Protection from HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections

Key facts at a glance

Verkehrsschild Achtung mit Ausrufungszeichen als Symbol für Das Wichtigste in Kürze
  • Condoms (or internal condoms) during vaginal, and anal intercourse provide protection from HIV, and reduce the risk of most other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Avoiding contact with visibly changed or inflamed skin areas or wounds as well as preventing blood, semen, and other body fluids from entering the body further reduces the risk.
  • Effective antiretroviral therapy of people with HIV reliably protects HIV-negative sexual partners from HIV infection.
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) also provides HIV-negative people with reliable protection from HIV.
  • After a possible or probable exposure to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.
  • Drug users can protect themselves from HIV and hepatitis through safer use practices, especially by only using their own, ideally sterile, syringes and other equipment.
  • Vaccination protects from hepatitis A, and B as well as the most common pathogenic HPV strains and Mpox.
  • Since some sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted even when precautions are taken, (regular) screenings and treatment are important (including for partners).