Question

Can I get HIV from oral sex?

15 January 2018. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

I’m a male, 30 years old. Yesterday, I had unprotected oral sex with a female who I don’t know her HIV status. I only had oral sex with her. She gave me a blowjob.

I am afraid that if she has HIV, I will be at risk of HIV infection. I’m so worried. Do I need to get HIV test?

Thank you very much!

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

You cannot get HIV from oral sex this way. Anyone who is receiving a blowjob is not at risk. You also cannot get HIV from giving a woman oral sex.

Although up to 5% of HIV infections might be giving someone a blowjob, this probably depends on two factors. One is that viral load need to be very high in the positive partner and the second it that the negative partner probably need to have mouth problems, for example if they have bleeding gums, a cut in their mouth or recent dental work.

More information about HIV sexual transmission is included in this guide, which has a section on oral sex.

This answer was updated in January 2018 from an original Q&A from July 2010. i-Base no longer answers individual questions about HIV transmission and risk. (See: Question 1 at this link).

Comments to this Q&A are now closed.

99 comments

Simon Collins • 12 July 2012

I’m sorry but i-Base no longer answers individual questions about risks of HIV transmission or HIV testing.

This service is based on information relating to treatment of people who are HIV positive.

Information online
Most testing questions are already answered on the FAQ page:
http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing

Our guide to HIV Testing and risks of sexual transmission guide has more detailed and easy to read information about these topics. It can be read online at this link:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing
Nick • 12 July 2012

Hi. I have sex yesterday. Hi do have HIV but we don’t have oral sex we kissing and hi give me blowjob. I did’t give him blowjob. I need to go to do HIV TEST? thank you
Charlotte Walker • 12 August 2010

Please follow the link in my previous post below for the answer to avoid me continuously repeating myself
Bean • 7 August 2010

As you said: “Only 5% of infections are from oral sex and then only people who are giving the blowjob are at risk.”

You mean this cases are from giving/receiving a man oral sex?

And giving a woman oral sex or receiving oral sex from woman (blowjobs) is no risk at all?

Thank you
Charlotte Walker • 4 August 2010

For more information please follow this link
Charlotte Walker • 4 August 2010

you cannot get HIV this way. You do not need a HIV test.
Charlotte Walker • 4 August 2010

If you were the one receiving a blow job then you cannot get HIV this way
Bean • 3 August 2010

I received an unprotected blow job from her for less than 5 minutes ( I asked her and she doesnt has any bleeding gums) – is there any HIV Risk involved in this assuming that she is HIV+ , if yes how much % is the risk ? should i go for a test ?

Thank you!
Bean • 2 August 2010

As your response: Only 5% of infections are from oral sex and then only people who are giving the blowjob are at risk. But why you said: You also cannot get HIV from giving a woman oral sex. I dont know why? Could you tell me more clearly?

Sorry, my English is not good, I hope you can understand my question.

Thanks in my heart!
Bean • 2 August 2010

Dear Charlotte,

Could you tell me, she gave me blowjob, and I do not ejaculate in her mouth. I did not give her sex.

Can I get HIV from blowjob?

Thank you!