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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

When HIV/AIDS first surfaced in the United States, it predominantly affected homosexual men. However, now it is clear that HIV is also spread through heterosexual sex. Anyone of any age, race, sex or sexual orientation can be infected, but you're at greatest risk of HIV/AIDS if you:

  • Have unprotected sex. Unprotected sex means having sex without using a new latex or polyurethane condom every time. Anal sex is more risky than is vaginal sex. The risk increases if you have multiple sexual partners.
  • Have another STI. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) produce open sores on your genitals. These sores act as doorways for HIV to enter your body.
  • Use intravenous drugs. People who use intravenous drugs often share needles and syringes. This exposes them to droplets of other people's blood.
  • Are an uncircumcised man. Studies indicate that lack of circumcision increases the risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV.
Complications Causes
References
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  2. HIV and its treatment. AIDSinfo. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/HIVandItsTreatment_cbrochure_en.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2012.
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  13. Natural medicines in the clinical management of HIV/AIDS. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed May 11, 2012.
  14. HIV/AIDS programs: Find HIV/AIDS care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://hab.hrsa.gov/gethelp/index.html. Accessed May 11, 2012.
  15. Fourth generation HIV diagnostic test approved, permitting earlier detection of infection. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm216409.htm. Accessed May 11, 2012.
  16. FDA approves first-of-its-kind HIV test which can detect HIV days earlier than current U.S. tests. Abbott Laboratories. http://www.abbott.com/news-media/press-releases/Press_Release_0875.htm. Accessed May 11, 2012.
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  26. Rizza SA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 24, 2012.
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  28. FDA approves first medication to reduce HIV risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm311821.htm. Accessed July 16, 2012.
DS00005 Aug. 11, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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