Certain lifestyle factors greatly increase your risk of
contracting HIV infection and developing AIDS. By avoiding
behaviors that are associated with increasing your risk, you can
greatly reduce your risk. Risk factors include: Having
Unprotected Sex Most people become infected with HIV through
sexual activity. You can contract AIDS by not using a condom
when having sexual relations with a person infected with HIV.
Not using condoms properly can also put you at increased risk
for acquiring HIV infection. During sex, the vagina, vulva,
penis, rectum, and mouth can provide entry points for the virus.
Other risky behaviors include having: - Sex with someone without
knowing his or her HIV status - More than one sex partner - Sex
with someone who has more than one sexual partner - Anal
intercourse Men who have sex with other men may be at a higher
risk of being infected with HIV. Having unprotected sex and
using drugs (eg, methamphetamines) during sex can increase this
risk. Women who engage in risky behaviors and