She Strengthens

The Lowdown on Oral Sex and HIV Risk

What You Need to Know

When it comes to oral sex, the risk of contracting HIV is low, but not zero. Understanding the factors that increase your risk and taking precautions can help you stay safe.

Defining Oral Sex

Oral sex encompasses any mouth-to-genital stimulation, including fellatio, cunnilingus, and anilingus. While the risk of HIV transmission is low, there’s still a chance of getting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis.

How HIV is Transmitted

HIV requires fluid-to-bloodstream contact to be transmitted. This means it’s usually transferred through cuts or small tears in sensitive skin and tissue. Precum, semen, rectal fluid, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and blood can all carry HIV.

The Risks of Different Types of Oral Sex

• Blow Jobs: The risk of getting HIV from a blow job is low. If you’re the giver, the risk is statistically zero. If you’re on the receiving end, your risk is still low, as HIV isn’t transmitted through saliva.
• Cunnilingus: There’s little to no evidence that you can get HIV from giving or getting mouth-to-vag sex. However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
• Rimming: The risk of getting HIV from mouth-to-anus contact is incredibly low, especially when the person with HIV is giving oral.

Factors That Increase Your Risk

• High Viral Load: Having a high viral load increases your chance of transmitting HIV to your partner.
• Giving vs. Receiving: The risk of transmission is highest when the person with HIV is on the receiving end.
• Ejaculating: Lots of cum during oral sex could increase your risk of transmitting or contracting the virus, but it would need to be combined with other risk factors.
• Scratches, Cuts, or Sores: Any opening to your or your partner’s bloodstream can be a path for HIV transmission.
• Period Sex: Blood increases the risk of transmitting HIV.
• Urethritis: Irritation in your urethra increases your risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.

Staying Safe

• Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re HIV-positive, discuss antiretroviral therapy with your doctor to lower your viral load.
• Use Barriers: Condoms, dental dams, and lube can reduce your risk of getting HIV.
• Get Tested: Regular STI tests can help you stay on top of your sexual health.
• Practice Good Dental Hygiene: Taking care of your teeth and gums can prevent bleeding gums, mouth sores, or other issues that increase your risk of getting HIV during oral sex.
• Be Honest: Discuss your HIV status with your partner and ask them to do the same.

The Bottom Line

While the risk of contracting HIV from oral sex is low, it’s not zero. By understanding the risks and taking precautions, you can stay safe and healthy. Remember to prioritize communication, testing, and barrier use to reduce your risk of getting HIV.