Protection and risk

The risk of being infected with HIV or an other sexually transmitted infection during sex varies, depending on the sex practice and sex partner.

Ukraine
Where can refugees from Ukraine with HIV and/or hepatitis get information and help? Where can people in opioid substitution therapy (OST) programmes get help?
- more: Ukraine
Safer Sex
Follow these rules to protect yourself effectively against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- more: Safer Sex
No risk
In daily situations, there is no risk of getting infected with HIV. HIV is not one of the easily transmittable diseases. Kissing, including French kissing, is not risky, the same goes for caressing and petting. There's practically no risk of HIV from oral sex, either.
- more: No risk
Therapy as protection
If you are HIV-positive and in successful treatment, with an undetectable viral load, you cannot pass the virus on sexually. Effective HIV therapy thus protects against transmission.
- more: Therapy as protection
Condom and femidom
Condoms and Femidom® offer reliable protection against HIV and provide good protection aigainst other sexually transmitted infections. If condoms split or slip off because they are too large or too small or have been wrongly used, then protection can no longer be guaranteed.
- more: Condom and femidom
Holiday and casual sex
You're single, you travel around and fancy a sexual adventure. Or maybe as a couple, you want to cross the boundaries of sex or pay for a sexual encounter. If you would like to return home without a sexually transmitted infection, then stick to these Safer Sex and Travel Rules.
- more: Holiday and casual sex
Vaginal, Anal and Oral Sex
The risk of becoming infected with HIV or an other sexually transmitted disease increases through having unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Even quick penetration or vaginal/anal sex without ejaculation are risky.
- more: Vaginal, Anal and Oral Sex
Alcohol & drugs
Alcohol and other drugs can lower inhibitions, increase sexual desire and experience, and enhance the willingness to take risks. This can increase the danger of becoming infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. People living with HIV should also know how drugs could affect their therapy.
- more: Alcohol & drugs
Sex workers, fair sex
Sex work is a profession offering services like many others. Be fair and respectful.
- more: Sex workers, fair sex
PrEP
Taking medication to protect yourself against HIV is called PrEP. Anyone who is taking PrEP correctly and gets regular check-ups is protected from an HIV infection.
- more: PrEP