Microbicides

Microbicides

Researchers are developing microbicides, which are substances that destroy viruses and bacteria, to be applied inside the vagina before having sex. Efforts are being made to produce a fast-acting, unnoticeable, inexpensive, safe product that will destroy HIV. Women who are interested in using microbicides should ask their doctor or other health care provider about clinical trials and other information.

To protect yourself and your partner:

• Stay informed and make smart choices.
• Do not let drinking or drugs interfere with your decisions.
• Do not let the fear or embarrassment of talking about sex keep you from protecting yourself.
• Remember that people are not always honest about their past sexual experiences, nor do most people who are infected with HIV look any less healthy than uninfected people. If in doubt, be cautious.
• Talk about HIV before having sex. Do not wait until passion keeps you from protecting yourself or your partner.
• Abstinence—not having sex—is the surest way not to contract HIV and other STDs.
• If you have sex, limit the number of sexual partners.
• The safest sex is between two partners who are not infected with HIV, who have never used injectable drugs, and who have never had another sex partner.
• Always use a latex condom or other form of barrier protection during sex. Though not foolproof, condoms are highly effective at preventing transmission of HIV and other STDs.
• Know how to use a condom correctly and how to store condoms so that they do not degrade.
• Explore sexual activities that do not involve intercourse.

If you have questions or concerns about either you or your partner, talk to an HIV counselor. In the United States, call the CDC National HIV/AIDS hotline:

• 1.800.342.2437 (English)
• 1.800.344.7432 (Spanish)
• 1.800.243.7889 (TDD)