Can I get HIV from oral sex?
There is considerable debate within the HIV/AIDS prevention
community regarding the risk of transmission of HIV through oral
sex. What is currently known is that there is some risk associated
with performing oral sex without protection; (there have been a few
documented cases of HIV transmission through oral sex). While no
one knows exactly what that risk is, cumulative evidence indicates
that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
The risk from receiving oral sex, for both a man and a woman, is
considered to be very low.
Currently, risk reduction options when performing oral sex on a man
(fellatio) include the use of latex condoms, but also include
withdrawal before ejaculation without a condom (avoiding semen in
the mouth) and/or refraining from this activity when cuts or sores
are present in the mouth.
When performing oral sex on a woman (cunnilingus), moisture
barriers such as a dam (sheet of latex), a cut-open and flattened
condom, or household plastic wrap can reduce the risk of exposure
to vaginal secretions and/or blood.
