One Life

Preventing HIV

1. Always use condoms

• On average, latex condoms when used correctly in every act of sex:
• prevent 80-95% of HIV infection transmissions that would have occurred without condoms
• may lower the risk of developing H. Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV-related diseases (genital warts and cervical cancer)
• reduce the risk of diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, Chlamydia, and pelvic inflammatory disease
• The more often you use a condom, the more confident you’ll get at putting it on. Practice makes perfect! So do it with your partner or alone. You may be surprised at how much fun you can have.
• Don't stash condoms in a back pocket, wallet or glove compartment. Keep them visible and handy on the night table beside the bed, for example.
• Check the expiration date—condoms have a limited shelf life—so when one is expired, don’t chance it, throw it out.
• Use lube! Lubrication can prevent condoms from tearing or ripping. REMEMBER, use water-based lubricants only with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants (like baby oil, petroleum jelly or body lotions) can damage latex condoms.
• Use a condom only once. Do not reuse! Use a new condom for each sex act. Roll it on gently, don’t yank it on like a sock.
• If a condom is overly sticky, brittle, or has changed colour, or if the package it came in is broken, do not use it, throw it out.
• Save the flavored condoms for oral sex only. Regular condoms are best for vaginal or anal sex.

2. Choose your partners carefully. If possible stay monogamous. Best to avoid anonymous “pick ups” and reduce the number of sexual partners.

3. Stay sober. One night of drinking or drug use mixed with sex can lead to a lifetime of regret.

4. Don’t share needles. If you can't stop using drugs, never share needles or “works”.