What are your chances of getting HIV? The answer will depend on a number of things. If you are never exposed to this virus then your chances of becoming infected are zero. HIV can be transmitted in a number of ways, including sexual contact, IV drug use and the habit of sharing needles between individuals, pregnancy and birth, and blood transfusions. Each method of transmission will have specific risks. Female to male transmission through penile vaginal intercourse is extremely small, and many researchers say that this scenario is virtually non existent. Out of all types of sexual activity the least risky for contracting AIDS is oral sex, and the most risky is being the bottom male in a homosexual encounter.
A condom can lessen your chances of getting HIV significantly, as long as the condom is latex. Certain natural and lambskin condoms may not prevent the transmission of HIV, because of the size of the condom molecules and the size of the HIV virus. Anal sex is considered extremely risky, and this type of activity increases the risks of contracting HIV from a partner. Sexual activity is not the only way that HIV is spread though. If you use IV street drugs and you share a hypodermic needle with someone else you are at a much higher risk of being diagnosed with HIV.
The chances of getting HIV for an infant born to a woman who has this virus can vary. If proper medications and treatment is used during pregnancy and delivery then the infant may only have a two or three percent chance of being infected. For babies born to women with HIV who did not receive mediations and special treatment the baby has a one in four chance of being infected. It is common for women with HIV today to plan a pregnancy, because of the advancements in medical science concerning the spread of HIV.
You can keep your chances of getting HIV very low with some common sense advice. Know your partner before jumping into bed, and always practice safe sex unless you are in a monogamous and committed relationship. Never share needles, and avoid high risk individuals including men who are gay or bisexual, IV drug users, and hemophiliacs who require blood transfusions. Remember that unprotected anal sex is much riskier than vaginal sex, especially if you do not know whether your partner is HIV positive or not.