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What is the best way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV?

Because there is no vaccine for HIV, the only way to prevent infection is to avoid the kinds of behaviors that allow transmission. The two primary avenues of HIV transmission are unprotected se and sharing needles. And because there is no way of knowing if someone does have HIV (unless they actually tell you they have repeatedly tested negative), prevention practices should be used with each and every partner until you know for certain. The most common prevention recommendations are as follows:

• Use latex condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse
• For oral sex on a woman, use a latex dental dam to cover the vulva
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Learn ways of pleasuring that do not involve penetration or exchanging semen or vaginal fluids
• Be aware that drugs and alcohol can affect one’s judgment and decrease the likelihood of using protection
• Talk to your partners about their sexual history
  

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