{"id":177,"date":"2016-01-20T16:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-01-20T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/?page_id=177"},"modified":"2026-03-11T17:47:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:47:02","slug":"hivprevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/disease-prevention\/hivprevention\/","title":{"rendered":"HIV Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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More ways than ever...<\/h1>\n

Today there are more tools than ever to prevent HIV.\u00a0 Strategies include using condoms, not sharing injection equipment, and taking a pill or injectable to prevent HIV (PrEP).\u00a0 Getting tested and treated for STDs can lower your chances of getting HIV.\u00a0 Not having sex and not injecting drugs ensure that you won\u2019t get HIV.<\/p>\n

Treatment is Prevention!\u00a0 People living with HIV who stay on their medication and have so little virus in their body that a blood test cannot measure it, don't give HIV to a partner through sex.\u00a0 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> <\/strong>indicate there is strong evidence about treatment as prevention for other ways HIV can be transmitted, but more research is needed for other ways, including breastfeeding and injection drug use.<\/p>\n

Getting tested is the first step in getting on PrEP if you are HIV negative.\u00a0 Getting tested is also the first step in getting medical care to become virally suppressed if you are HIV positive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Abstinence<\/h2>\n

While there have been many strides in HIV prevention tools, abstinence is still the only 100% method to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).\u00a0 The longer you wait to have oral, vaginal, or anal sex, the fewer sexual partners you are likely to have in your lifetime.\u00a0 Having fewer partners lowers your risk of encountering a partner who has HIV or an STD.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\"\"<\/a>Condoms<\/h2>\n

If used correctly condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and some STDs.\u00a0 Condoms do not provide good protection against STDs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.\u00a0 Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two examples.<\/p>\n

There are two types of condoms: male and internal (also known as female).\u00a0 It is important that you know how to use both correctly for your protection.<\/p>\n

For both male and internal condoms, only one condom should be used at a time.\u00a0 Using multiple condoms at one time increases friction and the likelihood that both condoms would tear.<\/p>\n

A new condom should be used each time a sexual encounter occurs.\u00a0 After a condom is used it should be properly disposed of.<\/p>\n

Even if condoms are used the right way every time you have sex, there is still a chance of getting HIV or STDs.\u00a0 For some individuals at high risk of getting or transmitting HIV or STDs, adding other prevention methods may be ideal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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    Need Condoms?<\/h1>\n

    Looking for a place near you to grab some free condoms?\u00a0 All local health departments have free condoms.\u00a0 Most community
    \nagencies that provide HIV testing offer free condoms.\u00a0 Click \"Find Condoms\" then use the HIV & STI Testing button.<\/p>\n

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      Male (External) Condoms<\/h3>\n
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      A male condom, also called an external condom, is a thin layer of protection that is worn over the penis during sex.\u00a0 It is available in different materials.<\/p>\n