HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system. Over time, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight illnesses, diseases, and some forms of cancer. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, amniotic fluid, pre-ejaculate, and rectal fluids, but not by simply touching or kissing someone with the virus.
Anyone can contract HIV. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of being exposed to or infected with HIV. These include: having multiple sex partners, having sex with someone who has HIV or whose HIV status you don’t know, having an STI, sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs, engaging in anal sex which carries a higher risk than vaginal sex. Talk to your healthcare provider about your sexual history to determine what tests you might want to consider. You can use the self risk assessment to better understand your risk levels.
There are number of ways to protect sexual health and reduce the risk of HIV and other STIs. Abstaining from sex or limiting partners can reduce your exposure. Utilizing protective factors like condoms with lube and dental dams can also reduce exposure. Medications like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for you and ART (antiretroviral therapy) for your partner can be taken in advance to protect you against infection and reduce their viral load to undetectable levels. There are also vaccines to protect against certain STIs like HPV and hepatitis B. Talking to your doctor about your sexual habits will help determine what options will be most effective for you.
PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication for people at risk of exposure to HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP can be taken daily as an oral medication or received every other month through a long-acting injectable. This may be a good option for your if your partner is HIV-positive or if you’re unsure of the status of your sex partner(s). Talk to your doctor to learn more. PrEP is used for prevention of HIV infection, but it doesn’t protect against other STIs, so keep using safe sex practices to protect yourself.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment for those who have HIV, thaf involves taking a combination of HIV medicines every day or by injection. The purpose of the medication is to reduce their viral load to undetectable levels to reduce the likelihood of them passing it to a sexual partner. It doesn’t cure HIV, but it helps improve overall health and life expectancy for someone living with HIV. This may be a good option for your partner if they have HIV. Talking about HIV and STI statuses can be intimidating, but your sexual health is worth it.
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication that can prevent HIV after possible exposure, if taken within 72 hours. PEP is intended for emergency use. It can be used in the event of sexual assault or accidental exposure through shared injection tools or during sex, such as a condom breaking. The success of PEP depends on how quickly after exposure the medication is started and on adherence to the 28-day medication regimen. Research suggests PEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by 80%.
The CDC recommends sexually active women get tested for STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, at least once a year. For women with multiple partners, whether from polyamorous relationships or from sex work, it’s recommended you get tested every three to six months, or if you’ve recently changed partners. STIs frequently have no symptoms, so it’s better to be tested to be sure. You can get tested through your healthcare provider, a walk-in clinic, or use an at-home test.
STIs are typically passed through sexual contact, like vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, some can be passed through intimate physical contact such as heavy petting, genital contact, childbirth, or breastfeeding. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They are incredibly common and often have no initial symptoms, so it’s important to get tested regularly and not be deterred by shame or a lack of symptoms.
Being open and honest about your sex history will allow your doctor to give you the best medical advice for your life and health. You owe it to yourself to get the answers you need to be confident in your sex life and sex health.
HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system. Over time, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight illnesses, diseases, and some forms of cancer. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, amniotic fluid, pre-ejaculate, and rectal fluids, but not by simply touching or kissing someone with the virus.
HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system. Over time, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight illnesses, diseases, and some forms of cancer. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, amniotic fluid, pre-ejaculate, and rectal fluids, but not by simply touching or kissing someone with the virus.
HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system. Over time, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight illnesses, diseases, and some forms of cancer. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, amniotic fluid, pre-ejaculate, and rectal fluids, but not by simply touching or kissing someone with the virus.