This blog was first published 10/06/2022. Last up to date 14/03/2025.
Sex comes with dangers. From unwanted pregnancies to STDs, sexual intercourse without taking appropriate precautions may feel like going on a road without looking at both ways. You power be okay but will you do it?
Thus, it makes sense that people will have questions about the dangers of sex and especially in infections that can seriously harm your health.
For decades now, HIV It was Sti Bogeyman who has scared so many people out of sex. It makes sense that people who are worried about it would like to know how they can get it.
While most people know that you can get HIV from sex, oral sex seems to be a blind spot in the knowledge of most people.
Can HIV be transmitted through oral sex?
The answer is a bit complicated. Continue to read to find out more.
You can have HIV and don’t know it. Try me with one of the test kits at Better2Know’s home.
What is HIV?
To understand whether HIV can be transmitted through oral sex, we must quickly explain what it is.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovation that attacks the immune system by reducing the number of your CD4 cells, which are vital to combat infections.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition where the immune system becomes severely compromised, making the body vulnerable to various diseases.
In 2023, 39.9 million all over the world lived with HIV virus. During the same year, 1.3 million people have recently become HIV infected and 630,000 people died of AIDS -related diseases.
In the UK, 102.168 people received HIV care in 2022with 4,040 people who were recently diagnosed with HIV that year. The majority of people with access to HIV care in the United Kingdom acquired HIV via sexual transmission, representing 95.4% of cases.
How is HIV broadcast?
HIV is transmitted between individuals through specific infected body fluids. These fluids include blood, sperm (including pre-cum), vaginal secretions and breast milk.
Transmission can happen in one of the two ways: sexually and non -sexually.
Non -sexual transmission
You can get HIV from a variety of non -sexual media including:
- Sharing needles during drug infusion It can convey many blood -transmitted infections, including HIV. It is a high-risk activity as it allows for direct blood-blood contact. Mothers can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth or lactation.
- Blood transfusion It can create a risk in areas where blood supplies are not usually considered.
- Injuries with a needle stick It may be a risk for healthcare workers who can be regularly exposed to needles at work.
- A mother’s breast milk He can transmit HIV to his child during breastfeeding. This is called vertical transmission.
- Insured tattoo equipment Cantransmit the virus.
Sexual transmission
HIV virus can be transmitted through non -protected sexual activities such as:
- Vaginal
- Anal sex
- Oral sex (less common)
Are there different risks for different types of sex?
It is more likely to take HIV if you perform some types of sex.
Vaginal
Vaginal sex is an effective way to transmit HIV. HIV can focus on high levels on vaginal secretions and sperm. Genital tissues are also particularly sensitive to infections if they come into contact with pathogens.
A meta-analysis of the studies of non -protected heterosexual HIV broadcasting found that existed 0.04% The likelihood of transmission if the female partner is positive and the male partner is negative. The risk is increasing 0.08% When the male partner is positive and the female partner is negative.
Anal sex
The likelihood of HIV contracts through anal sex is higher than the vaginal sex. This is due to the fact that the anus is less flexible and more prone to tear.
For unprotected anal contact, the estimated risk of transmission of HIV is:
- 1.38% For receptive anal sex (when the person receives the penis). This means that there is about one transmission per 72 reports.
- 0.11% For insert anal sex (when the person inserts the penis). This translates into about one transmission per 909 reports.
These risks can be significantly reduced if the HIV-positive partner is in effective antiretroviral therapy and has undetected viral load or if condoms are used.
Oral sex
Oral sex is the least likely form of sexual transmission for HIV. There are few studies that monitor HIV transmission through oral sex, as it is difficult to find people whose only risk of HIV is unprotected by mouth.
However the NHS states This is still the chance to take HIV from oral sex, the risk is comparatively much less than anal and vaginal sex.
The risk differs based on the type of oral sex and who has the infection.
- Download oral sex from someone with HIV: While technically possible, it is extremely unlikely to get HIV from someone who performs oral sex. Transferring the infection in this way is only possible if the infected person has cuts or ulcers in the mouth, which made their mouths bleeding.
- Performing oral sex to someone with HIV: There is a slight risk of transmission if someone who is a HIV-negative performs oral sex in a person with a penis having a detectable HIV viral load. Risk increases if sperm pre-cum enters the other person’s mouth
Oral-pyrgos has even lower risk factors. No HIV cases are transmitted through this method They have been recorded, but it is theoretically feasible if the woman receiving cunnilingus is HIV positive and menstrual.
Anilingus, or sexual sex, has a similar low risk when it comes to HIV transmission.
When does the risk of transmission of HIV during the oral sex increases?
Several factors could increase the risk of HIV transmission during oral sex. These include:
- Higher viral load: If the HIV-Positive Partner has a higher viral load, then the chances of increasing transmission.
- Complete in the mouth: Having ulcers or cuts in the mouth can make oral sex risky.
- When a woman is menstruation: Similarly, menstruation can make HIV transmission more likely.
- Having another Sti: Having a STI like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea It can increase the risk of HIV, especially if you have STIs such as herpes that causes wounds on the skin.
- Throat virus or infection: Having a virus or throat infection can make the transmission of HIV more likely. However, the chances are still very low.
How can I protect myself?
The best way to protect yourself from HIV or any other STI is to have safe sex.
Here are some tips:
- Use condoms and dental dams during oral sex. The methods of contraception barrier can help reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Try for Sti. If you had a sexual encounter with a new partner, you protect yourself by choosing a STI test to verify your status.
- Consider the precaution before and after the report. Use precaution before exposure if you are sexually active with someone who is positive for HIV. A post -exhibition prophylaxis is a wise measure after a meeting with a partner with an uncertain HIV situation.
Final thoughts
The risk of being infected by HIV through oral sex is very low. However, some factors mentioned above increase the risk.
Testing for STDs regularly and before any new partner to verify your situation is always a good idea. If you had sex with a partner with HIV, you should try as soon as possible.
Do not leave your sexual health to luck. Try with Better2 you know today.
