Who's at Risk?

Who's at Risk?

Anyone can get HIV -- young and old, men and women, straight, gay and bisexual, rich and poor, and all racial and ethnic groups -- but not everyone faces the same risk. Your risk comes from what you do, and who you do it with -- that is, how likely it is that the person you have sex or share needles with is infected. But even if you are part of a community with a high infection rate, you can avoid getting HIV. Staying uninfected takes thinking, planning and follow-through. Often it means talking about things that may make you uncomfortable. It can help to "practice" talking with people you can trust or who are going through the same thing.

Making Choices

In the age of HIV/AIDS, most kinds of sex involve some level of risk. Instead of labeling every form of sexual expression as "safe" and "unsafe," it's more realistic to think of sex as a range of risks, from less risky to more risky. Sex is also something you have with another person, so you might want to think about how you make decisions with a partner. Think about what you find pleasurable about sex, where, and with whom. Consider what risks are involved, and whether those will worry you later. Then try to think about how you might lower the risks while holding on to the pleasure. Some people have decided not to have sex with people they don't know well, or made certain kinds of sex off limits. Some have reduced the number of their sexual partners. Only you can decide what risks are worth taking and what risks are not.

Staying Safer -- Tools of the Trade

Clean needles and bleach. Using a new, clean needle is by far the best protection against the virus if you are shooting drugs. Some states, including New York, have needle exchange programs (where you can get free, clean needles) or needles for sale in drugstores. If you do not get your set brand-new and sealed from a needle exchange or pharmacy, clean it before you use it.

Latex condoms ("rubbers") prevent HIV infection. Using a condom may not always be easy, but it can save your life or someone else's. When used right, condoms seldom break, tear, or slip. You can also use a dry condom, or a flavored one, for oral sex, or cut a condom to the center and open it up to use for oral-anal or oral-vaginal sex. Never re-use a condom.

Plastic wrap and dental dams stop HIV when used for oral sex on a woman or for oral-anal sex. Dental dams are latex squares available in medical supply stores and from some adult shops. Some people find it easier to use a large sheet of plastic wrap. Be sure the dam or plastic wrap covers the entire vulva (clitoris and vaginal opening) and that you hold it at both edges. Be careful not to turn the dam or plastic wrap inside-out while you use it.

The "female condom" is a plastic sheath that women can insert in their vaginas and use for protection against HIV. The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex, has rings at both ends to hold it in place, and can be lubricated with oil-based lubricants that stay wet longer. This kind of condom takes practice to use, and is more expensive than a latex condom. Some men have also used the female condom for anal sex, though it has not been tested or approved for this use.

To Test or Not to Test

It can be scary to consider, but taking the HIV test is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Finding out that you have HIV can be an important step toward taking care of your health and planning for the future. Learning that you are HIV negative, too, can help you to figure out how to stay that way. It is most helpful to take the test in a situation where the test is voluntary, anonymous, or confidential, and where counseling is offered before and after the test.