5 Things You Need to Know About HIV and Sex

1. Safe Sex is the Best Sex

HIV is transmitted by bodily fluids, such as blood, ejaculate, pre-ejaculate, female genital fluids and breast milk. Unprotected sex with men (both vaginal and anal) as well as intravenous drug use are the most common ways that HIV is transmitted. There are several barrier methods than can be utilized when you're opting for safe sex, but the most logical recommendation is abstaining from sexual activity.

If you choose to participate in sexual activity, consistent use of a male condom has proven effective in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Male condoms are best when made of latex and aren't ribbed or texturized, as these styles tend to break easily.

Dental dams are pieces of latex than can be utilized to prevent transmission of HIV during oral sex. Place the dams over the vagina, clitoris and anus to prevent transmission. If you don't have a dental dam you can make one out of a male or female condom, latex glove or non-microwavable saran wrap.

Female condoms are specifically designed for women and are approved for the prevention of HIV.

2. Discuss the Risks

Talk to your partner about safe sex and intravenous drug use. Knowing the status of your relationship can help you to make informed sexual choices. You and your partner should decide whether you are in a monogamous relationship or an open relationship and then determine the best options for sexual activity with each other.

If your partner is an injection drug user and you are both having unprotected sex this puts you at risk for HIV transmission. In this type of relationship it is easier for you to use a barrier method (or abstain from sex) for protection than to try and convince your partner to stop using drugs.

3. Lesbians are at Risk too

Sexual orientation does not distinguish from risky sexual behavior. If a woman is HIV positive that means she has the virus in her vaginal secretions as well as in her menstrual blood. Exposure to these secretions can lead to HIV infection. Because little is known about woman to woman transmission, it is important that women who have sex with women eliminate certain high risk behaviors. These high risk behaviors include avoiding direct contact with menstrual blood and vaginal secretions as well as refraining from unprotected sex.

4. Know Your Status

It is important that both males and females get tested and know their status as well as their partners' status. Knowing your partner's status can help you make decisions about the types of behaviors that you will engage in.

If you test negative you can take steps to remain negative by educating yourself and implementing safer sex practices. If you test positive you can take steps to prevent transmission of the virus to your negative partners as well as make decisions about the type of care that is most appropriate for your lifestyle.

5. Post Exposure Prophylaxis

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a month-long course of medication for people who have been exposed to the HIV virus. To be most effective, it should be started within 72 hours of exposure. It is best to start as early as possible after exposure. These drugs can be toxic on the body with unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, nausea and lethargy. PEP is not an alternative to safe sex.