HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.
HIV can be found in semen (cum), pre-cum, anal mucous, vaginal fluids and blood. You can catch or pass on HIV if any of these fluids come in contact with the penis, inside the anus or vagina (in women) or through any breaks in the skin.
You can’t tell if someone has HIV by looking at them.
You are at risk of HIV:
- If you have unprotected anal or vaginal sex without a condom
- If you give oral sex, especially if you have cuts or sores in your mouth that could allow HIV to get in to your blood
- If you have rough sex, long sessions, fisting, and douching (safe douching)
If you have an STI such as chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhoea, then you will be more vulnerable to HIV.