This blog was first published 10/06/2022. Last updated 14/03/2025.
Sex comes with risks. From undesirable pregnancies to StiS, sex can feel without adequate precautions if they go on a street without looking at both directions. You could Be ok, but would you do it?
So it makes sense that people have questions about the dangers of sex and especially about the infections that can seriously damage their health.
For decades, now, HIV Was the Sti -Bogeyman who frightened so many people from sex. It makes sense for people who are worried about knowing how they can get it.
While most people know that they can get HIV of sex, oral sex seems to be a blind spot in most people.
Can HIV be transmitted by oral sex?
The answer is a bit complicated. Read on to find out more.
You can have HIV and don’t know. Let yourself be tested with one by Better2 Know’s Home Test Kits.
What is HIV?
In order to understand whether HIV can be transmitted by oral sex, we have to quickly explain what it is.
HIV (Human Immunodeficience Virus) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system by reducing the number of CD4 cells that are of crucial importance for combating infections.
If HIV remains untreated, it can lead to help (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), a disease in which the immune system is severely affected, making the body susceptible to different diseases.
In 2023, 39.9 million worldwide people lived with HIV. In the same year, 1.3 million people with HIV were newly infected, and 630,000 people died of AIDS-related diseases.
In Great Britain, 102,168 people received HIV care in 2022With 4,040 people who diagnosed HIV this year. The majority of people who access HIV care in Great Britain acquired HIV through sexual transmission and made up 95.4% of cases.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is transmitted between people by specific infected body fluids. These liquids include blood, seeds (including the evening before), vaginal secretion and breast milk.
The transmission can occur in two ways: sexual and not sexual.
Non-sexual transmission
You can receive HIV from a variety of non -sexual means, including:
- Share needles when drugs inject can pass on many infections transmitted by blood, including HIV. It is a high-risk activity because it enables direct contact with the blood-blood blood. Mothers can transfer HIV to their babies during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
- Blood transfusions Can represent a risk in areas where blood supply is not routinely examined.
- Needle stick injuries Can be a risk for healthcare employees who can regularly be exposed to needles in the workplace.
- The breast milk of a breast milk HIV can transfer to your child while breastfeeding. This is called vertical transmission.
- Non -sterilized tattoo equipment Cantrans with the virus.
Sexual transmission
HIV can be transferred through unprotected sexual activities, including:
- Vaginal sex
- Anal sex
- Oral sex (less often)
Are there different risks for different gender types?
It is more likely that you will receive HIV if you run certain gender types.
Vaginal sex
Vaginal sex is an effective way to transmit for HIVs. HIV can concentrate on high values in vaginal secretions and seeds. Genital fabrics are also very susceptible to infections if they come into contact with pathogens.
A Meta -analysis From studies of the unprotected heterosexual HIV transmission showed that there was a 0.04% Preservation of transmission if the female partner is positive and the male partner is negative. The risk increases 0.08% When the male partner is positive and the female partner is negative.
Anal sex
The likelihood of developing HIV through anal sex is higher compared to vaginal sex. This is because the anus is less flexible and more susceptible to tear.
In the case of unprotected anal intercourse, the estimated risk of HIV transmission is:
- 1.38% for receptive anal sex (if the person receives the penis). This means that there is approximately one transmission per 72 exposure.
- 0.11% to inserty anal sex (if the person inserts the penis). This corresponds to about one transmission per 909 exposure.
These risks can be significantly reduced if the HIV-positive partner affects an effective antiretroviral treatment and has a non-detectable viral load or if condoms are used constant.
Oral sex
Oral sex is the least likely form of sexual transmission for HIV. There are only a few studies that pursue the transmission of HIV by oral sex because it is difficult to find people whose only risk of a HIV transmission is unprotected oral sex.
The NHS States Although there is still a chance that you can get HIV from oral sex, the risk is comparatively much smaller than anal and vaginal sex.
The risk differs on the basis of the type of oral sex and the infection.
- Get oral sex from someone with HIV: Although it is technically possible, it is extremely unlikely to get HIV from someone who carries out oral sex with you. To pass on the infection in this way is only possible if the infected person has cuts or oral ulcers, which bleed their mouth.
- Perform oral sex on someone with HIV: There is a small risk of transmission if someone who is HIV-negative performs oral sex with a penis with a detectable virus load HIV. The risk increases when the sequence of the sequence of the other person enters the other person
Oral-vaginal gender even has lower risk factors. No cases of HIV are transferred via this method have been recorded, but it is theoretically possible when the woman who receives cunnilingus is HIV -Positive and menstructed.
Anilingus or oral gender has similarly low risks in the HIV transmission.
When does the risk of the HIV transmission during oral sex increase?
Several factors could increase the risk of HIV transmission During the oral sex. This includes:
- A higher viral load: If the HIV-positive partner has a higher virus load, the likelihood that the transmission increases.
- Wounds in the mouth: Having ulcers or cuts in the mouth can make oral sex risk.
- When a woman is menstruation: Similarly, menstruation can make the HIV transmission more likely.
- Another STI: Have a Sti -like Chlamydia or gonorrhea Can increase the HIV risk, especially if you have a STI -similar herpes that causes wounds on the skin.
- A neck virus or an infection: A virus or an infection of the neck can make the HIV transmission more likely. Nevertheless, the chances are still very low.
How can I protect myself?
The best way to protect yourself from HIV or another STI is to practice safe sex.
Here are some tips:
- Use condoms and tooth dams on oral sex. Barrier methods for contraception can help reduce the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Let yourself be tested for Stis. If you had a sexual encounter with a new partner, protect yourself by selecting a Sti test to check your status.
- Consider prophylaxis before and after exposure. Use prophylaxis before exposure daily if you are sexually active with someone who is HIV positive. A prophylaxis after exposure is a clever measure after an encounter with a partner with an insecure HIV status.
Last thoughts
The risk of being infected by oral sex with HIV is very low. However, certain factors increase the risk.
It is always a good idea to be tested regularly and in front of a new partner for STIS. If you had sexual contact with a partner with HIV, you should take a test as soon as possible.
Do not leave your sexual health to chance. Let Better2 know today.