Safe Sex

In an otherwise sensitive article (“Looking for Love and Living with HIV Aren’t Incompatible,” July 6), your reporter makes some potentially dangerous statements of misinformation. “Linda and her friends, as well as many doctors, agree that if proper precautions are taken, sex with HIV is OK. Studies have shown that female-to-male transmission is very rare--and a condom substantially reduces the risk.” If this indicates that physicians think it is safe for persons who are not infected by HIV to have penetrative sex with those who are infected, this is wrong.

HIV is many times smaller than human sperm, and several studies have indicated that HIV transmission does take place despite condom use.

Sexuality is integral to our being human, and is not limited to the sex act. We try to present information to our patients so they may correctly assess their risks of infection and rationally choose how they wish to act. The least risky is to avoid penetrative sex altogether--including oral, vaginal and rectal sex. Hugging, caressing, mutual masturbation are not risky. Penetrative sex with condoms is more risky--but safer than “unprotected” sex.

JARED SPOTKOV MD

San Pedro