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  |  Women's Health  |  Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)  |  HIV and Aids
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HIV and Aids

continued from page 5
You can take the following prevention measures to avoid getting the virus:
  • Abstain from sex with an infected person
  • Ask about the sexual history of current and future sexual partners
  • Reduce the number of sex partners
  • Always use a condom from start to finish during any type of sex - vaginal, anal and oral - and use latex condoms rather than natural membrane condoms as they offer good protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
  • Use water-based lubricants, not oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly - if you decide to use a spermicide along with a condom, make sure you use it according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • Avoid anal or rough vaginal intercourse - do not do anything that could tear the skin or moist lining of the genitals, anus or mouth
  • Condoms should be used even for oral sex - studies have found that even with repeated sexual contact, 98-100 per cent of those people who use latex condoms correctly and consistently do not become infected
  • Avoid deep, wet or 'French' kissing with an infected person, as possible trauma to the mouth may occur, which could result in the exchange of blood (it is safe, however, to hug, cuddle or dry kiss your partner)
  • Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs, as they can impair your immune system and your judgement - if you use drugs, do not share needles or syringes
  • Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors and devices used during sex that may be contaminated with blood, semen or vaginal fluids
For women who have sex with other women, the risk of HIV transmission is small. To minimise that risk, you should know that:
  • Exposure of a mucous membrane, such as the mouth (especially non-intact tissue) to vaginal secretions and menstrual blood is potentially infectious, particularly during early- and late-stage HIV infection when the amount of virus in the blood is expected to be highest
  • Condoms should be used consistently and correctly each and every time for sexual contact with men or when using sex toys with men or women, and sex toys should not be shared
  • No barrier methods for use during oral sex have been evaluated as effective, but women can use dental dams, cut-open condoms or plastic wrap to help protect themselves from contact with body fluids during oral sex


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Created: 28/01/2002  Updated: 09/02/2007

This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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