Can HIV be transmitted through oral sex?

The short answer is yes. But the risk is lower than some other sexual activities.

Recent surveys have shown that only a small minority of new cases of HIV that are diagnosed are due to oral sex. Although HIV is present in vaginal fluids, semen and the clear fluid that your penis produces for lubrication before orgasm, it is unlikely these will come into contact with your bloodstream during oral sex. But while it’s unlikely, it’s not impossible.

The risk factor is largely due to your oral hygiene. If you have ulcers, dental bleeding or lacerations then theoretically the infection could reach your bloodstream. However, saliva has enzymes that inhibit transmission and the cells in the mouth aren’t very absorbent, so the chance of transmission is low.

Ways to lower the risk

If you’re performing oral sex on a man then you could:

• avoid getting semen in your mouth
• use a condom
• have oral sex with fewer men.
• look after your oral hygiene.

Do not have oral sex when you have a throat infection or have bleeding gums.

If you’re performing oral sex on a woman then you could:

• use a barrier such as cling-film, a dental dam, a Femidom or a sheet cut from a condom
• have oral sex with fewer women
• look after your oral hygiene.

You should avoid oral sex when a woman is having her period.

Other infections

There are other sexually transmitted infections that are transmitted much more easily by oral sex. Herpes, Syphilis and Gonorrhoea can all be transmitted in this way, so it is worth looking at your oral sex practices as part of a healthy sex life.