Sex Positions | Page 9

used.
A
Abstinence-only: A strict morality-based philosophy that
preaches "no" to any sexual activity before marriage. Not having
sexual intercourse is the safest way to avoid the sexual
transmission of HIV/AIDS, although a majority of young adults
and teens do not believe abstinence-only is a realistic option.
However, the reality of HIV/AIDS is simple: avoid the exchange
of bodily fluids and blood especially.
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Abstinence-based: A slightly more open curriculum that
stresses abstinence as the safest way to avoid HIV but allows
for some discussion of sex and the ethics of sexual activity.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A
progressive weakening of the immune system accompanied by
one or more indicator diseases (opportunistic infections) --
including Kaposi's sarcoma, invasive cervical cancer,
pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and wasting syndrome. In
AIDS, common immune system deterioration is marked by a
depletion of T-helper (T 4/CD4) cells, which help stimulate
antibody production. AIDS is commonly thought to be caused by
a retrovirus, HIV.
AIDS: is now a commonly-used term for Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome and also for HIV/AIDS; WHO uses
the term to "denote the entire health problem associate with HIV
infection."
American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR): was
co-founded in 1985 by Dr. Mathilde Krim and by Dr. Michael
Gottlieb. It remains an influential advocate for HIV/AIDS
research and programs.
Anal sex: Sexual intercourse when the penis is inserted in the
anus. Often used as a birth control measure by young adults.
Antibiotic: A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of
organisms. Once considered a magic bullet, antibiotics are now
commonly used to combat disease and infection. Indications are
growing that many human viruses and bacteria are becoming
resistant to current antibiotics.
Antibody: Members of a class of proteins known as
immunoglobins. Antibodies may tag, destroy and neutralize
bacteria, viruses or other harmful toxins. Antibodies attack
infected cells, making them vulnerable to attack by other
elements of the immune system.
Antigen: A foreign protein that causes an immune response
(the production of antibodies to fight antigens). Common
examples of antigens are the bacteria and viruses that cause
human disease. The antibody is formed in response to a
particular antigen unique to that antigen, reacting with no other.
Antiretroviral: A substance that stops or suppresses the activity
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of a retrovirus such as HIV. AZT was the first widely used
antiretroviral drug and now more combinations are reaching the
market. Antiretrovirals are not a cure but do help manage AIDS
as a chronic disease and perhaps helps strengthen a PWA's
health.
Asymptomatic: When there is no visible or noticeable changes
in the body; i.e., an HIV-positive person does not show any
signs of "AIDS symptoms." Thus, asymptomatic carriers are a
threat to their unsuspecting sexual partners.
At risk: Individual behavior that identifies a person who is
engaging in behaviors that are likely to transmit HIV, the AIDS
virus. "Groups" per se are not at risk -- rather the
commonly-practiced behaviors of their individual members make
them more susceptible to be infected.
Autoimmune disease: A disease which arises from and is
directed against an individual's own tissue (a problem with
transplants).
AZT: AZT, Retrovir and Zidovudine are the common names for
the chemical 3'-azidothymidine. It was the first drug on the
market for AIDS. It was thought that AZT might be the cure for
AIDS-related diseases but the hopes were dashed at the 1993
International AIDS Conference in Berlin. AZT is neither as good
as its manufacturer claims, nor is it as bad as AIDS activists
have alleged. In combination with other drugs (see "cocktail"), it
can be helpful in slowing the progress of HIV/AIDS. It definitely
helps to cut down on the transmission of perinatal AIDS.
B
B cells (B lymphocytes): One of the immune system's cell
types; B cells fight infection primarily by making antibodies.
During the time of infection, these cells are transformed into
factories that make thousands of antibodies against the foreign
antigen.
Behavior intervention/modification programs: Education
programs designed to change a specific behavior. Behavior
modification generally does this by targeting a very specific,
observable behavior and then reinforce a series of small
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changes in behavior until the desired behavior is established.
Bisexual: Having sex with both men and women. Many teens
experiment with members of the same sex out of curiosity.
C
CD4 (T4): The protein imbedded on the surface of T-helper cells
to which HIV attaches itself and through which it first enters the
cells.
CD8 (T8): A protein embedded in the cell surface of
T-suppresser cells.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Best
known as the CDC, this preeminent federal public health agency
is a branch of the Public Health Service that is directly involved
with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Celibate: Choosing to abstain from any sexual activity. It is
often presented as holy scripture for many religious orders, and
less