sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS

safer sex
HIV transmission from the insertive to the receptive partner
HIV transmission from the receptive to the insertive partner
giving oral sex
getting oral sex
condoms

As already indicated, HIV can be transmitted via blood by sharing injecting equipment. You can also be exposed to HIV/AIDS through sexual contact (i.e. man to man, woman to man, man to woman and woman to woman). The virus lives in blood and other body fluids including semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Studies have shown that the pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum) of some men with HIV also contains the virus and that withdrawal (pulling out before ejaculation) does not necessarily guarantee prevention of HIV transmission. The virus may be found in some other body fluids (e.g. saliva, tears) but not in sufficient quantities to pass on HIV. You cannot catch the virus from casual contact or kissing.

When you are having sex, there can be minute cuts or lesions in the skin that you can't see or feel. A person with HIV can pass on the virus when the infected semen and/or vaginal fluids get into your bloodstream via these cuts. Either partner can get HIV during intercourse. Don't take the risk!

safer sex

Safer sex means using condoms and water-based lubricant (oil-based lube like Vaseline can weaken the condom and contribute to it breaking). Get used to handling condoms: different colours, sizes or brands affect the level of sensitivity, so stretch them over your hands, blow them up, laugh at them, and then when it's time to use them they won't feel so strange. Sex may not feel quite the same at first, but adding lubricant helps and prevents them from breaking. As well as protecting yourself from HIV/AIDS, you are reducing the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including herpes, gonorrhoea, genital warts, urethritis, syphilis and candida (thrush).

Be assertive about safer sex (e.g. using condoms). If someone cares enough to have sex with you, they should care about protecting you.

HIV transmission from the insertive to the receptive partner

Your rectum and anus is lined with a thin mucous membrane. During anal sex, there may be cuts through these membranes and if the insertive partner has HIV, infected blood or semen can enter the bloodstream of the receptive partner through these cuts. Remember: blood is not always visibly present.

HIV transmission from the receptive to the insertive partner

Research studies conducted to identify risk factors for HIV transmission have shown that the insertive partner in anal sex is also at risk of HIV infection - even if he doesn't ejaculate.

The eye of the penis (the meatus) is the opening of the urethra. Like the rectum, the urethra is lined with a thin mucous membrane. During anal sex, this membrane also gets damaged through ordinary friction. You might not feel the cuts, and blood is not always present.

Also, there may be cuts (whether visible or not) on the surface of the penis. HIV can be transmitted from the receptive to the insertive partner through these cuts. Remember, the rectum also has thin mucous membranes which get damaged as well.

giving oral sex

Giving oral sex is when someone else's penis or vagina comes into contact with your mouth Information from the Victorian AIDS Council indicates that oral sex without ejaculation carries a very small risk of transmitting HIV from the penis or vagina to the mouth of the receptive partner. Taking blood, semen or vaginal fluids into your mouth will increase the risk.

If your mouth and throat are in perfect condition, then it is not easy for HIV to enter the bloodstream by oral sex. However, if there is any bleeding, gum disease, ulcers or other infections, you should take extra care. Cuts and bleeding can be caused by flossing, tooth brushing, eating sharp foods, throat infections, or having a dehydrated mouth. Avoiding these before oral sex will decrease the risk for HIV transmission.

You can rinse with salty water before oral sex to check if there are any cuts in your mouth. If your mouth stings or you have any mouth or throat conditions, consider using barriers such as condoms for fellatio, or latex dams for cunnilingus.

getting oral sex

Getting oral sex is when your penis or vagina comes into contact with someone else's mouth. The chance of transmitting HIV from someone else's mouth to your penis or vagina is extremely remote, according to information from the Victorian AIDS Council.

condoms

If used properly, condoms can reduce the risks of HIV transmission. Laboratory tests show that HIV cannot pass through latex condoms.
Use a condom that complies with Australian standards.
Check the use-by date. Throw it away if the date has passed.
Choose a condom that fits the size and shape of the penis, sex toy or dildo.
Practise with different condoms for size, shape and comfort and to get used to their feel.
Put the condom on before intercourse starts.
You can try adding a drop of lubricant inside the tip of the condom to increase pleasure for the wearer.
Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom before rolling it on.
If uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before fitting the condom.
Roll it all the way to the base of the penis or sex toy.
Use plenty of water-based lubricant (such as Wetstuff, KY, Glyde, Surgilube, Muko, Lubafax or Climax) on the outside of the condom.
Do not use oil-based lubricants such as Crisco, Vaseline or baby oil, which destroy condoms.
Hold the condom at the base when withdrawing the erect penis.
Only use condoms once NEVER RE-USE THEM.
Do not store condoms near excessive heat or cold, nor in places where sharp objects might damage them.
Do not open condoms with your teeth.
Some people think doubling up on condoms (using two at once) will give them extra protection. This is not true. In fact if you use two condoms at once you will increase the chance of them breaking due to the friction caused when they rub together.