Sexual health and HIV: Safer practices that make a difference
Published by
Jacqueline Ledoux
on
Today, HIV can be managed as a chronic condition with proper treatment, but prevention is still the most powerful tool we have. Thanks to modern medicine, an HIV diagnosis is no longer guaranteed to develop into AIDS. In recognition of AIDS Awareness Month and World AIDS Day, we want to talk about sexual health practices that can help reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV. Discussing sexual health, practicing safer sex by using condoms, and considering prevention options like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can all play a role in protecting yourself and your partner while fostering open, healthy conversations about intimacy.
Reducing HIV risk
There are several ways you can take control of your sexual health and lower your chances of contracting HIV. From having open conversations with partners to using protection and taking preventive medicine, these strategies can help you stay safer and informed.
- Openly discuss sexual health
There are a lot of potential conversations we can have with new partners before having sex. One important conversation to have is about sexual health. This covers everything from mutually deciding on a method of protection to disclosing your sexual health status.
While covering those topics may feel daunting, it doesn’t have to be. You can use a framework like STARS, which stands for safety, turn-ons, avoids, relationship intentions and expectations, and sexual health, as well as sexually transmitted infection (STI)status, to guide your conversation. - Use condoms
According to the S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), condoms are “highly effective” when it comes to preventing HIV and other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, they must be used correctly to remain effective.
This means using a new condom for every sexual encounter, putting it on before any genital contact happens, and checking for damage or expiration dates. Combining condoms with other prevention methods, such as PrEP and regular testing, can offer even greater protection and peace of mind. - Ask your PCP about PrEP
You can talk to your primary care provider (PCP) to see if PrEP is right for you, especially if you have a partner living with HIV or a partner whose sexual health status is unknown.
If you’re HIV-negative, HIV.gov recommends getting on PrEP, a preventive medicine. PrEP comes in pills or shots and is highly effective when taken as prescribed. It works by preventing HIV from establishing a permanent infection in your body if you’re exposed.
Taking steps to protect yourself and your partner is an important part of maintaining sexual health. By having honest conversations, using condoms correctly, and considering options like PrEP, you can reduce your risk of contracting HIV and support a healthy, open approach to intimacy. This AIDS Awareness Month and World AIDS Day, let’s continue breaking down stigma, sharing knowledge, and empowering one another to make informed, confident choices about our sexual health.