SAFE SEX: THE ONLY DEFENSE AGAINST AIDSPrevention is the only defense against AIDS and the best defense against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There is no vaccine for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). It’s what you do — not who you are — that puts you at risk. Anyone can get AIDS.What you can do PreventionEliminate your risk entirely by not having sex with anyone (abstinence) or by having sex only with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy).Unless you are in a monogamous relationship and you and your partner have tested negative for HIV for six months or longer (or have been in a mutually monogomous relationship since the late 70s):
Use a latex condom each time you have sex.Avoid unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex.Don’t use “natural” skin condoms. Only latex condoms protect against HIV/STDs. In addition:Always check the condom for tears.Cover the erect penis with the condom before any sexual contact.Keep the condom snugly in place until sexual contact is over.
If needed, use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly during intercourse. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can weaken the latex barrier.Get to know your sexual partner(s) before you have sexual relations, and limit the number of partners you have.Behaviors that are considered to put you at high risk for contracting HIV include having sex with:
Intravenous (IV) drug users, or anyone who has had sex with an IV drug userSomeone who has or has had numerous sexual partnersSomeone who has or has had an STD such as genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea or any open genital or oral soreSomeone who has received a blood transfusion or blood products between 1978 – 85 and has not been tested for HIVMale or female prostitutesHomosexual or bisexual menIndividuals with questionable HIV statusFinal notesAlthough sexual intercourse is the primary means of infection with HIV, it is not the only one. Infants can be born with the virus if their mother is infected, and HIV can be passed to children through breast milk from infected mothers. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.*115\303\2*
Prevention is the only defense against AIDS and the best defense against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There is no vaccine for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). It’s what you do — not who you are — that puts you at risk. Anyone can get AIDS.
What you can do
Prevention
Eliminate your risk entirely by not having sex with anyone (abstinence) or by having sex only with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy).
Unless you are in a monogamous relationship and you and your partner have tested negative for HIV for six months or longer (or have been in a mutually monogomous relationship since the late 70s):
Use a latex condom each time you have sex.
Avoid unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Don’t use “natural” skin condoms. Only latex condoms protect against HIV/STDs. In addition:
Always check the condom for tears.
Cover the erect penis with the condom before any sexual contact.
Keep the condom snugly in place until sexual contact is over.
If needed, use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly during intercourse. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can weaken the latex barrier.
Get to know your sexual partner(s) before you have sexual relations, and limit the number of partners you have.
Behaviors that are considered to put you at high risk for contracting HIV include having sex with:
Intravenous (IV) drug users, or anyone who has had sex with an IV drug user
Someone who has or has had numerous sexual partners
Someone who has or has had an STD such as genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea or any open genital or oral sore
Someone who has received a blood transfusion or blood products between 1978 – 85 and has not been tested for HIV
Male or female prostitutes
Homosexual or bisexual men
Individuals with questionable HIV status
Final notes
Although sexual intercourse is the primary means of infection with HIV, it is not the only one. Infants can be born with the virus if their mother is infected, and HIV can be passed to children through breast milk from infected mothers. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
*115\303\2*