HIV and AIDS: symptoms and treatments

Protecting yourself from HIV

• Use condoms
• Avoid sex abroad
• Avoid obviously risky partners
• If using intravenous drugs, never share needles

In one study, only one in ten partners of HIV-positive people who used condoms became HIV positive themselves, compared with 12 in 14 partners infected where condoms were not used. The spermicide, nonoxynol-9, adds protection against both pregnancy and infection - it destroys some disease-causing organisms, including HIV, in the same way that it kills sperm.

The use of both the oral contraceptive pill and a condom - the so-called double-Dutch method - provides protection against pregnancy while also reducing the risk of a sexually transmissible infection.

Male homosexuals should select extra strong condoms for maximum protection as these are less likely to burst during use, especially if used with a water-based lubricating gel.

Receiving zidovudine following a needle-stick injuries or other exposures may help to reduce the risk of passing on infection.

If you're worried you have an STI or want to find out more, check out the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes (HSV)
• Genital warts
• Gonorrhoea
• Pubic lice
• Scabies
• Syphilis
• Trichomonas