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Can I get
HIV from someone performing oral sex on me?
Yes, it is possible for
you to become infected with HIV through receiving oral sex. If
your partner has HIV, blood from their mouth may enter the urethra
(the opening at the tip of the penis), the vagina, the anus,
or directly into the body through small cuts or open sores. While
no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests
that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal
sex.
If you choose to have oral
sex,
- use a latex condom on the
penis; or
- if you or your partner
is allergic to latex, a plastic (polyurethane) condom can be
used.
Research has shown the effectiveness
of latex condoms used on the penis for preventing the transmission
of HIV. Condoms are not risk-free, but they greatly reduce your
risk of becoming HIV-infected if your partner has the virus.
If you choose to have oral
sex and you are female,
- use a latex barrier (such
as a cut-open condom that makes a square or a dental dam) between
their mouth and the vagina. Plastic food wrap can also be used
as a barrier.
The barrier reduces the
risk of blood entering the body through the vagina. For more
information about latex condoms, female condoms, and plastic
(polyurethane) condoms, see "Facts about Condoms and Their Use in Preventing HIV
Infection."
If you have additional questions
or are concerned about personal behaviors, call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-343-2437 (English), 1-800-344-7432
(Español), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY). |
