The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the scariest sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to contract, as there is no cure, and patients with the virus in their bodies need to be on medication for life in order to delay the onset of AIDS. As such, it is absolutely vital that anyone who engages in sexual activity know how to protect themselves against STDs, particularly HIV. Here are a few important steps that you should take in order to prevent the contraction of HIV.

Always use a condom
When there is penetrative sex, always use a condom. This is especially important because condoms don’t only prevent pregnancy, as it also helps to prevent the transfer of bodily fluids between the partners – and that is exactly how STDs get transmitted from one person to another. Vaginal, seminal and anal fluids all can transfer HIV. This point is especially important for those having sex with people who have a high risk of HIV, such as casual one-night stands or people who’ve been in and out of many relationships. However, even in monogamous relationships, a condom should still be used as it can prevent the transfer of other STDs too.

However, do note that a condom needs to be properly worn for it to be effective. Putting the condom on the wrong side, or wearing an additional condom can tear the condoms used, which makes it ineffective as protection.

Go for HIV testing regularly
For those in monogamous relationships, it’s very important to go for HIV testing regularly in Singapore. If sex is part of an everyday routine, the earlier you detect the virus, the earlier you can receive appropriate treatment, and the less you will spread the virus to the people you have sex with. It can be very reaffirming to go for an HIV test together with your partner in Singapore’s HIV clinics, as you both can be there to support each other while waiting for the results. Both you and your partner should read up and better understand how HIV works and how HIV can be transmitted to prepare for the possibility that one of you is infected – especially if someone had sex outside the relationship recently.

If you have sex with high-risk individuals, it’s even more important to get tested regularly. The best frequency is about once every 3 months. If you do not have sex that often, one test a year would usually suffice.

Take HIV PEP if you think you’ve been infected
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medicine that can be taken if you think you have been infected with HIV. The medicine helps to suppress the spread of the virus during the initial stages of infection. HIV PEP in Singapore can be found in HIV clinics and most A&E departments in hospitals. Should you think you have been exposed to the virus, taking this course of medication may save you the trouble and cost of taking medication for a lifetime.

Conclusion
While HIV can be scary, all it takes are a few simple steps to ensure you are constantly protected. It is always good to research more on the virus and prevention.