AIDS Risk Reduction Outreach Worker Program

How can you protect yourself from HIV/AIDS?


Always practice safe sex. There is no 100% safe sex! Abstinence is the only fool-proof guarantee. Safe sex means using a condom, dental dam or other latex barrier for all sexual activity: vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. Hugging, kissing, and mutual masturbation are considered safe as long as there are no cuts, scratches or sores to allow blood, semen, or vaginal secretions to enter either partner's bloodstream.

Asking your partner to discuss using safer sex practices doesn't mean you don't trust him/her and it shouldn't mean to him/her that you've been unfaithful. It only means you are aware that anyone can become infected with HIV and that you are concerned with the health and safety of both yourself and your partner.

Make sure condoms are 100% latex (animal skin condoms have pores big enough to allow the HIV to pass right through. NEVER USE THEM!) Condoms should be lubricated with non-oxynol 9 and have an expiration date. Keep them away from heat. Men--never carry them in your wallet or leave them in the glove compartment of your car (they may get damaged).

Make sure you put it on right: squeeze the air out of the reservoir tip or create a space for the semen by pinching the tip (without fingernails) and squeezing air out. Roll the condom all the way down the base of the penis. Check it often during sexual activity. Immediately withdraw after sex and remove it away from your partner's body. Dispose of it where no small children can get at it.

Never use oil-based lubricants such as baby oil, skin lotions, Vaseline, cooking oils, Crisco, etc. They can break a latex condom. Use only water-based lubricants such as KY.

  • If you shoot or snort drugs-STOP.
  • If you haven't quit yet . . . NEVER share needles, syringes, cotton, water or cooker. Make sure you disinfect your equipment properly.
  • NEVER share the straw or other sniffing device . . . it can cause a blood to blood transmission as a needle does. This may happen due to cracked and bleeding membranes in the nose.
  • If you are addicted to alcohol-STOP. Even if you misuse alcohol occasionally or are a social drinker, you can put yourself at risk by making decisions while under the influence.
  • Do not share any personal items which may cause a blood to blood transmission: toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors,  ear piercing needles, insulin or steroid needles, tattooing needles (or ink) and sex toys.

REMEMBER:

It's not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk!!


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