The virus that causes AIDS is called HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and it is most commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse. HIV breaks down the immune system, rendering the body unable to fight off viruses and infection. In the later stages of HIV infection, the body develops AIDS, a disease that’s both chronic and life-threatening. About 39 million people are reported to be living with HIV today, half of them women and girls between ages 15 and 24, and 25 million people have died from AIDS in the last 25 years. In 2005, 4 million people contracted HIV. Experts say this is only the beginning of a worldwide HIV epidemic.

Although HIV can be transmitted several different ways, sexual transmission through intercourse is most likely. Therefore, groups at greatest risk for contracting HIV include those engaging in risky sexual activities such as unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, those who are already infected with any other STD, and women who use the spermicide nonoxynol-9, which can cause tiny tears in the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of HIV vary and may not appear for quite some time – and early symptoms may feel like the flu and therefore be hard to detect. That’s why it’s important for anyone who has had unprotected sex to be tested for HIV with a blood test at a doctor’s office or a clinic. There are medications to keep a person who has HIV healthy for longer, but as of yet, HIV has no cure.

Again, the only way to prevent contraction of HIV is to abstain from sex, especially since someone may be infected with HIV and not even know it. If you are having sex, you can reduce your risk for HIV by using a condom every time and being sure to use it properly. Oral contraceptives are effective in helping prevent pregnancy, but they provide no protection against HIV.