Six Ways to Reduce Risk

Abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Many other things feel good and are safe, because no blood, semen, or vaginal secretions get into the body. Safe activities include hugging, cuddling, masturbating, kissing, fantasizing, body-to-body rubbing, and massage.

Use condoms. Unless you're 100% sure your sexual partner is not infected with HIV or other STDs, reduce your risk by using a latex condom (rubber) on the penis from start to finish every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. The female condom can also help protect you.

Learn to talk with your partner about condoms and safer sex. Condoms can protect both of you from many STDs.

If you use lubricant, use one that is water-based. Lubricants containing oil (such as Vaseline) might cause latex condoms to break.

If you use spermicidal (birth control) foams and jellies, use them along with condoms, not in place of condoms. The effectiveness of spermicidal in preventing HIV is unknown.

If you are a drug user, seek help. Never share needles. Avoid mixing alcohol or other drugs with sexual activities-they might cloud your judgment and lead you to engage in unsafe sexual practices.