Someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV every 9.5 minutes. The only ways to prevent contracting HIV are by abstaining
from sex, using clean needles, and avoiding contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. Sexually active
people can reduce the risk by taking precautions and using safer sex practices such as:
Consistently using latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams with every partner, whether having vaginal,
anal, or oral sex.
Using only water- or silicone-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants (Vaseline, massage or baby oils) can
cause a condom to break.
Limiting or reducing the number of sexual partners. A mutually monogamous relationship reduces your risk.
Watch Now: How to use a condom
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Bebashi provides workshops throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP
is a new HIV prevention method in which people who do not have HIV infection take a pill daily to reduce their risk
of becoming infected.
Contains medicines that prevent HIV from making new virus (by blocking the action of a protein that HIV-1 needs to
infect the body) as it enters the body, and prevent the establishment of a permanent infection
Does not cure HIV/AIDS in people who are already infected
This medication is used in combination with
safer sex practices to decrease the chance of getting HIV-1 in adults who are at high risk of getting infected
with HIV-1 through sex. Safer sex practices include:
Using condoms
Knowing your HIV status and that of your partner(s)
Getting tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Limiting your contact with body fluids
An Instructional Guide To Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
