, Bryan said she was only trying to please her man who prefers sex sans condom.

But Jackie South*, a mother of two, says she has changed her lifestyle and wouldn't dare go bare.

"No way," says South, "because with STIs going around, especially HIV/AIDS, and I have my kids to live for, I cannot do that again." Having 100 per cent trust in her partner's fidelity wouldn't change her practice, South adds.

What's the cause?

Carlton Jones, a 27-year-old student, says he doesn't always use a condom because sex usually happens on the spur of the moment.

"Yes, I am aware of the danger but when you are in the heat of the moment, the heat overpowers the precautionary side and you just go ahead for the ultimate," Jones relates.

Some men say they don't use condoms because safety sometimes dulls the sensation.

For Junior Hanson, using a condom is non-negotiable.

"I don't ride without it. I have to wear my condom every single time to protect myself from all these diseases," Hanson says.

HIV can be transmitted via infected blood, breast milk, vaginal fluids and semen.

However, Hanson, an avid lover of fellatio, is ignorant of the fact that the disease can be contracted via this method.

"I am going by what my doctor says and he said I cannot catch it through oral sex," Hanson says confidently.

Tip: If a man chooses to perform oral sex on a woman, it is suggested that he uses a latex barrier (such as a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and the vagina.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com