Question
What is the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex?
5 February 2018. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, South Africa.
First of all my thanks to everyone at i-Base!
I have a question regarding transmission. I am HIV positive and have a low viral load (under 250) and am not yet on medication. I always use condoms for anal intercourse but my questions relate to oral sex.
From what I’ve read, the risk increases:
• if the insertive partner has a high viral load.
• if the receptive partner has infections in the mouth or cuts, gum disease, has had recent dental work etc
• if the receptive partner takes semen in the mouth
Also, if the HIV positive receptive partner has blood in the mouth – could they possibly infect a negative partner
I can only find terms such as ‘low risk, very low’ but this all seems subjective. Low compared to the risk of unprotected intercourse doesn’t really mean much. Does that mean that with an undetectable/low/mid/high viral load that condoms should always be used or that if you avoid the higher risk scenarios unprotected oral sex is considered safe? I guess it all relates to the level of risk someone is willing to accept so I was hoping you might have some data e.g. percentage risk per act etc.
I read that there was a Spanish study reporting no seroconversions from 19,000 exposures over 10 years in serodiscordant couples and other reports saying that up to 5% of infections could be attributed to oral sex. Are there any recent studies to clarify the level of risk and also which reports would you regard as the most accurate?
I’ve recently met a great guy and it’s come to the point that I want to disclose my status. I’m hoping this might allow us both to put the level of risk into perspective.
Many thanks in advance and best wishes
Answer
Thank you for your question.
HIV is not easily transmitted by oral sex – and it probably needs ALL the factors you listed. For example, the positive partner would have to have a very high viral load AND the negative partner would have to have oral concerns like bleeding gums or recent dental work.
There are no cases of people catching HIV from receiving oral sex (from a person who has blood in their mouth). This is zero risk.
Your viral load is currently very low, which make any risk incredibly low. If your viral load was undetectable on treatment, the risk would be zero for all types of sex.
In 2018, HIV treatment is routinely recommended for anyone who is HIV positive. This, together with the evidence that undetectable viral load prevents transmission has dramatically changed more discussions about HIV risk. A review of this evidence is at this link:
https://i-base.info/htb/32308
This booklet has more information about sexual transmission, including a section on oral sex:
https://i-base.info/guides/testing
For any further information please contact us via the website, e-mail or through the treatment information phoneline (Mon-Wed 12-4pm).
Best wishes for the future with your new partner.
Note: This answer was updated in February 2018 from a question first posted online in April 2010.
Can oral sex causes hiv..while i have bleeding gums and a recent dental work done ….i don’t know the status of the person
Hi Alan, oral sex carries little to no risk of transmission. There has never been a recorded case of transmission via oral sex. Saliva has antiviral properties which causes HIV to die. As you used a condom for sex, there would have been no risk of transmission. Your exposure is considered little to none and no further precautions would be required e.g., you do not need to take PEP.
I have same problem like you dear Sam , on 15/ January i went to germany/Frankfurt , after that i went to a place i cant remember but there is like a club so one girl who sexworker gave me a blowjob for nearly 2 min , without condom and i have no clue about her mouth , but when we start sex i used condom , I’m so scared , i cant sleep i cant eat well because that case so What can I do to make sure? I catch HIV or Not
Hi Sam, as mentioned in the main answer there has been no reported cases of HIV transmission via oral routes. While it is possible, this is all theory and it has not happened. For this reason an isolated event of 1 minutes oral sex is not reason to enough for this to be considered a risk of transmission.
Simon!
Thank you for your reply.
I have read information from FAQ. But then also want to confirmed, is there any risk of catching HIV from receiving 1 min of oral sex (only one time, no any other sex) from women/girl?
I saw your replied in comment that, you cannot catch HIV from sucking your penis by other. It doesn’t matter he/she is positive or negative.
Please reply me. I’m mentally disturb from that incident.
Thank you!
Hi Sam, pls read the FAQ and other link here to learn why oral sex is not a risk for HIV.
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
Hi there!
Last week i received unprotected oral sex from a girl whose hiv status in unknown. She gave a 1-2 min of blowjob. No idea about her mouth is sore or wound but there was no visible bleeding from her mouth.
Is there any chance of transmission of hiv? Please please please advise!!
Thank you!!
Hi Sasuke, this is not a risk for HIV. Jerking someone off does not carry any risk. Oral sex has some risk but it very minimal. Saliva has antiviral properties which makes it difficult for HIV to be transmitted this was. As you only had oral sex for 3 seconds this risk is significantly reduced. You should not be worried about catching HIV.
I have sucked a dick for 3 seconds then i jerked him off the rest of the way should i be worried of catching hiv
Hi Nancy, no, this is not how HIV is transmitted. There is no risk.