PIP: The risk of becoming infected with the HIV virus makes it imperative to practice safe sex. The HIV virus is found in several body fluids, but transmission occurs only when sexual contact with blood, semen or vaginal fluids is made. Actions considered safe include, hugging, holding, cuddling, kissing, and masturbation without body fluid contact. Actions considered possibly safe include French kissing, intercourse with condom, and oral sex before body fluid transmission. The actions considered unsafe include intercourse without a condom or oral contact with semen, sperm, menstrual fluid, urine, or vaginal fluids. The improper use of condoms causes 98% of the failures in their use, since they seldom have defects. They need to be stored in a cool dry place and handled carefully before, during and after use. Air should be removed before putting on a condom to prevent breakage. Water-soluble lubricants should be used since oil-based lubricants cause damage to condoms. After ejaculation the condom should be held around the base to avoid spilling fluids. Condoms should only be used once and thrown away immediately after use.