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Risk Factors
The main risk factors of HIV transmission are:
- Unprotected sex (oral, vaginal or anal) with someone who has the virus
- Sharing a needle (shooting drugs) with someone who's infected
Myths about HIV Transmission
- I can't get HIV if I pull out: Wrong. Pre-cum comes out of the penis before ejaculation, so you can become infected.
- You can only get HIV by using needles: NO. Most teens get HIV through sexual contacts.
- You can only get HIV through anal sex: Not true. Unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex can transmit HIV.
- I can't get HIV, I'm straight: No. Anyone (gay, straight or bisexual) who has unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex without condoms is at risk for HIV.
- If someone had good hygiene and no visible sores, they are probably negative: Wrong. You can't tell if someone is positive by looking at them.
- It's dangerous to touch someone with HIV: Not true. You can't get HIV through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sitting on the same toilet seat, eating off the same fork or shaking hands.
- My relationship is monogamous: Maybe not. People don't always tell the truth about being monogamous. But, even if your partner is, you are still being exposed to every person they have ever been with. Your partner may not know that they are positive.
Want to know where you can be tested? Click on "Where to Go" below.
Want to test your HIV/AIDS IQ? Click on "Quiz" below.
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