CIU conference on HIV and Sexual Health

The Cyprus International University Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center held a conference on Sexual Health on the occasion of World AIDS Day. Necmi Bayraktar, a doctor of urology, spoke to the audience about how HIV and AIDS are contracted as well as the symptoms and the means of protection from HIV and AIDS.

Dr. Bayraktar underlined that AIDS was a horrifying disease, pointing to the statistical figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on the figures, Bayraktar explained that 25 million people had died of AIDS during the period 1981-2007.

Pointing to a statement from the World Health organization in which 33 million people who were said to have contracted the HIV virus, Dr. Bayraktar said that such generalizations did not amount to tangible figures and that in his opinion the figure was higher.

Explaining that there was no cure for AIDS, Bayraktar added that the treatments carried out solely extend the life expectancy of AIDS patients. He also provided information on the symptoms of the disease.

Dr Bayraktar emphasized that in instances of experiencing symptoms such as sudden weight loss, small ulcers in the mouth, persistent cough, skin problems, high temperature, excessive fatigue, continuous diarrhea and difficulty in breathing, patients should seek consultation at the nearest health care center within two weeks.

Saying that the most important cause for contracting AIDS was sexual intercourse, Bayraktar pointed out that birth control pills did not have a preventive effect against AIDS, before touching upon how the disease is contracted. Bayraktar explained that AIDS could be contracted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, breast milk, or via placenta, cautioning particularly against practices such as sharing of syringes, promiscuity and unprotected sexual intercourse.

Explaining that currently babies can be protected against contracting AIDS from their mothers prior to birth through medication and advances in technology, Surgeon Dr. Necmi Bayraktar explained that Cesarean section should be the preferred method of delivery in cases of birth by AIDS patients.

Credit: CIU