Sexual Relationships

In 8 out of 10 cases HIV is transmitted during sex between a man and a woman or between two men.

The virus is passed on when infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from one partner enters the body of the other partner through the very thin skin of their sex organs, mouth or anus, or through sores or cuts on their mouth, hands or body.

Dry sex increases the risk of HIV transmission because friction can cause sores in the vaginal wall.

If instead of having sexual intercourse a couple enjoy oral sex where one person licks or sucks the sexual organs of another person, this is less risky, but HIV could still pass into any sores or cuts on the lips or mouth.

Oral sex can be made safe by the man using a condom or the woman using a thin rubber over the vagina.

BBC reporter Caroline Swinburne finds out about sex education campaigns in Uganda

The audio used in this site was originally broadcast on BBC World Service radio as part of the series Surviving AIDs produced by the BBC's African Service.

There are many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chancroid, herpes and chlamydia.

STDs often cause sores and inflamation of the sex organs, which makes it much easier than usual for HIV from an infected partner to pass into the person's body during sex.

It is also important for people to protect themselves as far as possible from contracting these diseases, and to get them treated quickly if they do become infected because they can cause much pain and lead to serious complications including infertility in either sex.

Most STDs can be completely cured. If anyone thinks that he or she has been at risk of catching one, or has symptoms such as painful urination, a discharge, smell, a rash or sores on their sex organs, the person should go at once to a doctor or health worker for a checkup and treatment.

BBC reporter Ruth Evans reports from Tanzania on attempts to reduce the prevalence of STDs.

The audio used in this site was originally broadcast on BBC World Service radio as part of the series Surviving AIDs produced by the BBC's African Service.

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