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Risk Reduction Methods
Sexual abstinence means not engaging in anal, vaginal or oral intercourse or other sexual activities where blood, semen or vaginal fluid can enter the body. It is a completely safe and 100% effective method for preventing the sexual transmission of HIV.
Some people may choose to not have penetrative sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal). This practice will not transmit HIV, provided that there is no exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk in the sexual contact. However, non-penetrative sexual intercourse may still be a risk factor for the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases.
Monogamous long-term relationships, that is having sex with only one person who only has sex with you, is another choice to prevent/reduce the risk of HIV infection. If neither partner is infected with HIV or other STDs, and neither has other sexual or injection equipment-sharing contacts, then neither partner is at risk of exposure to HIV or other STDs. It is crucial that both partners be tested for HIV and STDs and remain monogamous.
The decision to limit the number of sexual or drug-injecting partners may reduce the risk
of HIV transmission, but is not a guarantee of safety. The fewer the partners, the greater the
reduction of risk.
Safer sexual practices include the use of latex barriers such as male and female condoms or dental dams. When used correctly and consistently during sexual activity (anal, vaginal and oral), they are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV.
The female/insertive condom is also made of latex; it fits inside the vagina or anus. It is made of polyurethane, which blocks sperm and viruses (like HIV). These condoms may be inserted several hours before intercourse.
Only water-based lubricants, not oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly or cooking oils, should be used to prevent tearing of latex condoms. The use of polyurethane condoms also provides safer sex. These polyurethane male condoms are made of a soft plastic. They look like latex condoms but are thinner. Lab tests show that sperm and viruses (like HIV) cannot pass through polyurethane.
Dental dams, large pieces of new, unused, clear, non-microwaveable plastic wrap, and latex condoms may be used to provide a barrier to reduce the risk of HIV transmission during oral intercourse on a female. The latex condom should have the tip cut off, then cut down one side, before use. This results in a latex square. Water-based lubricant may be used with the dental dams, plastic wrap or cut-open condoms to enhance sensitivity and reduce friction.
Natural membrane condoms ("skins") are useful for preventing pregnancies and some STDs, such as syphilis. They do not provide protection from HIV, HBV and some other STDs.
Many people believe it is safe for two people who are both infected with HIV to have unprotected sex with each other. Using latex condoms even when both partners are HIV-positive is still advised. Each additional exposure to the virus may further weaken an immune system already damaged by HIV. There is also the possibility of passing other STDs through unprotected sex.
The avoidance of injecting drugs is another way to avoid the risk of transmission of HIV. If entering drug treatment or abstaining from using injecting drugs is not possible, then using a clean needle each time and not sharing injection equipment is better than sharing needles. This includes people who use needles to inject insulin, vitamins, steroids or prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Courtesy of National Institutes of Health
Public support for needle or syringe exchange has grown in recent years. People who trade in their used syringes/needles for clean syringes/needles significantly reduce their risk for sharing needles and becoming infected with HIV or hepatitis. Syringe exchanges are also referral sources for drug treatment. Many people who began trading syringes were able to access drug treatment through the intervention of the syringe exchange staff and are now no longer using drugs.
If a drug user cannot avoid sharing syringes and needles, then thorough cleaning of works with full strength bleach and clean water has been recommended to kill HIV in syringes/needles. This method is not likely to prevent the transmission of HBV or HCV. These viruses are much stronger and are unlikely to be killed by a brief exposure to bleach.
Because the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection is high among injecting drug users, it is safest to always use new, sterile needles and syringes. They should also avoid sharing the cotton, cooker, water, spoons and other "works," which may also be contaminated with blood.
It is important to follow these steps exactly, because inadequate cleaning can result in the possibility of HIV infection. Always do the final rinse with water!
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Infection
