If a person who is infected with HIV gives a partner oral sex, can the partner become infected with HIV?
Yes. Although rare, it is possible to transmit HIV through giving and receiving oral sex.
When someone with HIV gives oral sex, that person’s saliva can carry the virus into the uninfected person’s body through the urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis where sperm comes out), vagina, or anus. When someone with HIV receives oral sex, the virus can enter the other person’s body when semen (cum) or vaginal fluids get into the mouth.
If either partner also has another STD (like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia), it increases the chance of HIV infection even more.
Placing a protective barrier between the mouth and genitals can lower the chances of HIV infection both when giving and receiving oral sex. Guys should always wear a latex condom (or polyurethane if one partner is allergic to latex). Girls should wear a female condom, or put a dental dam or plastic food wrapping as a barrier over the genitals.[1]
Anyone who has questions about Oral Sex needs to seek help to find solutions for dealing with this issue. This could be through a school counselor or a professional therapist or a support group. Whatever the setting, the outcome should be finding healthy outlets for overwhelming feelings. If you, or someone you know, has questions about Oral Sex and you don’t know where to turn for help, you can always start by calling Safe2Tell™ at 1-877-542-7233 (SAFE).
For additional information on Oral Sex, link to The Children’s Hospital website.
[1] The Children’s Hospital website, April 2008.
