What birth control method protects me from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?
Not all methods of birth control offer protection against sexually-transmitted infections. Birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control injections or a tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STD’s. The male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STD’s. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. It is important not to use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom since these can weaken the condom causing its barrier to break.
