Safer sex means always assuming that your partner could be HIV-infected, and never allowing his or her risky
body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk) to enter your body. Touching, dry kissing, body rubbing, and mutual masturbation
are the safest sexual activities. Safer penetrative sex means always using a latex barrier for anal, vaginal, and oral intercourse.
This includes using a condom on a man or barrier protection such as plastic wrap, a dental dam, or cut condom for oral sex on a woman
and for oral-anal contact.
Do condoms provide 100% protection from HIV?
No, condoms are not 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission;
however, when used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective and reliable in reducing the risk of transmitting and
acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The surest ways to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV (and other STDs)
is 1) to abstain from sex, or 2) to have sex with only one partner known be uninfected. The next surest way is to use condoms consistently
and correctly during all penetrative sexual acts. When condoms do fail, it is most often because of improper and/or inconsistent use.
Following
these basic rules will further reduce the small chance of condom failure:
Use latex (rubber) or polyurethane condoms.
These are preferable
to "natural skin" condoms, which may have tiny holes through which HIV may pass.
Choose a condom that fits.
Condoms come in different
sizes, shapes, and styles. Experiment with different condoms and practice putting them on before intercourse. Also practice talking
with a close friend about your desire and intention to use condoms.
Open and handle condoms carefully.
Never use a condom in a damaged
package or one that is past its expiration date. Do not store condoms in hot or sunny places (for example, in a wallet or by a window).
Use
plenty of water-based lubricant.
Water-based lubricants help to reduce the friction that can cause breakage. Never use oil-based lubricants
like Vaseline, hand cream, Crisco, or mineral oil which can rapidly break down latex and allow the virus to pass through. Water-based
lubricants include K-Y Jelly, Slippery stuff, ForPlay, and most contraceptive jellies.
Put the condom on after erection but before
insertion.
Leave some room at the tip for the discharged semen (some condoms have a reservoir tip for this). It is important to pinch
the tip as you roll it down onto the penis to be sure that there are no air bubbles that could pop under pressure. If the penis is
uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before unrolling the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.
After intercourse, withdraw
the penis while still erect.
Hold the base of the condom to prevent it from slipping off or spilling semen. Remove the condom and wash
the penis with soap and water.
Use a condom only once.
Use a condom only once and dispose of it in the garbage; do not flush condoms
down the toilet. Never reuse a condom.
Use a condom EVERY TIME during sex.
Use a condom every time during sex when transmission or acquisition
of HIV and STDs are possible.
