Protection from aids: how to prevent hiv infection

Condoms come in bright colors, with flavor or with nubs. More important than these features, however, is their function: they are the only effective means of preventing AIDS. other contraceptives like the pill or sterilization protect against pregnancy, but not against HIV infection or other STDs.

Contraceptive methods at a glance

Probably the best known contraceptive is the condom. For people who have sexual intercourse with one or changing partners, the condom is ideal. It protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. (Source: Getty Images/ free-creation)

The birth control pill has been protecting women from unwanted pregnancy since the 1960s. The pill contains hormones which, on the one hand, inhibit ovulation and make fertilization impossible. On the other hand, the hormones contained in the pill change the mucus in the uterus so that sperm cannot penetrate. The pill is considered one of the safest contraceptives. (Source: Getty Images/ Martin-Lang)

Another option for contraception is the IUD. This consists of a T-shaped plastic rod whose shaft is wrapped with copper wire. It causes a slight inflammation, which leads to a defensive reaction of the body and lowers the ability of sperm to fertilize. There is also another variant of the IUD, the hormonal IUD. It is considered very safe, according to the Pearl Index. (Source: Getty Images/ flocu)

The hormone ring (below left), also called a contraceptive ring, is a contraceptive device that prevents ovulation by releasing hormones. To do this, the ring is inserted into the vagina like a tampon and removed after three weeks. (Source: imago images/blickwinkel)

Three-month injection (source: imago images/blickwinkel)

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Transmission of the HI virus

Anyone who is sexually active has to think not only about the issue of pregnancy prevention, but also about the prevention of STIs. Because pathogens are transmitted through contact with vaginal fluid, semen or blood.

Among other things, this can lead to a life-threatening HIV infection. Only over saliva, by bare body contact with an HIV or Aids patient or the use of the same sanitary facilities is however no infection possible, stresses the "Apotheken Umschau".

Condoms protect against HIV infection

Only through "safe sex, so protected sexual intercourse, you can prevent the spread of HIV, protect yourself and your partner. For this reason, you should use condoms during vaginal intercourse as well as during anal intercourse.

Further AIDS prevention measures concern the correct use of condoms: use quality products and check the shelf life before use. If the expiration date has passed, you should no longer use the condom.

Important information on AIDS prevention

Since latex condoms can be damaged by fatty lubricants and then no longer offer safe protection, they must not come into contact with Vaseline or massage oil. In case of vaginal dryness and during anal intercourse, you can use non-fat lubricant as an alternative. This reduces the risk of injury and HIV infection.

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If possible, you should not ingest sperm, menstrual blood or vaginal secretions during oral sex. For AIDS prevention, condoms are also helpful for men, and special latex cloths for women. These so-called dental dams are placed on the vaginal opening. You should reach for this especially during menstruation, advises the health protal "onmeda.en".

Important Notice: The information does not replace in any case a professional consultation or treatment by trained and recognized physicians. The contents of t-online cannot and must not be used to make independent diagnoses or to start treatment.