Final answer:
False, Using protection like condoms can reduce but not eliminate the risk of contracting HIV, with proper and consistent use offering significant protection. Complete abstinence from sexual activity is the only completely effective method to prevent HIV and other STIs. Education and responsible public health policies are crucial in reducing transmission risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using protection during sexual intercourse, such as condoms, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV but does not guarantee complete protection. Condom use has been shown to reduce the rate of HIV transmission significantly, to less than 1 percent per year among couples where one partner is infected. However, they must be used consistently and correctly to offer this level of protection. It's also important to note that some areas of the body not covered by condoms can still harbor pathogens, and condoms themselves can break or be used incorrectly, which decreases their effectiveness.
The best approach to avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to combine several strategies: use condoms properly, have fewer sexual partners, engage in mutual monogamy, and avoid other risky behaviors such as sharing needles. Nevertheless, the only completely effective way to prevent STIs is to refrain from sexual activity altogether. Public health policies, such as offering comprehensive sex education and distributing condoms free of charge, play a critical role in reducing the risk of HIV transmission.