Oral Sex
Hello,
Hi There,
Thank you for coming to AIDS Vancouver for all your questions related to HIV.
I know there is a lot of information out there and a lot of misinformation. Hopefully this information will help to alleviate any confusions around oral sex:
Our saliva contains an enzyme that actually inhibits HIV, lowering the risk of acquiring HIV if the HIV+ fluid first comes into contact with your saliva (such as in the mouth).
With this in mind, 'receiving' oral sex is considered negligible risk which means that although we can make a theoretical case for HIV transmission, there has never been a confirmed case ever. 'Giving' oral sex is considered low risk which means that there have been a few reported cases which were all under very 'specific' circumstances (such as there was blood in the mouth, open bleeding cuts, a very high viral load etc). That is why even though giving oral sex is a low risk, it is suggested we hold off on oral sex for a little bit of time if we have had dental work or just brushed our teeth as the abrasiveness can lead to open cuts and the gums bleeding and as a result increase risk factors.
Check out the following link for information on HIV and Oral sex. Again, while there is a risk with oral sex, the risk is considered negligible to low risk: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/oralsex.htm
You will also notice some information on other STIs related to oral sex as well. Many STIs are quite easily passed between individuals via oral sex so it might be a good idea to get tested for some of those (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea)
Hope this clears up any confusions you had
In Health,
Jaz
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
- ‹ Can a person get HIV from penis touching toilet seat?
- About anonymous site and unprotected oral sex ›
Disclaimer
The AIDS Vancouver Helpline is a volunteer-driven information, referral and support service related to HIV and sexual health. Volunteers are trained in active listening, HIV and sexual health information, and local resources and services. Volunteers are not doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals. Volunteers do not give advice, and strive to provide service-users with adequate information and appropriate referrals.
Helpline volunteers uphold the agency’s confidentiality and privacy policies. Your calls, forum posts, and emails are anonymous. We welcome you to use a pseudonym or “fake name” when using Helpline services. We will not ask for or track your personal information. To ensure that the Helpline program is providing quality services, the Helpline Coordinator regularly monitors online content (forum posts and emails) and supervises volunteers who are receiving calls.
The Helpline Program should not be used in replacement of medical examination, diagnosis, advice counseling or follow-up care. We strongly recommend routine testing (HIV and STI tests) and discussing your healthcare directly with a physician.
We would love to hear from you! If you have feedback or questions related to the operations of the Helpline, please contact David at helpline@aidsvancouver.org or by calling 604.696.4666.
Add new comment