Condoms should be used consistently by monogamous partners until both have established that they are not infected with HIV or have other STDs. Repeated unprotected exposure to HIV should be avoided. If both partners are HIV-positive, the couple may reduce the risk of transmission of different types of HIV and other infections between them by practising safer sex. If one partner is HIV-positive, the couple should minimize unprotected sexual activity. Counselling safer drug use A complete history of nonmedical drug use, including anabolic steroids, should enable the physician to determine the possibility of HIV transmission by this means.
Risk associated with drug use arises from sharing injection equipment, i.e., needles and syringes.
Discuss current and past drug use, frequency of use, routes of administration, effects of drug use on sexual activity, and any illnesses resulting from drug use. Activities such as tattooing, ear and body piercing, acupuncture and scarification are considered to be risk-producing when equipment is not sterilized. Explain these procedures to the inseminated patient and help her find out if guidelines were followed. Although recombinant factor VIII is now safe, people with hemophilia may continue to be at risk through other modes of HIV transmission. Counselling should be directed at reducing risk of acquisition or transmission of HIV, including emphasis on safer sexual practices.