Dear 8myle,

Latex and female condoms are the only methods of birth control that reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. They block the exchange of body fluids that may be infected. Hormonal methods of birth control offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

These are the ways to reduce the risk of passing HIV/AIDS and many other sexually transmitted infections:

• Keep your partner's body fluids out of your body — vagina, anus, or mouth. The body fluids to be most careful about are blood, cum, pre-cum, vaginal fluids, and the discharge from sores caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Don't touch sores or growths that are caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Use latex or female condoms because they are effective barriers.
• Don't use alcohol or other drugs — their use can encourage people to take risks they wouldn't take if they weren't high.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.