How do I protect myself from HIV?
This is a great question!The only way to completely protect yourself and others from getting HIV (or other STDs for that matter) is to avoid having sex or sharing needles. And remember, when drinking alcohol or using other drugs, people often don’t make the best decisions to keep themselves safe.
Any kind of activity that allows cum, pre-cum, vaginal fluids, or blood into any part of your body could pass HIV. Some activities are more risky than others, though. Remember, there are many things you can do with your partner that carry little or no risk for HIV. But if you’re going to have sex, there are ways to lower your risk. HIV is preventable, so learning how to protect yourself is one of the best things you can do!
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If you’re having vaginal or anal sex: Using latex or polyurethane condoms, with plenty of water-based lube, is the best protection against HIV. Condoms are the only kind of birth control that protect against HIV. Find out all you need to know (and more!) by checking out the condom section.
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If you are having oral sex: Choosing to have oral sex instead of vaginal or anal sex greatly reduces your risk of getting HIV (especially if no body fluids enter your mouth).One way to reduce your risk is to avoid oral sex if you have cuts or sores in your mouth or if there is anything not quite right with your partner’s genitals (cuts, sores, smells, etc.).You can learn more about how to reduce your risk at the Massachusetts HIV hotline website. But remember:although oral sex is less risky for HIV and pregnancy, you can still be at risk for other STIs.
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Having sex with only one partner who only has sex with you helps keep your risk low. In addition, knowing if you or your partner has HIV or other STIs and knowing what risks you have taken and they have taken, can help you make informed choices about sex.
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If you drink or do other drugs: It can be hard to remember to use condoms or do other things to keep yourself and your partner safe. Having sex without using alcohol and drugs can help you make smart choices about keeping yourself safe. If you do use drugs and you think you might want to use less, or stop, there are people that can help you. Ask Maria or call the Sexual Health Helpline at (877) MA-SEX-ED (877) 627-3933, or call the MDPH Substance Abuse Helpline at (800) 327-5050.
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Using needles to inject drugs or other substances like steroids or hormones can put you at risk for HIV if you share the needles or anything else used to inject. The most effective way to stay safe is to not to use needles. If you do inject drugs, using new needles and syringes (that nobody else has ever used) and works (anything other than the needle) each time is the best way to protect yourself. Once you use, don’t let anyone else use your injection stuff. But if you have to share, cleaning the needles and works with bleach and then water before you use will help to lower the risk of HIV. Learn more about how to protect yourself if you use needles. And remember, choosing to use in ways that don’t involve needles lowers the risk for getting HIV and other serious diseases like hepatitis.
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If you use drugs and are ready to stop, you can get help. Ask Maria or call the Sexual Health Helpline at (877) MA-SEX-ED (877) 627-3933, or call the MDPH Substance Abuse Helpline at (800) 327-5050.
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The best way to protect yourself fully from HIV when getting a tattoo or piercing is to get it done at a professional shop where they only use brand new equipment (needles, jewelry, ink, etc.) with every customer. But if you or a friend does the tattoo or piercing, make sure there is a brand new needle used for each person. With tattoos, don’t share the ink, either. If you can’t use a new needle, make sure the needle has been soaked in bleach for a few minutes and then rinsed well with water between uses. This doesn’t take all the risk away, but it helps.
