HIV – How to lower the risk?

The decisions you make regarding your sexual life control the risk of infection with HIV (and other similar infections). Once you know how HIV is transmitted, it is very important that you can reveal your attitude about what kind of sex you want.

How is HIV infection transmitted through sex?

HIV is a virus that can be found in body fluids of an infected person. These are the fluids that contain sufficient amount of HIV to be transmitted to other persons:

In men:

- semen

- pre-ejaculation ( a transparent fluid that is secreted from the penis when a man is sexually excited).

- blood (as well as anal mucus)

In women:

- milk

- vaginal discharge

- blood (as well as anal mucus)

If during an intercourse, any of these fluids is passed from an infected person to another, there is a great possibility of a transmission of HIV. In order for HIV infection to occur, it is necessary for the infected fluids to enter the bloodstream of another person through the sensitive and thin lining of the penis, vagina or rectum and in some cases through the lining of the mouth and throat. A person cannot become infected through sweat, tears, urine, feces and saliva (spitting).

What is actually safe sex?

Safe sex is a type of sex in which people prevent the transmission of bodily fluids from one person to another. Safe sex is an excellent way to prevent the spread of HIV and a good way to lower the risk of other sexually transmitted infections too.

Penetrative sex is sex where the penis enters the vagina, anus or mouth. In case partners are not using a barrier (condom), they can become infected with HIV. Vaginal and anal sex are the types of penetrative sex that bring the greatest risk of HIV transmission. Oral sex is penetrative sex, but it comes with a significantly lower risk of HIV infection. If you are afraid of infection via the oral cavity, you can always use a condom. In case partners are using an object (sex toy) and this object is used in both partners, this is a type of penetrative sex and it can transmit infected body fluids from one person to another. To prevent this type of transmission of infections, sex toys such as dildos and vibrators should be covered with a new condom every time they are used.

Sex without penetration is also considered to be a form of safe sex. Masturbating with a partner is a clear example of a low-risk non-penetrative sex in which many people enjoy.  

   

It is very difficult to pay attention to safety when people are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It is much harder to talk about condoms and safe sex once the sexual intercourse has started which is why it is highly recommended to talk about this before sex. It is wrong to assume that based on someone’s years or appearance you can successfully determine whether some person has HIV or not.