Anal sex is the riskiest sexual behavior for getting and transmitting HIV for men and women.
Condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and can reduce your risk of getting or transmitting HIV through anal sex. Even more protection is provided when more than one option is used.
Anal sex may also expose individuals to other sexually transmitted diseases or other infections.
Anal sex is the highest-risk sexual behavior for HIV transmission. Vaginal sex has a lower risk, and activities like oral sex, touching, and kissing carry little to no risk for getting or transmitting HIV. The vast majority of men who get HIV get it through anal sex. However, anal sex is also one of the ways women can get HIV.