The only 100% way to not get HIV, excluding occupation hazards such as needle prick exposure, or sexual assault; is to practice abstinence. Abstinence not only includes abstaining from sex. It also includes abstaining from substance use that impairs cognition and motor skills. It also means abstaining from those indirect “triggers” that help to put an individual at risk for transmission of HIV/STIs. For example, if you know that when you go out to the club you are likely to have a few drinks and end up leaving with someone to have sex, then the club is a trigger that you need to avoid and replace with a more healthy activity. Also keep in mind that just because you have been sexually active before does not mean you cannot go back to practicing abstinence.
Being faithful involves mutual monogamy. You and your Beloved decide to commit not only to each other but to be sexual exclusive with one another. Sexual monogamy helps to lower your chances of getting HIV.
If you are a person that likes to engage in sex with multiple partners, keep in mind that also puts you at multiple risks, especially if the encounters are unprotected. Think of it this way, every time you have sex with someone, you are having sex with everyone that they have had sex with. Not only does reducing the number of sexual partners lower your risk for HIV, but it also lowers your risk for drama and other indirect activities that put you at risk for HIV and other STIs.
Changing the type of sex you are having will also help to reduce your risk. Anal sex carries the most risk because the lining of the anus is thin and does not lubricate naturally causing it to rip and tear much easier. Vagina sex is the second most risky type of sex follow by oral sex. Keep in mind that the receptive partner is the partner that is most at risk because she or he is receiving the penis inside their anus or vagina. This increases their risk given the exposure to the fluid. Here is an FYI, do not brush, floss or perform any activity that can cause a tear or break in the lining of the jaw an hour or less before oral sex, because it will actually increase the opportunity for HIV transmission. If any semen or vaginal fluid gets inside of your mouth, swallow, spit but don’t let it sit!
Anytime we over indulge in substances, prescription drugs, legal or illegal, our mental state becomes altered. When we are not in our sober frame of mind, our judgment may lapse. We tend to make decisions that we would not normally make if we were not under the influence. (i.e. having unprotected sex or even having sex with someone we normally would not). In addition, our hormones are more active after a night of drinking or drugging and partying therefore we are more likely to give in to the animalistic urge to have sex.
Love Yourself Enough to Not Put Yourself at Risk. Above all, loving yourself is essential. When you know your value and worth, you are less likely to do things to put yourself in danger. You respect yourself and your body. You are very cautious about whom you share yourself with.
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