Hiv infection: how you can become infected

The risk of contracting HIV is highest during unprotected sex. To avoid infection with the virus, it is therefore of enormous importance to use condoms during vaginal, oral and anal intercourse. This is the only way to effectively protect yourself from the life-threatening disease AIDS.

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 protected 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 with copper wire wrapped around the shaft. 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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Infection through exchange of body fluids

In most cases, the HI virus is transmitted during sexual intercourse. It is found in semen, vaginal secretions, blood, pus and certain mucous membranes. HIV infection is possible when the mucous membranes of the vagina, cervix, the inside of the foreskin of the penis and the intestine come into contact with infectious body fluids. If there are HIV-releasable cells in the mucous membranes of a person and HIV-receptive cells in the mucous membranes of the sexual partner, an infection is also possible when they meet.

The highest risk of infection, according to the health portal "onmeda.en" during unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse. But you can also become infected during oral sex. If the oral mucosa or throat of the receiving partner is injured, the virus from the seminal fluid, vaginal secretions or menstrual blood can enter the tiny wound.

HIV infection via pregnancy

Sexual intercourse without a condom is therefore the greatest risk factor for HIV infection and the subsequent outbreak of the disease AIDS. In addition, transmission of the virus is possible through poor hygiene or the shared use of syringes.

This concerns not only the medical range, but also tattoo and Piercing studios. In addition, it can happen that the HIV virus of an HIV-positive pregnant woman is transmitted to her child. This is possible at birth or via breast milk. However, to avoid this, there are special medications that expectant mothers can take. In addition, infected women should refrain from breastfeeding.

Aids through kissing? No!

Concerns about contracting AIDS when kissing or through normal physical contact with HIV-infected people are unjustified. The HI virus cannot be transmitted via pure saliva. With a tongue kiss a transmission is theoretically not to be excluded completely, according to the Federal center for health clearing-up (BZgA) so far however world-wide no case of such a transmission was proven.

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HIV infection is also not possible through sharing food or used dishes, using sanitary facilities, saunas, or swimming pools. The virus also cannot be transmitted through clothing or washing it.

Important Notice: The information provided is in no way a substitute for professional advice or treatment by trained and accredited physicians. The contents of t-online can and must not be used to make independent diagnoses or to start treatment.