How can I protect myself and others from HIV?

Unprotected sex is one of the ways that HIV can be passed on. But there are lots of options for prevention, so that you can still have amazing sex without the worry. 

Using condoms correctly every time you have sex prevents HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancy. You can use condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex and when using sex toys. 

Adding a water-based lube makes sex feel better and reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Lube reduces the friction during sex so condoms are less likely to break and the skin in the vagina or anus is less likely to tear. 

In some places you can get pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP can come in the form of a pill, injection or vaginal ring and can be used by HIV-negative people to protect them from HIV. PrEP contains antiretroviral drugs that stop the virus from taking hold in your body. Taking PrEP correctly reduces your risk of getting HIV to almost zero. 

Taking your treatment every day as prescribed by your doctor reduces the chance of passing on HIV during sex. 

For many people HIV treatment is so effective that their HIV cannot be detected by normal blood tests. When this happens, it is known as being undetectable and there is no risk of passing on HIV. 

Avoid sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment like spoons or swabs, as this exposes you to HIV and other viruses found in the blood like hepatitis C. 

In some countries, used needles can be exchanged for clean ones at pharmacies and needle exchanges. 

Take your treatment every day as prescribed by your doctor to dramatically reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. 

If you’re HIV negative it’s important to protect your sexual health and test for HIV regularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This can protect you and your baby from getting HIV.  

Testing regularly for HIV is the only way to know your status, meaning you can get treatment if you need it. 

Knowing your status means that you can look after your health and the sexual health of your partners by taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) and using protection, such as condoms or PrEP, when you have sex. 

If you are worried you have been exposed to HIV you may be able to get post- exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a 4-week course of antiretroviral treatment taken after possible HIV exposure to prevent HIV infection. You must start PEP within 72 hours of possible exposure to be effective.  

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is the removal of the foreskin from a person’s penis. VMMC reduces the chance of getting HIV when having insertive sex (when you insert your penis into your partner but not when receiving anal sex).  

However, you should still use other HIV prevention methods, like condoms or PrEP. This is because VMMC only reduces the risk of getting HIV, it does not eliminate it completely.  

Here are a few questions to help kick-off discussions on the issues you need to talk about! You can share them on social, on WhatsApp or just get talking.

If you don’t have HIV, there are a few ways to protect yourself. The best one for you will depend on your situation and what is available where you live.  

Condoms are readily available in pharmacies, shops and you can even get them for free in some health facilities. Condom are a good option but you must use them correctly every time you have sex. Condoms also prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. They come in different sizes, flavours and textures so you can find one that you like best.

PrEP is a good option to avoid getting HIV if you don’t always use a condom. PrEP is very effective but you must take it correctly. Unlike condoms it won’t protect you from other STIs or unplanned pregnancy. PrEP isn’t available everywhere, so ask your healthcare worker if you can get it. 

PEP is a post-exposure medication. You take it if you’ve already been exposed to HIV (for example you’ve had sex without a condom, you’ve been raped or you’ve shared injecting equipment). It is most effective if you take it within 24 hours of exposure. PEP is not recommended for long-term use. If you are exposed to HIV regularly you should consider using PrEP for HIV prevention.  

If you’re still not sure what’s best for you, you can discuss it with a healthcare worker. 

There is currently no vaccine to stop you getting HIV. You need to use condoms or PrEP and avoid sharing injecting equipment to prevent HIV. 

Researchers have been trying to find a vaccine for HIV for many years. There have been trials to test possible vaccines but none have been effective so far.