How can sexual transmission of HIV be prevented?
The surest way to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV infection is to abstain from sexual activity with other people. The next surest way is to have sex with only one partner who is known to be uninfected with HIV AND who only has sex with you. For those with a new sex partner , abstain or use condoms for at least 3 months and then get tested for HIV antibodies. If you and your partner are both HIV negative and each of you are not engaging in other risk behaviors (e.g., sharing needles or having other sex partners), then you won’t have to worry about HIV infection. For someone with an HIV positive partner, a partner who does not know their HIV status, or multiple sexual partners , touching, dry kissing, body rubbing, and mutual masturbation are the safest sexual activities. For any penetrative sex acts such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, condoms are highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV transmission especially when used consistently and correctly.
