From grade school sex education to public programs and beyond, HIV and AIDS education has boomed since the 1980s, and for good reason. Effective HIV prevention, however, is not just about what you know, but if and how you act on that information.
HIV is not only entirely preventable, but preventable with very simple and practical steps. While it’s true that some demographics are more at risk to contract HIV, the preventive steps outlined in this simple guide to lowering your risk will dramatically do so for any and all populations.
Following is a comprehensive breakdown of all evidence-supported ways to lower your risk of HIV infection. Also included are steps to prevent spreading HIV if you have been diagnosed, as well as resources for testing, counseling, and other vital services.
Proven Methods for Lowering HIV/AIDS Risk
Limiting and communicating with your sexual partners, following certain precautions during sex, avoiding shared needles, and taking preventive medicines are all key pillars of HIV infection risk reduction.
Communicating With Partners
Aside from abstinence, which is the only 100% foolproof method for preventing sexually transmitted HIV infection, limiting the number of sexual partners you have and communicating with your sexual partners is essential to HIV prevention.
If either of the members within a sexual relationship continues to have sex with outside parties, the risk for either partner contracting HIV increases drastically. Even without outside sexual activity, it’s always a smart practice for both parties to get tested when beginning a new relationship (or after sexual encounters outside of relationships). Understandably, this conversation can sometimes feel a bit awkward to bring up, but leading with empathy and getting tested yourself is a great way to make the experience more equitable and positive for both people involved.
Protection During Sex
The proper use of condoms is an excellent way to significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. By proper use, we mean wearing the condom in the appropriate manner (rolling down from the tip and ensuring it fits properly, etc) and ceasing sexual activity after the condom has been discarded.
In addition to condoms, applying lubricant during sex can indirectly decrease HIV transmission by decreasing the risk of the condom breaking or slipping off. However, it’s important to use water- or silicone-based lubricants, and to avoid oil-based lubricants.
Anal sex is more risky than vaginal sex for HIV transmission, but a condom will help in either case. Oral sex is the least risky. If neither partner, or only one partner has been confirmed via recent testing to be HIV negative, avoiding both vaginal and anal sex can help decrease possible HIV transmission risk.
Avoid Needle Sharing
Sex isn’t the only transmission vector for HIV, since bodily fluids that transmit HIV (in this case, blood) can still be exchanged by the sharing of needles. Aside from the obvious consequences of illicit drug use, sharing needles to inject drugs into your system carries the added risk of HIV transmission. The same can happen when sharing needles for tattoos or piercings.
The best way to avoid HIV transmission from syringes is to only use new, sterile syringes. Never share your syringes with others, or accept used syringes from friends.
Preventive Medicines
If, whether by sexual contact or sharing of needles, you are concerned that you may have been exposed to HIV, there are still steps you can take to prevent your risk of infection. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are medicines that can prevent HIV infection.
As the name implies, PrEP is to be taken before sex to lower your risk of HIV transmission. This drug can be taken regularly for those with ongoing potential for exposure. Conversely, taking PEP within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure can also reduce your risk of infection.
How to Minimize Your Risk of Spreading HIV/AIDS to Others
If you have been confirmed by testing to have HIV, there are still several steps you can take not only to manage your own treatment, but to prevent spreading HIV to others. Many of these steps mirror the above methods for preventing infection in the first place.
For example, using condoms properly and consistently can prevent the spread of HIV through sex. Similarly, making sure you never share needles with anyone will eliminate that risk. Taking antiretroviral drugs may reduce the viral load to an extent that prevents transmission, but it’s important to discuss this with your care provider.
For general health, it’s also important when living with HIV to exercise on a regular basis, avoid smoking, and eat a nutritionally balanced diet to support your compromised immune system as effectively as possible.
Choose Southside Medical Center for Compassionate and Effective HIV/AIDS Testing, Prevention, and Counseling
Leading with a caring and comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS-related care, Southside Medical Center is here to make your experience as rewarding and meaningful as possible. We offer testing, counseling, and prevention services to ensure the best possible outcomes regardless of your status.
We care about our community and the people in it, which is why we created a housing program for AIDS patients, and offer free HIV screenings. Our team has experienced the positive impact of compassionate HIV/AIDS care firsthand, and we are happy to answer any questions or connect you to any other services you need.
Contact Southside Medical Center today for a consultation, and our friendly and knowledgeable team will work with you to deliver the services you need with a patient-centered approach.