Prevention

When it comes to HIV/AIDS, one message is worth repeating: HIV is preventable – and you can protect yourself by taking a few precautions.

Unprotected sex and sharing needles are the most common ways for HIV to be transmitted. The most effective way of protecting yourself from HIV is to abstain from sex or using injection drugs. However these options don’t work for everybody so the alternative is to always use a condom when having intercourse and to use clean needles and kits when using injectable substances.

There are a number of effective barrier devices that can be used if standard condoms are not well suited to someone. There are non-latex condoms for individuals who have allergies to latex and these are just as effective at offering an individual protection from HIV or other STI’s. Another effective barrier device is the female condom which is inserted into the vagina before sex. This is also a highly effective protective device to use during intercourse. Using an approved lubricant (one that is specifically made for sexual activity) during intercourse will reduce the risk of condom breakage and increases pleasure.

For individuals that are infected with HIV/AIDS or an STI preventing your partner from contracting the infection is extremely important. Disclosure to your partner of serious incurable infections such as HIV/AIDS, herpes, and Hepatitis C is required. In these cases using a barrier device for both intercourse and oral sex are necessary to keep your partner safe. Being infected with one of these does not mean that you can’t have sexual relations with other people but you should be consulting a doctor about the risks and precautions necessary to engage in a sexual relationship together as a couple.

It is not uncommon for an individual to be infected with HIV or an STI without even knowing it. Often people don’t experience any symptoms at all. This is why it is always important for people to get regularly tested, after every partner or at least annually. This way if they are infected they can access prompt treatment and advice from their doctor which can assist in preventing them from passing on the infection to someone else.