The only way to avoid all risk of HIV infection is to abstain from activities which can result in HIV transmission, such as sexual contact and sharing injection equipment. However, even for those who do partake in risky behaviors, there are many things that can reduce the risk of HIV infection.
HIV and sex
Safer Sex
The risk of HIV infection through sexual activities can be greatly reduced through safer sex practices. ''Safer sex'' refers generally to anything which can lower the risk of contracting STDs, but in common usage, this term refers to using barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams, to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids during sex. Because HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, barrier methods prevent HIV from entering the body through this route. While there is a risk of failure (either through misuse or breakage) inherent for all barrier methods, this risk is extremely small if the method is used properly.
Condoms
The best condoms for preventing HIV transmission are made from latex or polyurethane. While lambskin condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy, they are not appropriate for the prevention of disease transmission, due to microscopic pores in the membrane of these condoms which disease-causing microbes can pass through. When using a condom, it is important to avoid using oil-based lubricants (e.g. Vaseline, baby oil, hand creams), as oil will weaken and eventually destroy latex. Instead, use water-based or silicone lubricants, as these will not destroy latex.
The Female Condom
The female condom is a loose-fitting polyurethane tube fitted with soft, flexible rings at both the open and the closed ends. The female condom is inserted into the vagina or rectum prior to sex. Because it can be inserted up to several hours before intercourse, the female condom provides the receptive partner during vaginal or anal intercourse with a safer sex option which is under their own control and does not necessarily depend on the cooperation of the insertive partner.
Dental Dams
A dental dam is a square sheet of latex or polyurethane which is placed over the labia or the anus to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids during cunnilingus (oral-vaginal stimulation) or analingus (oral-anal stimulation). Dental dams can be found in some places where condoms are sold, but they can also be made by cutting a condom or latex glove. Plastic wrap (i.e. Saran Wrap) can be used for this purpose, as well. If you plan to use plastic wrap as a safer sex barrier, make sure that you do not use "microwaveable" plastic wrap, as this kind of plastic wrap is perforated with tiny holes to vent steam through during cooking. While this is good for use in the kitchen, it renders the plastic wrap permeable to infectious agents, as well, compromising its usefulness as a safer-sex barrier.
HIV and Drug Use
HIV is most easily spread by contact with infected blood, which means that sharing needles for injecting drugs, either recreational drugs or hormones, is an activity which carries a high risk for the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections. While it is best to use clean, unused needles (as well as other supplies, such as spoons and cotton, used in working up drugs) for each new injection, in some areas, these are difficult to come by. If unused supplies are unavailable, it is possible to clean needles and syringes with bleach to cut the risk of disease transmission.
Even though HIV can be spread directly through use of infected needles for injecting drugs, non-injection drugs (including alcohol) should be mentioned as being potentially risky when combined with the risk factors outlined above. A person under the influence of mind-altering substances may take risks that one might not take when sober, such as not using barrier methods during sex. If you do use recreational drugs of any kind, be wary of the ways your inhibitions may be changed while you are under the influence.
Know Your HIV Status
Get tested! HIV testing has become readily available, and in many places, rapid tests are available which let you know your HIV status in the same day your are tested. You can request a test for HIV (as well as other sexually transmitted diseases) during a visit to a doctor's office, or in many areas, there are clinics set up at which you can get tested for HIV either free or at reduced cost.
