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SEXY TRAFFIC SIGNALS ... how risky is that?

Some activities have more risk of transmitting HIV than others.

Before you start your engines, find out what could definitely put you at risk, what's under debate, and what can have you revving for hours with no problem at all. Rrrrrrrrrr...

(Remember : In order to transmit HIV, one person's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk must get into another person's bloodstream, either directly or through a mucous membrane. Check out the transmission page for more details.)

RED LIGHT — danger up ahead…

All of these activities meet the requirements to transmit HIV. They allow one of the four body fluids to come into contact with the bloodstream, either directly or through an irritated mucous membrane. The vast majority of people contracted HIV by doing one of the things on this list. To reduce the risk, slip on a condom (one for each person if you're sharing toys), dribble on some lube, and use your own new works.

  • Vaginal or anal sex without a condom and water based lube
  • Sharing penetrative toys without a condom and water based lube
  • Sharing IV drug, steroid, or body art equipment (needle, syringe, straw, spoon, tube)
  • Pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding (from mother to child)
    HIV+ women: talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or want children.
    There are ways you can significantly reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby.
This is no longer an issue in Canada, but before accurate testing was used, people also contracted HIV by:

  • Receiving transfusions of infected blood or organs
  • Using an infected sperm donation for insemination