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Protect yourself

Current treatments only limit the progression of HIV. So, it is important to protect oneself to avoid being infected by the virus.

How HIV is transmitted​

To understand how to protect oneself, it is important to know that HIV is transmitted by the exchange of body fluids such as sperm, vaginal secretions, blood or breast milk. So, transmission can happen:

  • during unprotected sex;
  • when sharing needles;
  • during pregnancy;
  • during birth;
  • during breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

Certain situations increase the risk of transmission during unprotected sex:

  • during a first time (increased risk of lesions);
  • during menstruation (periods);
  • if one partner has another STI;
  • if one partner has recently been infected with HIV;
  • if one partner has genital lesions
  • during violent sex (consentual or non-consentual), which can cause genital micro-lesions.

Using a condom​

To ensure an effective protection, when you use a condom make sure to:

  • check the expiry date of the condom before using it,
  • check if the packaging is damaged or opened,
  • never reuse a condom,
  • never use an internal and an external condom at the same time,
  • don't use oil-based lube that can damage the condom, use a water-based lube.

PrEP​

In addition to condoms, people at risk of being exposed to HIV can take a treatment to reduce the risk of begin infected be HIV, which is called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP.