HIV & STI’s

What can I DO if I THINK I've been exposed to HIV? Find out about [PEP]
Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections
Download a copy of the Guide to STI's here...

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Download the CDC HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet...
HIV/AIDS Among Men who have Sex with Men
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Know Your Status! Click here to find a testing location
within the Southern Tier region.

How Do People Get HIV? (click to open for more info)

How it Happens:Protect Yourself:
Sex
  • HIV in semen, blood or vaginal fluids passes between partners through the thin mucous membranes of the penis, vagina, rectum or mouth, or through tiny cuts or open sores on these organs.
  • This can happen during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
  • Practice Safe Sex. This means don't allow sex partner's semen, blood, menstrual blood or vaginal secretions to enter your body.
Sharing Needles
  • Needle is shared to inject drugs, vitamins or steroids, or for tattoos or piercing.
  • Blood with HIV in it is left in the needle or syringe.
  • When the equipment is used again, HIV in blood is injected directly into the next person's body.
  • Don't share needles for any reason.
  • Don't inject drugs.
  • If you do inject drugs, don't share needles or works.
  • If you have to share, clean works at least 3 times with water, 3 times with bleach and 3 times again with water before and after each use.
From Mother to Fetus or Newborn
  • Blood with HIV in it may pass from mother to fetus in the womb or to baby at birth.
  • HIV may pass to baby in breast milk.
  • Consider getting an HIV test if you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, and you, a sex partner or someone you share needles with might be at risk.
  • Pregnant women who test positive can take medication to greatly reduce the risk to the fetus.
Blood to Blood Contact
  • Blood with HIV in it comes in contact with blood or mucous membranes of another person.
  • Avoid contact with someone else's blood.
  • Blood and organs donated for transplant and semen at sperm banks are all tested for HIV.
  • You may be able to donate your own blood ahead of time for any planned surgeries.

Sexual Behaviors and their Associated Risks: (click to open for more info)

High Risk
  • Anal sex without a condom
  • Vaginal sex without a condom
  • Bloodletting
  • Sex while drunk or high
Moderate Risk
  • Swallowing cum
  • Rimming without a barrier (oral/anal stimulation)
Low to Moderate Risk
  • Oral sex without a condom
Low Risk
  • Anal sex with a condom
  • Vaginal sex with a condom
  • Oral sex with a condom
  • Fingering
  • Showering with a partner
  • Frottage (dry humping)
No Risk
  • Abstinence
  • Self masturbation
  • Back rubs
  • Hugging & Kissing
  • Fantasy
  • Phone/Internet/Txt Msg Sex

Is Oral Sex Safe? (click to open for more info)

That's can be a tough question to answer...
  • Oral sex isn't the riskiest activity. But there is some risk. It's up to you (and your partner) to decide what your limits are and what's safe enough for you.

  • Using a barrier such as condoms (they come in a lot of fun flavors), latex dams or plastic foodwrap for oral sex is the safest. A little flavored lubricant (or honey) can spice things up.

  • Oral sex is safer without ejaculation. But remember, pre-cum contains HIV, too. A good rule-of-thumb is 'Don't get his cum in your mouth and don't let your cum get into his.'

  • Be aware of the state of your mouth. Bleeding gums or cuts can increase the risk of infection.

  • In the absence of blood and open sores, rimming (oral/anal contact) is not very risky for HIV. But you can get Hepatitis, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections.

Only YOU can decide what you put in YOUR mouth.

Should I Get Tested? (click to open for more info)

Since 1990 have you ...
  • Had unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity or intercourse?

  • Had unprotected sex with a man who has had sex with another man or men?

  • Had unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or AIDS, or who you think might have been infected?

  • Had unprotected sex with someone you believe has injected drugs (someone who "shoots up")?

  • Not properly and carefully used latex condoms with people who might have had HIV?


Have you ever...
  • Injected drugs, steroids, or vitamins, or had a sexual partner who did or does so?

  • Shared needles and/or the same cooker, cotton, rinse water, or other possibly contaminated materials?

  • Had multiple sexual partners?

  • Given or gotten money or drugs in exchange for sex?

  • Had a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, genital herpes or warts, or had a sexual partner with an STD?

  • Received transfusions of blood or blood components between early 1978 and mid-1985, or had a sexual partner who had?

  • Had sexual partners who have had other sexual partners who did any of the above?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider getting an HIV test.

The HIV Test (click to open for more info)

The HIV test looks for HIV antibodies in your body.

If you have antibodies...

Your test results will be positive. This means you have HIV.

If you don't have antibodies...

Your test will be negative. This means one of two things...
  1. You don't have HIV.
  2. You have HIV, but your body hasn't made antibodies yet. It takes up to 3 months after infection for the body to make HIV antibodies. This is called the 'Window Period'.

What happens during testing?
  • A health care worker takes a little sample of blood from your finger or takes cells from the inside of your cheek and gums.
  • Many testing centers offer a rapid test. Results will be provided in about 20 minutes. A reactive result will have to be confirmed with a second test with results coming back in about 2 weeks.
  • During the test, you will be asked some questions about your past experiences and why you have come in for the test. You will also be asked if you need any information on how to make your sex life safer.

If you test positive...
  • A confirmed positive test means you have HIV.
  • If you test HIV positive, find a health care provider who knows about HIV right away. Early treatment can help you stay healthy longer.
  • Services for people with HIV include help with health care, income, food and legal services.

If you test negative...
  • A negative test means no HIV antibodies were in your blood at the time of the test.
  • This may mean you do not have HIV.
  • A negative test might also mean you have HIV, but your body hasn't made HIV antibodies yet.
  • Get tested again at least 3 months after any risky behavior.

Who will know your test results?
  • Most test centers offer confidential testing. Your test results is told only to you but it is also put into your medical file. Ask who has access to this file.
  • Some test centers offer anonymous testing. You are the only one who sees your test result. You also use a code name or number to get your result.

Getting drunk or high before sex increases the chance you'll do something risky. Drugs and alcohol make it harder to stick to your limits.

If you think you have a drug or alcohol problem, counseling can help.

Sharing needles can transmit HIV and Hepatitis C. Needles pass infected blood from one person to another. Protect yourself.

Remember...using latex barriers such as condoms and dental dams can lower your risk or getting or giving an STI and HIV.

The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested!

** It is important to always use a condom properly. For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for HIV and STI's, correct and consistent use of a condom can reduce the risk of HIV and STI transmission. However, no protective method is 100% effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STI's.**