The following information is provided by
The New York State Department of Health

1. Is there a way to ensure that HIV is not transmitted sexually?

   The only way to ensure that HIV is not transmitted sexually is by not being sexually active - abstinence. It is important to understand that there is no such thing as 100% safe sex, although the use of latex barriers such as condoms in conjunction with a spermicide can make sexual activity safer (in other words, reduce, not entirely eliminate the risk). If an individual wants to entirely eliminate the possibility of sexual transmission of HIV, abstinence is the surest method.

2. Will the use of a condom during sex reduce the risk of HIV infection?

   Yes. Use of a latex condom during sex can reduce their risk of HIV infection because it reduces the chance of getting g semen, blood and vaginal secretions (fluids known to carry the virus) into the body Since condoms can break or slip, people should not rely on them as their only defense against HIV. Additional protection can be provided by using a spermicide, such as nonoxynol-9, with a condom. However, frequent spermicide use, for example more than every other day, is not advised because it can cause irritation, which may increase the risk of infection.

3. Is there a female condom?

   Yes. Research indicates that male latex condoms seem to provide better protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) However, if a male condom cannot be used, a female condom is the next best choice for protection. Male and female condoms should not be used together. Additional protection may also be provided by using a spermicide inside the condom in case it leaks or slips. Frequent spermicide use on the outside of the condom, for example more than every other day, is not advised because it can cause irritation, which may increase the risk of infection. Female condoms are available in drug stores, some community health centers, and some AIDS service organizations.

4. Can use of a diaphragm and spermicide together reduce the risk of HIV infection?

   A diaphragm and spermicide provide far less protection that a male latex condom and less protection that a female condom against HIV Although there are no human studies, laboratory and animal studies suggest that a diaphragm with a spermicide may reduce the risk of HIV infection. Spermicidal jelly r cream should be applied to the rim and side of the diaphragm covering the cervix. Additional spermicide inserted directly into the vagina is also recommended. However, frequent spermicide use, for example more than every other day, is not advised because it can cause irritation, which may increase the risk of infection. A diaphragm and vaginal spermicide should be used by a woman only if a male of female condom cannot be used.

5. Will use of a spermicide alone reduce the risk of HIV infection?

   The extent to which spermicides alone may provide protection has not been well documented. Spermicides applied within the vagina may provide some protection against the virus contained in semen, but they should not be used without a condom or diaphragm. Frequent spermicide use, for example more than every other day, is not advised because it can cause irritation, which may increase the risk of infection.

   WARNING: This method of protection should only be used if there are no other choices possible, as the very last resort.

6. Can other birth control methods reduce the risk of HIV infection?

   No. Birth control pills, Norplant, Depo-Provera, IUD or any other birth control method that dos not keep blood, semen or vaginal secretions out of the body DOES NOT provide protection against HIV.

7. Can douching after sex reduce the risk of HIV infection?

   No. With vaginal intercourse, douching after sex does not provide protection against HIV because potentially infected semen enters the cervical canal almost immediately after ejaculation. Douching after sex does not protect against contact with blood, semen or vaginal secretions. Also, there is no evidence that douching offers any protection with regards to anal intercourse.

8. Should sex partners who are both infected with HIV use condoms when having sex?

   Yes. For people who are already infected, using condoms provides important protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unplanned pregnancy. Condoms also protect against exposure to different types or "strains" of HIV, which may be beneficial.

9. How can someone using injectable drugs eliminate or reduce his/her risk of HIV infection?

   • Drug treatment programs: Risk of infection from used syringes can be completely avoided by entering a drug treatment program and ending use of injected drugs. Drug treatment programs are available throughout New York State to assist an individual in reaching recovery.
   • Syringes exchange programs: Risk of infection can also be avoided by using a new syringe for each injection and by not sharing syringes or works. Injection drug users may obtain unused syringes by participating in a syringe exchange program. Syringe exchange programs have been authorized to give syringes and needles to injection drug users without a prescription in order to prevent the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases.
   • Cleaning needles and works: Risk of infection can be reduced by always cleaning injection equipment (needles and works) immediately after use and just before reuse, even if it seems to be packaged as new.
   1. FIRST, wash out the syringe with clean water by drawing the water up through the needle to the top of the syringe, shake the set, then squirt out. DO NOT REUSE THIS WATER. Repeat at least 3 times.
   2. NEXT, draw undiluted bleach up through the needle to the top of the syringe and shake the set. Leave the bleach in the syringe for at least 30 seconds and squirt out. DO NOT REUSE THIS BLEACH. Repeat this entire step at least 3 times.
   3. LAST, rinse the syringe and needle with clean water. Draw the clean water up through the needle to the top of the syringe, shake the set and squirt it out. DO NOT REUSE THIS WATER. Repeat this step 3 times.

   In addition to steps 1, 2 and 3, one can improve cleaning effectiveness by taking the set apart, removing the plunger from the barrel and soaking them in bleach for at least 30 seconds.

   NEVER shoot or drink the bleach.

   DO NOT reuse the cotton, water or cooker. However, if the cooker must be reused, soak it in bleach for at least 30 seconds and then rinse it with clean water. Since bleach loses its effectiveness with exposure to light, store all bleach for cleaning needles and works in a container that does not let light pass through.

   NEVER assume a syringe is new, even if it seems to be packaged as new.

10. How can the use of alcohol or other non-injectable drugs increase the risk of HIV infection?

    Using non-injectable, mood-altering drugs, such as alcohol, marijuana or crack cocaine lowers one's ability to make good decisions about safer sex and cleaning needles and works before use. Crack may increase sexual drive, resulting in increased sexual activity when used.

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