HIV Prevention

What are some of the things I can do to prevent becoming infected with the HIV virus?

HIV is passed from one infected person to another by body fluids. Remember:

Practice standard universal precautions (treat all blood and body fluids as though they were infectious. Keep latex gloves handy in the workplace in case a co-worker has an accident. That way you will be able to assist them and still protect yourself. These gloves can be purchased in drugs stores, are relatively inexpensive, and can be shared by several people.

Safe sex is no sex. Abstinence is the only way to avoid contracting the virus sexually.

Practice monogamy. This means that two people are committed to having sex only with each other. What this does not mean is that you only have sex with who you are ‘going with’ or dating at this time. That is referred to as ‘serial monogamy’, and in the majority of cases does not allow for one or both partners to be out of the window period before they’re sure of their or their partner’s HIV status.

Condoms

To reduce the risk of HIV infection for people who are sexually active, the important thing is to remember to keep a barrier, preferably latex, between you and the other person’s body fluids. Condoms and other latex barriers will help protect you from another person’s body fluids. Used correctly and consistently, condoms have been proven effective in helping prevent the transmission of the HIV virus. Below are the results of three famous studies with couples (one person HIV positive, one negative) and the rate of transmission while using condoms:

As you can see, condoms are not 100% effective, but they do reduce the incidence of transmission dramatically.

There are lots of condoms on the market.  Which ones work best?

The condoms that have been proved best to help prevent the transmission of HIV are made of latex. Another kind new to the market is the polyurethane condom, sold under the name of Avanti. Read the packages. They will give you information on whether the condom:

• Is latex, polyurethane or lambskin (lambskin could prevent pregnancy, but does not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases)
• Comes lubricated (matter of personal preference between couples)
• Contains spermicide (some people feel they are getting extra protection but the chemical could cause a reaction in some people)
• Size (most condoms measure approximately 190 millimeters long. Some are longer and some are shorter).
• Expiration date (must be used before date on package)

Some helpful hints for condom use:

• Use a new condom for each sex act (vaginal, anal and oral).
• Handle condoms carefully. Ripping the package open with teeth, jagged fingernails, and even the wrapper can tear or put tiny holes in the condom.
• Put the condom on when penis is erect and before any vaginal, anal or oral contact with your partner.
• Prevent an air bubble while leaving room in the tip of the condom for semen. Squeeze the tip as you begin to unroll it all the way down the erect penis. (To increase sensitivity to the man, a drop of lubricant could be placed on the head of the penis before you put on the condom).
• If additional lubrication is needed, be sure to use a water soluble type (K-Y Jelly, Wet, ID, Astro-Glide, Duragel, etc.). Oil based lubricants may increase the chance the condom will break.
• To prevent the condom from slipping off, hold it firmly at the base of the penis and withdraw from your partner while the penis is still hard. Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the garbage. Do not flush it down the toilet.
• For those people who are allergic to latex, there are two options:

1. Use the Avanti (made of polyurethane)
2. Use two condoms, one latex and the other lambskin. Keep the lambskin next to the person who is sensitive to latex.

• When performing oral sex on a woman, use a dental dam, latex sheath or plastic wrap to prevent contact with vaginal fluids.

              Condoms are available free at the Seminole County Health Department.

What about this new "female condom"?

This is something new on the market in the last two years. The brand name is Reality, and it is the only woman controlled contraceptive for protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It's made of polyurethane, which is less irritating. It can be inserted up to 8 hours ahead of sexual intercourse without interfering with normal body functions. Another benefit of polyurethane is that it conducts heat, and sensations are not dulled. This product comes with a water based lubricant, but oil based products can be used.

The female condom does take some getting used to, but it is catching on with women. Most like the fact that they don't have to depend on someone else for protection, and by inserting it ahead of time, lovemaking is not interrupted.

A sample of this product is available at the Seminole County Health Department.