HIV And Oral Sex

HIV And Oral Sex The connection between HIV and oral sex is still a big question that is yet to have a satisfactory answer. There is a commonly held belief among many lay people that oral sex carries little or no risk. In fact, some consider oral sex a safer sex alternative. But the truth is, like any other sexual activity, oral sex carries a risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The risk is even greater when one partner is HIV positive while the other is negative, people, who are not monogamous, or in people who inject drugs and/or share needles and syringes. The truth is that, abstaining from oral, anal, and vaginal sex all together is the only way to completely avoid the sexual transmission of HIV. But how realistic is that? The Risks of oral sex can be classified as either being documented (transmission that has actually occurred, been investigated, and documented in the scientific literature) or theoretical (passing an infection from one person to another is possible). While there is documented risk when having oral sex with an HIV infected partner the risk is much less than with anal or vaginal intercourse. This fact makes it very hard to calculate the actual risk with oral sex. Another factor that makes risk determination difficult is the fact that most people who engage in oral sex also engage in other types of sexual practices, namely vaginal and anal intercourse. Still, there have been document cases of HIV transmission strictly from oral sex. HIV can be transmitted through Oral sex. But the risk is lower than some other sexual activities. Recent surveys have shown that only a small minority of new cases of HIV that are diagnosed are due to oral sex. Although HIV is present in vaginal fluids, semen and the clear fluid that your penis produces for lubrication before orgasm, it is unlikely these will come into contact with your bloodstream during oral sex. But while it's unlikely, it's not impossible. The risk factor is largely due to your oral hygiene. If you have ulcers, dental bleeding or lacerations then theoretically the infection could reach your bloodstream. However, saliva has enzymes that inhibit transmission and the cells in the mouth aren't very absorbent, so the chance of transmission is low. Nevertheless there are ways to lower the risk. If you're performing oral sex on a man then you could: " avoid getting semen in your mouth " use a condom " have oral sex with fewer men. " look after your oral hygiene. " Do not have oral sex when you have a throat infection or have bleeding gums. If you're performing oral sex on a woman then you could: " use a barrier such as cling-film, a dental dam, a Femidom or a sheet cut from a condom " have oral sex with fewer women " look after your oral hygiene. " You should avoid oral sex when a woman is having her period. If you choose to perform oral sex, and your partner is male, " Use a latex condom on the penis; or " If you or your partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms can be used. Studies have shown that latex condoms are very effective, though not perfect, in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently. If either partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms for either the male or female can be used. Condoms are the easiest and most effective way to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Finally, abstaining from sex with HIV carrier is the most effective way to avoid HIV.

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