How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS, can be passed from an infected person to another person through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.

There is a high to moderate risk for transmitting HIV by:

Having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected.

Sharing needles and equipment used for injecting drugs, steroids, or vitamins; or for tattooing, or piercings with someone who is infected with HIV.

Having unprotected oral sex with someone who is infected with HIV.

From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Becoming Infected?

During vaginal and/or anal intercourse use one of the following:

A latex condom with water-based lubricant.

A polyurethane condom with water-based or oil-based lubricant.

Reality Condom (internal barrier pouch for vaginal or anal use).

During oral-vaginal, oral-penile and/or oral-anal sex use one of the following:

A latex barrier ("dam").

A latex or polyurethane condom (assorted flavors available at BCAP).

condoms can be cut and used as barriers.

When using needles:

Use new needles and equipment.

Contact "The Works" program at 303.413.7522 for access to resources and clean needles.

How to Use a Condom

1) Store condoms in a cool, dry place.

2) Use a condom only if the package is undamaged and if there is an airpocket in the sealed package, and it has not passed the expiration date.

3) Use a new condom with each sexual act.

4) Carefully open the condom to avoid damaging it with fingernails or teeth.

5) Put the condom on the end of the erect penis, leaving space at the tip. Gently press the air out of the condom tip, as air bubbles can cause condoms to break. If uncircumcised, pull foreskin of penis back.

6) Apply lubrication to condom-covered penis and to anus or vagina: water-based to latex condoms and water or oil-based to polyurethane condoms.

7) After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base of the penis and carefully remove the condom so as not to spill contents.

8) Dispose of the used condom (not in the toilet).

Where to get condoms:

BCAP, Boulder County Health Department (available for free), area pharmacies, grocery stores, Planned Parenthood clinics, and Fascinations carry condoms (prices vary).

How to Use a Latex Barrier

The use of a latex barrier (dam, latex square or plastic wrap*) during oral-anal and oral-vaginal sex can reduce your risk of contracting HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

1) Put some water-based lubricant on one side of the barrier.

2) Put the lubricated side of the barrier up to your partner's vagina or anus. Now you can use your mouth on your partner.

3) Use a new barrier for each act of oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex or if you switch between areas.

4) Do not share barriers between partners.

Where to get latex barriers:

Planned Parenthood (3 for $6.00)

Area pharmacies and grocery stores (prices vary)

*Plastic food wrap may not provide a completely safe barrier, but is preferable to no barrier at all.