HIV and AIDS

• Signs and symptoms
• Getting it
• Testing, diagnosis & treatment
• Sex and staying safe

Sex and staying safe

What is safer sex?

Any sex that does not allow an infected partner's blood, semen, pre-ejaculatory (precum) fluid, or fluid from the vagina to get inside the other partner's body. Some kinds of sexual activity - such as kissing or masturbation - carry no risk of HIV.

What are the riskiest kinds of sex?

Vaginal and anal sex without a condom carry the highest risk. HIV can be passed on to either partner - male or female, gay or straight - during penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus) and less commonly oral sex without a condom.

How safe is oral sex?

There is some risk from oral sex (from mouth to the genitals or genitals to mouth), but it is less risky than vaginal or anal sex without a condom. The risk can be further reduced by:

• Avoiding getting semen or pre-ejaculatory fluid (precum) in the mouth, particularly if there are any cuts, sores or ulcers in the mouth.
• Avoid oral sex with a woman when she is having her period.
• Using a condom for oral sex with a man.
• Using a dental dam for oral sex with a woman.

Where to get help