This is because HIV is only transmitted by certain bodily fluids, not by skin-to-skin contact.
It is easier to prevent than viruses like herpes that arespread from skin to skin.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can also be used to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HIV.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
HIVcannotbe transmitted throughcasual contact.
HIV can only be transmitted through exposure to infectious secretions.
How Condoms Prevent HIV
Condoms prevent HIV by blocking exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids during sex.
Internal condoms protect the vagina from semen and pre-cum and the penis from exposure to vaginal secretions.
Lambskin condomsmay have pores that are large enough for the virus to pass through.
The Lowdown on Dental Dams
Dental damsare barriers used to prevent the transmission of viruses duringoral sex.
Placing this latex barrier between your mouth and your partners genitals can help to prevent STIs.
Dental dams can be purchased.
They can also be made from condoms and gloves.
Its very easy to make a dental dam from a latex or polyisoprene condom.
Just cut the tip off the condom and then cut down one side.
Now you have a dental dam ready to use.
Condoms can also be used for sexual activity involving shared sex toys.
Anal Sex
Unprotected, receptive anal sex has a high chance of HIV exposure.
It is also important to use an appropriate sexuallubricant.
Factors that could increase the risk of oral sex include the viral load of the person receiving oral sex.
Viral load is how much virus is in vaginal, rectal, or penile secretions.
That said, HIV is not the only STI that can betransmitted through oral sex.
These activities increase the likelihood of HIV exposure.
Therefore, it is important to engage in appropriate HIV-prevention behaviors such assafe sexand not sharing needles.
How to Use Condoms Most Effectively
How do you use condoms most effectively?
They can be used for penile/anal sex, penile/vaginal sex, and penile/oral sex to make those activities safer.
Then it can be discarded in the trash.
Internal Condoms
Internal condomsare placed inside the vagina or anus before intercourse.
Then pull the condom from the vagina or anus and discard it.
Internal condoms should not be reused once they have been removed.
Summary
Condoms are very effective in preventing HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly.
To prevent HIV, condoms should be used during any sexual activity involving a penis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ways HIV can be transmitted.
2002;(1):CD003255.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003255
Pinkerton SD, Abramson PR.Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission.Soc Sci Med.
2020;32(4):331-341. doi:10.1080/19317611.2020.1813860
