Use latex condom for vaginal and anal intercourse. Use water-based lubricant (K-Y, Astroglide, and Probe); oil-containing products (Crisco, Vaseline, baby oil, lotion, and whipped cream) can destroy latex. A drop of lube inside the condom may increase sensitivity. Don’t use saliva as a lubricant.

Other contraceptive devices do not protect against AIDS. Product containing nonoxyno1-9 (a spermicide) can kill HIV and may provide extra protection, but should not be relied on alone. Some studies show that nonoxyno1-9 can cause genital irritation that may promote HIV infection, especially with very frequent intercourse. The effects of ingesting nonoxyno1-9 are unstudied.

Blood-to-blood contact is the most direct route of HIV transmission. Sharing needles (for drug steroids piercing or tattooing) razors or any implement that draws blood is dangerous since blood may be left on used implements. Clean needles by rinsing several times with bleach then with water. Avoid contact with blood in s/m scenes. Whips or knives that break the skin should not be used on another person until disinfected with bleach or a cleaning solution.

Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex if a man will come in your mouth. For oral sex on a woman or oral-anal sex (rimming) use a dental dam (latex square) a condom or latex glove cut to produce a flat sheet or non-microwaveable food wrap. Rinse powder off dams before use. Use all barrier only once and only on one person.

Oral sex on a man without ejaculation or on a non-menstruating woman is thought to be low risk activity. There is a risk that HIV could enter through small cuts of opening in the mouth gums of throat. Avoid brushing your teeth two hours before or after oral sex to minimize abrasions.

If you share sex toys like dildoes or vibrators put on a fresh condom for each user (and when going from anus to vagina) or guard bleach alcohol or soap and water.

Use latex gloves for "finger fucking" or fisting to guard the wearer against infection through cuts on the hand or arm and to guard the partner against injury from fingernails.

Touching and kissing are safe. It is safe to get semen vaginal fluid or urine on unbroken skin. No AIDS cases have been traced to kissing, including deep (French) kissing.

Precautions and against AIDS can protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, yeast infections, amoebiasis, and hepatitis B. Preventing other STDs can in turn minimize your chances of getting AIDS, since many STDs cause sores in the genital or anal area or around the mouth which can provide a path for HIV transmission.