Type of sex and condom use

The type of sex you have (anal, oral or vaginal) relates to the risk of catching HIV. Whether or not you use a condom or are on PrEP is also important. 

Oral sex is generally a lower risk. Penetrative (anal and vaginal sex) without a condom is generally a higher risk. The risk is highest for the receptive partner in vaginal and anal sex than for an insertive man. 

https://i-base.info/guides/prepfor all types of sex, even without condoms.

Condoms used correctly protect 100% against HIV transmission and some other STIs. This includes using lube to avoid tears and checking the condom stays in place (see Figures 3 and 4).

When research reports that condoms are only 85-95% effective, this is because people who use condoms do not use them every time.

Figure 4 – How to use a male condom

Figure 5 – Using a female condom

If viral load is undetectable, there is no risk of HIV, even without a condom.

PrEP also protects against HIV, even without a condom.

Last updated: 1 June 2019.