What are some of the methods in which HIV can be contracted?

HIV is contracted through blood, semen, genital fluids and breast milk, according to AIDS.Gov. The fluids must come into contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue, or be directly injected into the blood stream.

Getting tested for HIV and knowing a sexual partner's HIV status, using condoms, limiting the quantity of sexual partners and getting tested for sexually transmitted infection are some ways of reducing the risk of contracting HIV, according to the National Health Institute. An additional prevention method is to speak with a doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis, an option for people at an increased risk of contracting HIV that involves taking an HIV medication daily.