Condoms and lubrication
Male condoms and internal (female) condoms act as barriers that reduce the chance of HIV and other STIs being passed between partners. Using adequate lubrication alongside a condom helps the barrier stay intact during sex.
HIV Prevention
Prevention strategies that work
There are many strategies to prevent HIV infection. While no strategy is 100% effective — with the exception of abstinence — several are highly effective when used correctly.
Options
Three pillars of HIV prevention
Condoms and lubrication, limiting the number of sexual partners, and the HIV medication regimens PrEP and PEP are the strategies described on this page.
Limiting sexual partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners you have lowers the number of possible exposures to HIV. When partners are fewer and known, risk can be discussed and addressed more directly.
PrEP and PEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are HIV medication regimens that are highly effective when used correctly as prescribed.
Condoms
Two main types of condoms
Condoms are a barrier method: they help prevent fluids that can carry HIV and other STIs from passing between partners during sex. There are two main types — male condoms and internal condoms, often called female condoms.
- Male condoms are worn over the penis before sex.
- Internal condoms are placed inside the vagina or anus before sex.
- Use adequate lubrication to reduce friction and help the barrier hold.
Condoms also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections and can help prevent pregnancy when used as directed.
No single approach is perfect
Combining strategies gives the strongest protection. PrEP and other medications reduce risk substantially when taken as directed, and condoms remain recommended because PrEP does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy.
Preventing HIV is easier when you understand the range of options available. No single approach works for everyone, and most strategies are most effective when combined with regular testing, honest conversations with partners, and early medical care. The three pillars of HIV prevention typically described are barrier protection such as condoms and lubrication, limiting the number of sexual partners, and the HIV medication regimens known as PrEP and PEP. Learning how each of these fits into your own life is a practical first step toward reducing risk.
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, involves taking HIV medication ahead of exposure to help prevent infection. It is a widely studied prevention method that has changed how many people think about their sexual health, particularly when it is prescribed and monitored by a clinical team. Because PrEP is a prescription, it usually involves an initial visit, ongoing follow-up appointments, and routine lab work. Providers can discuss eligibility, side effects, and what daily or on-demand schedules may mean for your routine.
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is intended for use after a possible exposure to HIV. The general idea is that starting medication promptly after an exposure can reduce the likelihood of infection. Because timing matters, PEP is often available on a walk-in or urgent basis, and staff can help you understand whether a recent situation warrants evaluation. If you are ever unsure about your exposure risk, contacting a clinic early is the most sensible course of action rather than waiting to see whether symptoms appear.
Regular screening remains one of the most important prevention tools. Many people with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms at all, so testing is the only reliable way to know your status. Clinics that perform HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis screening can also offer counseling, vaccination, and partner services, including help notifying contacts of a positive result and guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis. Consistent testing, paired with the prevention options above, offers a well-rounded and reassuring approach to sexual health.