HIV Prevention Basics

Abstinence

The only 100% sure way to prevent STIs & HIV is to not have sex, including oral sex. If you are sexually active, there are lots of ways you can protect yourself to help prevent STIs & HIV.

Condoms

• HIV can be passed person to person through bodily fluids between people when they have sex (such as semen, vaginal fluids, blood).
• Condoms, when used correctly every time you have sex, provide a great barrier to bodily fluids and can help prevent both STIs and HIV infection.
  • Talk with your partner about using condoms
  • The important thing to remember is to use condoms every time you have sex, and use them correctly.

PrEP

PrEP (which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a new HIV prevention option for HIV negative people! PrEP is a once-a-day pill that, when taken regularly, can reduce risk of HIV transmission.

Watch this video to learn more about PrEP and how it works in your body.