Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Chances Of Transmission Of HIV Through Unprotected Oral Sex?
Posted on
Sun, 11 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 11 May 2014
Answered on
Sat, 31 May 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I would like clarification regarding the transmission of HIV through unprotected oral sex. I have read numerous medical articles, which state that there is very low risk of transmission through oral sex. I've read that the risk becomes higher only if there is a sore in the mouth, and if there is ejaculate in the mouth. Can you please clarify if unprotected oral sex is safe from transmission of HIV?
Brief Answer:
Oral sex 'relatively' safe unprotected
Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
I concur with your inferences & your understanding of oral sex & HIV transmission.
Any form of unprotected sex is only unsafe if the recipient has cuts or a breach in his/her mucous membranes be it oral, peno-vaginal or anal or any other form.
These are all mucous membranes & 2 factors play a role : 'friction' during sex & the risk increases therefore with an area like the anus & 'cuts' in the mucous membranes whose risk also increases depending on the region, position etc.
My advice to you would be to forget about 'percentages' as these also are 'relative'.
HIV transmission occurs through exchange of blood & blood products 'admixed' with secretions. So if there are no blood/blood-products involved in oral sex (excluding cuts & XXXXXXX ulcers), yes you could say oral sex was relatively safe & this accounts for the 'very low risk' that you have read about in articles.
However, here we are not accounting for 'microabrasions' that occur during sex. So in conclusion, I am afraid if I wanted to be 'safe', I would use protection even during an act of oral sex to be absolutely 100% sure.
I do hope this answer is clear, precise & answers' your query.
Good Luck, Godspeed & do stay 'Safe'!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Oral sex 'relatively' safe unprotected
Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
I concur with your inferences & your understanding of oral sex & HIV transmission.
Any form of unprotected sex is only unsafe if the recipient has cuts or a breach in his/her mucous membranes be it oral, peno-vaginal or anal or any other form.
These are all mucous membranes & 2 factors play a role : 'friction' during sex & the risk increases therefore with an area like the anus & 'cuts' in the mucous membranes whose risk also increases depending on the region, position etc.
My advice to you would be to forget about 'percentages' as these also are 'relative'.
HIV transmission occurs through exchange of blood & blood products 'admixed' with secretions. So if there are no blood/blood-products involved in oral sex (excluding cuts & XXXXXXX ulcers), yes you could say oral sex was relatively safe & this accounts for the 'very low risk' that you have read about in articles.
However, here we are not accounting for 'microabrasions' that occur during sex. So in conclusion, I am afraid if I wanted to be 'safe', I would use protection even during an act of oral sex to be absolutely 100% sure.
I do hope this answer is clear, precise & answers' your query.
Good Luck, Godspeed & do stay 'Safe'!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
