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Know the HIV Risk
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This can refer to situations where one or both partners have sex with other people, or when one person is not in a monogamous relationship and has more than one sexual partner.
STDs spread rapidly in populations where people have multiple partners who overlap in time. This happens because a newly infected person can transmit an STD to more than one uninfected partner while the newly infected person is the most infectious.
Not having sex is the best way to prevent getting or transmitting HIV. If you are sexually active, you can choose to have fewer partners in the future. You can also choose sexual activities that are lower risk for HIV than anal or vaginal sex.
A monogamous relationship, which means that both you and your partner are having sex only with each other, can also reduce your risk of infection. + You can do other things to reduce your HIV risk, including using a condom the right way every time you have sex and taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV. +
Monogamy only reduces your risk of getting HIV if both partners are certain that they're HIV-negative and stay monogamous. You may not always know if your partner is having sex with other people or engaging in other behaviors that increase the risk for getting HIV or other STDs. Having open and honest communication with your partner is important. Talk to your partner about your decision to be monogamous and what you would do if one of you had sex with another person. Be sure you and your partner understand any agreements you have about sex and communicate about any changes in your HIV status or sexual activity.
And, if you're just beginning a monogamous relationship, it's a good idea for both of you to get tested for HIV before you have sex.
Even though it may be difficult, you can learn how to talk with your partner about condoms and safer sex.
Talking openly and frequently with your partner about sex can help you make decisions that may decrease your risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Learn more about how to get the conversation started. +