Prevention of sexual transmission AIDS HIV

The most certain way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV is abstinence, which is not a realistic option for many people.

For those who are sexually active, there are several ways to reduce the risk of transmission, and thus practice safer sex. Safer sex aims at eliminating or reducing contact between mucous membranes in the mouth, vagina, anus, or urethra and semen, vaginal fluids, and/or blood. This is most commonly done by the use of condoms or some other type of latex barrier, or by engaging in activities where none of the above mentioned fluids are exchanged.

Condoms do not make intercourse completely safe because they can break or leak. Their use does, however, dramatically reduce the risk of infection. For effective protection against HIV infection, condoms must be made of latex, rather than animal skin, which has pores through which HIV can pass. Any lubricant used with a condom should be water-based, as oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline or Crisco, can damage the latex and cause leakage or breakage. Also recommended for use with condoms is a spermicide called nonoxynol-9, which kills both free HIV and the virus living within white blood cells (Hicks et al., 1985). Nonoxynol-9 can be found in some condom brands, in certain water-based lubricants, and in spermicide preparations.

Condoms can be cut open and used as a latex barrier during cunnilingus and oral-anal contact. The exchange of body fluids during these two activities can also be prevented by purchasing "dental dams," square pieces of latex, traditionally used in dentists' offices. Several versions of a female condom have been tested and are currently available (Guinan, 1992). All of the versions are worn inside a woman's vagina, rather than on the man's penis. They are made of polyurethane and are disposable. The female condom has the advantage of being under a woman's control. Additionally, it covers more of the labia and base of the penis than a male condom does, and the polyurethane used is stronger than latex.

Two additional points about sexual transmission of HIV are noteworthy. First, infection with another sexually transmitted disease or sores on the anus, genitals, or mouth can increase the risk of HIV transmission (Cameron & Padian, 1990). Second, debate continues about the belief that when both partners are infected with HIV there is no reason to practice safer sex. Some argue that a new partner may carry a different strain of HIV, and that repeated exposure to HIV or to other sexually transmitted diseases may put increased strain on the body or trigger illness. The validity of this concern has been difficult to document.
Transmission Through Blood or Blood Products

Blood and blood products constitute the second most common route of HIV transmission. The two most frequent ways the virus is spread via blood are needle sharing and medical procedures, such as blood transfusions.

Last updated Jan 4/07