ASHA American Social Health Association

Sitemap | Contact Us | Home
Learn about STDs About ASHA News Publications Get Involved
  
Learn About STIs/STDs
 Herpes Resource Center
HPV Resource Center
HPV Resource Center
Overview
Chancroid
Chlamydia
Crabs
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis
Hepatitis for Men
Herpes

HIV and AIDS
Overview
Questions & Answers
Support

HPV
Molluscum Contagiosum
NGU
PID
Scabies
Syphilis
Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis
Using a Condom
HIV AND AIDS > Questions & Answers
What is safer sex?
No sexual act is 100% safe. Safer sex, however, involves taking precautions that decrease the potential of transmitting or acquiring STIs, including HIV, through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Using condoms correctly every time one has sex is considered one way to have ‘safer’ sex. It is also possible to use other barrier methods such as female condoms and dental dams during sexual activities . The first step to having safer sex is to understand and to be honest about the risks associated with sex. It is also helpful to talk with your partner about these risks and to think about ways to protect yourselves while enjoying a fun and passion filled experience.

How effective are latex condoms in preventing HIV?
Studies have been done to test how well latex condoms work for preventing HIV transmission. This research has shown that latex condoms are highly effective at protecting a person from transmitting or becoming infected with the virus. The studies were done on HIV-negative individuals at high-risk for the disease because there partners were HIV-positive. Latex condoms used consistently and correctly were effective 98-100% of the time.

While not having sex or to having sex with a long-term mutually monogamous partner who is not infected with HIV or other STDs is the only way to protect yourself completely, latex condoms used consistently and correctly are highly effective in preventing HIV and many other STDs. Click on the following link to find out more information about latex condoms in the ASHA Position Statement: Male Latex Condoms as a Public Health Intervention.



How can you limit your risk of getting HIV through sex?
Although there is no sure way to prevent HIV transmission through sex, there are several ways to reduce the likelihood that HIV infection would occur.

  • Abstaining from sex is the only sure way that HIV infection is not possible
  • Delay the age at which you begin to have sexual relations
  • Reduce the number of partners with which you have sex
  • Remain faithful in a relationship with an equally faithful partner
  • Practice only non-penetrative sex
  • Use male and female condoms or dental dams correctly each time you have sex
  • Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections
  • Get tested for HIV and encourage your partner to get tested

Is it ever completely safe to have sex with a HIV-positive person?
No, there is always a risk of transmission when having sex with a HIV-positive person. The risk can be significantly reduced, however, if condoms are used properly every time one has sex. Lubricants may also be good to consider as they often prevent condom breakage resulting from friction.



How can I reduce the risk of transmission of HIV from injecting drug use? Sharing needles puts injecting drug users (IDUs) at risk for many blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV. The most effective way to reduce your risk is to stop using drugs. There are many programs available to help a person quit. If an individual cannot or will not stop using injecting drugs, then it is recommended that a person never reuse or share works (cookers, cottons, syringes, needles, water.) New needles, from a reliable source, should be used every time. Swabbing the sight with alcohol can help prevent other types of infections. Safely dispose of needles after using.

If new equipment is not available, syringes should be boiled in water or disinfected with bleach to reduce the risk of transmission. Call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information on preventing transmission of HIV and other diseases through injecting drug use.

Are you, or is someone you know, living with HIV/AIDS?

You can share your opinion in market research and help ASHA at the same time. Find A Cure Panel is a market research panel designed to help people with specific illnesses, injuries,
and conditions participate in online market research surveys. For every completed survey, the Find A Cure Panel will donate a minimum of $25 to ASHA.

If you choose to participate , you will join a panel of people who are dealing with a similar illness, injury, or condition, and together you will provide valuable feedback to a variety of companies and organizations doing online research. Learn more today!



Was this information helpful to you? yes NO

 ASHA Product Catalog

Need information about?...
• Using a condom
• STI Hotline
• ASHA's eNewsletter
• Links to Related Sites
• Advertising on this site
• State STD Prevention
Sponsorship|Advertising | Copyrights, Site Use & Privacy Statements