The use of AZT by a woman during pregnancy and childbirth can cut by half the transmission of HIV to her newborn baby. New research has shown that AZT is useful even if it is taken for a short period of time during pregnancy and labor. However, babies can still be infected with HIV by breast-feeding. Several drug companies announced at the conference that they would provide cheaper AZT for women in developing countries. Unprotected sex is defined as anal or vaginal sex without a condom.
Some people also consider oral sex without a condom to be unprotected sex.
This rate was higher among men who socialized in bars. Risky sexual behavior was linked to substance use, including the use of alcohol and speed. HIV Treatment Drug Combinations Many of the presentations in Geneva were about new anti-HIV drug combinations and new combinations of older drugs. Several reports focused on combinations with 2 protease inhibitors , both for people who are first starting anti-HIV treatment and for those who have not done well on other drug regimens. Various drug companies and researchers are testing anti-HIV combination regimens that require drugs to be taken less often.