What Is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life. However, by taking HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people with HIV can live long and...
Choose Sexual Activities With Little to No Risk Choose sex that is less risky than anal or vaginal sex. There is little to no risk of getting HIV through oral sex. You can’t get HIV from sexual activities that don’t involve contact with body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, or blood). Use Condoms the Right Way Every Time You Have Sex Condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants to help prevent condoms from breaking or slipping during sex. Learn the right way to use an external condom (sometimes called a male condom) and an internal condom (sometimes called a female condom). Take PrEP PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV...
What Are Condoms?Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms:A male condom is worn on the penis. It is usually made of latex, a type of rubber. But some are made of materials that are safe for people with latex allergies, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene.A female condom is inserted into the vagina. It has a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed and goes into the vagina; the other end is open and the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina. Female condoms are made from materials safe for people with latex allergies. How Do Condoms Work?Condoms work by keeping semen (the fluid that contains...
Recently, a urologist and pelvic surgeon Dr. Rena Malik makes accessible YouTube content with the goal of helping people have a healthier sex life. In the video, she breaks down some of the most pervasive myths and misconceptions surrounding condoms, and explains everything you need to know in order to make an informed choice about contraception in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STDs. Condoms are "unreliable" "When used correctly, condoms are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases," says Malik. "However if you are not using it correctly, it could break, reducing the efficacy to 92 percent." She explains that you should always check the expiration date on a condom wrapper before using it, and clarifies that condoms...
If you’ve had sex without a condom or a sexual experience where the condom broke, try not to panic.Things happen, and you’re far from the only person to go through either of these experiences.What you do need to remember, though, is that there are a few risks associated with these sexual events.But there are plenty of steps you can take to address those risks so that you remain protected and sexually healthy. Immediately afterIf you notice that the condom broke, stop any sexual activity and move away from your partner.If you’ve had sex without a condom, remember that there are a few things you can do immediately to help.Use the bathroomFirst, head to the bathroom to remove lingering fluids from...
