How do I protect myself from HIV? These tips can help protect you
How do I protect myself from HIV? Protection against HIV has - fortunately - become a matter of course for many people. Those who think of avoiding infection often inevitably think of rubbers. And indeed, they are a particularly effective (and simple) way to protect yourself. But what if the condom breaks during sex?
There are some other tips that can help defend your own health (and also the health of your sexual partners) in the best possible way. The most common ones will be discussed in the following articles.
The problem with HIV testing ...
First of all, HIV tests can help prevent the virus from being passed on, especially if they are carried out regularly. Especially those who are very sexually active should therefore be checked regularly. After all, the earlier an infection is detected, the sooner medication can be started.
The disadvantage is that the infection cannot yet be detected with such a test, especially shortly after infection. On the other hand, there is a high probability that the virus will be passed on during sex. A "very unfavorable" constellation ....
By the way, especially in larger cities, there are a number of contact points where an HIV test can be performed. In case of doubt, of course, the attending family doctor will always help.
Tip No. 1: Condoms
Whether for gay cruising or a classic ONS: They are simply mandatory! If you use the rubber correctly, you can protect yourself almost 100 percent from infection. A great way to significantly (!) Reduce the personal risk.
Another piece of good news: rubbers are now available in a wide range of variants, sizes, with and without flavor and with and without nubs or grooves. The selection is large and excuses are virtually no more.
Tip No. 2: PrEP medication
PrEP medication is taken before sex (or before sexual contact). However, PrEP medication should only be used as a supplement to rubbers in order to further increase safety.
If they are used as an alternative, the protection is by far not as high as it is in combination.
Tip No. 3: PEP (for emergency use only)
PEPs are in a way a kind of "morning-after pill". Of course, these drugs cannot be taken "endlessly", but only up to 48 hours after the possible infection.
Compared to the classic "morning-after pill", a single pill is not enough.
Instead, the PEPs must be taken over a total period of four weeks. The ingredients should then prevent the HI virus from taking hold in the body.
Medically, taking PEPs is compared to "minor" HIV therapy.
Our conclusion
Nowadays, anyone who does not want to live an abstinent life has several options to protect themselves and their environment from HIV. An absolute classic in this context is, of course, condoms. However, if a rubber tears, there are (fortunately) one or two back-ups.
However, PEP medication in particular is by no means suitable for use on a general and regular basis. Instead, it should only be used in an absolute emergency.
This shows that it is much easier and less stressful to buy condoms and have fun, instead of having to worry about a possible HIV infection afterwards.
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