Q and A

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.

113 comments

  1. Amit •

    Sr mai Wednesday ko ek ladki se sath oral sex Kiya bas 1 minutes tak per mai uske bad muh ka Sara lar Bahar thuk diya or wipes se apna toung saf ker liya fir v mujhe waham ho rha hai ki kahi usko hiv to nahi hai mujhe nahi pata kya karu fir Mai apna test karwa lu or kitne din bad karana chahiye mujhe test

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Rao, for more information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/testing

  3. Rao •

    Any one how is reciving blow job are safe or any chance of getting infected

  4. Simon Collins •

    Hi Alex, please see this link and the related info. The booklet has a section on oral sex. The other info will help you enjoy sex more in the future.
    https://i-base.info/qa/11844

  5. Alex •

    Hello,

    Please answer me asap, I had unprotected oral sex with sex worker and dont know her hiv status I am worried and I need to act fast if I am at risk of contractions.

    Thanks

  6. Simon Collins •

    Hi Markaus, please take time to read about HIV and risk – it will help answer these Qs and help you have a less stressful sex life that will also be more fun. This info here is comprehensve and based on best qevidence and guidelines:
    https://i-base.info/qa/11844

  7. Markaus •

    Hi, I had with a blowjob with an African sex worker when I was very drunk. I used a condom but she spat on my penis when it wasn’t protected and fingered my arse while giving me a handjob. The following day due stress I went for. Massage which resulted in a 69 with me licking vaginally and anal her while she gave me a handjob and fingered my arse.

    Stupid drunken couple of days which I regret. One week later I started to feel really ill nauseous lose bowls really bad sore throat headache aches in my lymph nodes and my tongue has gone all white.

    I’m so worried that I have hiv. Please can you advise ?

  8. Simon Collins •

    Hi Paul, years of research shoed thet having an undetectable viral load on ART stops HIV transmission. So there is zero risk whatever you chose to do, with or without a condom. The evidence is detailed here:
    http://i-base.info

    It might be good to become up to date about this because the way you are describing fear about intimacy with your partner could easily affect whatever relationship you go on to have. There is not reason to hold on to the fears your have which are now irrational and hurtful.

    Your decisions are for you but you might also be missing much if these are based on out of date information.

  9. Paul •

    I’m in a relationship with an HIV positive man, however when we 1st dated 25 years ago, we were together for bout a year and half, we were very careful, & I’m not positive… we’ve reconnected and are trying to date again. I know that now he’s very healthy, and is now undetectable due to the advancements in medication, altho I won’t have unprotected sex, am I good with oral sex, if I do not come in contact with ejeculation? Now, I know there are still pre-fluids and all, but need more answers. We have Many conversations and careful, and he says he cannot spread it now, but I know nothing is 100%.. can I get clarification on this please! Thank you!

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Deep, for information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing