Blood Semen and pre-seminal fluid (cum and pre-cum) Rectal fluids (fluids found in the anus) Vaginal fluids Breast milk Saliva (contains a minuscule amount of the virus but salivary enzymes denature it)[3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Rectum Vagina Penis Mouth Cuts and wounds, especially if bleeding
Many areas have HIV/AIDS clinics that provide free tests. You can usually get a result within the hour, but this is not 100% reliable. For accurate results, ask for the test to be sent to a lab, or get tested a second time by a different staff member. [7] X Research source Even if you test HIV-negative, you may still have a recent infection. Practice precautions as though you had HIV for 3-6 months, then return for a second test. [8] X Research source Different tests have different “window periods”.
Hugging, shaking hands, or touching an HIV-positive person. Sharing a bathroom or toilet with an HIV-positive person. Kissing an HIV-positive person — unless he or she has cuts or sores in the mouth. Unless there is visible blood, the risk is extremely small. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Someone who does not have HIV can never “create” it and transmit it through sex or other means. However, it is not possible to know that someone is HIV-negative with 100% certainty. Talk about past partners and HIV tests to help establish a risk reduction plan for you and your partner.
Erotic massage Masturbation or hand jobs (hand-to-penis), without sharing bodily fluids Using sex toys on your partner, without sharing them. For added safety, put a new condom on the toy for each use, and wash thoroughly afterward. Finger-vagina or finger-anus contact. There is a chance of transmission if the finger has a cut or scrape. Increase safety with medical gloves and water-based lubricant.
If a penis is involved, put a condom over it. Latex condoms are the most effective, followed by polyurethane. Do not use sheepskin condoms. Use flavored condoms if you need to improve the taste. If a vagina or anus is involved, hold a dental dam over it. If you don’t have one, cut open a non-lubricated condom or use a natural rubber latex sheet. Don’t allow someone to ejaculate into your mouth. Consider avoiding oral sex during menstruation. Avoid flossing or tooth-brushing before or after oral sex, as this may cause bleeding.
The outer ring of the female condom must remain around the penis and outside the vagina at all times. Other forms of contraception do not protect against HIV. Pulling out before ejaculation does not protect against HIV. It is possible but not certain that people who have undergone male-to-female reassignment surgery can contract HIV more easily. [15] X Research source
Female condoms are probably effective during anal sex, but this has not been thoroughly studied. Some organizations recommend removing the inner ring, while others do not.
Never use oil-based lubricant with latex or polyisoprene condoms, which can break the condom. Use the condom before its expiration date. Store the condom at room temperature, and not in your wallet or other place where it may get damaged. Use a condom that fits snugly, but easily. Do not stretch the condom to examine it for tears.
Rough sex increases the odds of the condom tearing. Avoid spermicides that contain N-9 (nonoxynol-9). This can irritate the vagina and increase the chance of the condom tearing. [20] X Research source Do not douche the vagina or rectum before sex. This can irritate the area or remove bacteria that help fight infection. If you need to clean the area, clean gently with a soapy finger and water instead. [21] X Research source
In most places, you do not have to explain why you are buying or exchanging the needle.
Fill the syringe with clean tap or bottled water. Shake or tap the syringe to stir it. Wait 30 seconds, then eject and throw away all water. Repeat several times, then additional times until no blood is visible. Fill the syringe with full-strength household bleach. Shake or tap it, and wait 30 seconds. Squirt it out and throw it away. Rinse the syringe with water.
Visit a doctor every 3 months when taking PrEP, to check your HIV status and monitor for renal (kidney) problems. There are no known effects of PrEP on a fetus, but there have not been many studies. Talk to your doctor if you are on PrEP and become pregnant. PrEP is only able to prevent you from contracting HIV and not other STDs. Even while taking PrEP, it is important to continue using protection while having sex. [28] X Research source Prokupek, Dale, MD. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
Because this is not a guaranteed method of protection, you should still be tested for HIV after the drugs are done, and a second time 3 months later. Until you test negative, tell your sexual partners that you may have HIV. If you are exposed frequently, take PrEP as a constant daily pill instead, as described above.
