For more information, call and speak to a STAP Educator at 800-333-0892. 

Can I get HIV from anal sex?

Yes, it is possible for either sex partner to become infected with HIV during anal sex. HIV can be found in the blood, semen, pre-cum, or vaginal fluid of a person infected with the virus. In general, the person being penetrated or receiving the semen is at greater risk of getting HIV because the lining of the rectum is thin and may allow the virus to enter the body during anal sex. However, the person doing the penetrating (or inserting his penis into an infected partner) is also at risk because HIV can enter through the urethra (the piss-slit or opening at the tip of the penis) or through small cuts, abrasions, or open sores on the penis. Having unprotected (without a condom) anal sex is considered to be very risky behavior. If you're going to have anal sex, you can reduce the risk of HIV transmission significantly by using a latex or polyurethane condom. Most of the time, condoms work well. However, condoms are more likely to break during anal sex than during vaginal sex. So, even with a condom, anal sex can be risky. You should also be sure to use a water-based lubricant (rather than an oil-based lube) in addition to the condom to reduce the chances of the condom breaking. If you are barebacking, have the insertive partner (top) pull out before ejaculating. Avoid douching (enema) beforehand as this actually puts you at a higher risk for becoming infected with HIV. Douching may wash away helpful or ‘good’ bacteria in the mucous membrane lining your ass as well as reducing your natural lubrication. This increases the friction of being penetrated, which can cause tears in the rectum and anus. It's also not good to douche after being penetrated since this could spread the virus around even more. Also, use lots of lube, to make sure that your anus and rectum are as thoroughly lubricated as possible, which also helps to avoid cuts and tears which would make it easier for HIV to get into your body's blood stream.

Can I get HIV from having vaginal sex?

Yes, it is possible to become infected with HIV through vaginal intercourse. In fact, it is the most common way the virus is transmitted in much of the world. HIV can be found in the blood, semen, pre-cum, or vaginal fluid of a person infected with the virus. The lining of the vagina can tear and possibly allow HIV to enter the body more easily. Direct absorption of HIV through the mucous membranes that line the vagina also is a possibility. Men may be at less risk for HIV transmission than women are through vaginal intercourse. However, HIV can enter the body of the male through his urethra (the piss-slit or opening at the tip of the penis), or through small cuts or open sores on the penis. The risk for HIV infection also increases if you or a partner has a sexually transmitted disease (STI). If you choose to have vaginal intercourse, use a latex condom to help protect both you and your partner from the risk of HIV and other STIs. Studies have shown that latex condoms are very effective, though not perfect, in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently. If either partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms for either the male or female can be used.

Can I get HIV from performing oral sex?

Yes, it is possible for you to become infected with HIV through performing oral sex, but it is considered low to medium risk. There have been a few cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex. Blood, semen, pre-cum, and vaginal fluid all may contain the virus. Cells in the mucous lining of the mouth may carry HIV into the lymph nodes or the bloodstream.

The risk increases if:

• You have cuts or sores around or in your mouth or throat,

• Your partner ejaculates in your mouth, or

• Your partner has another sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Can I get HIV from someone performing oral sex on me?

Yes, it is possible for you to become infected with HIV through receiving oral sex, but it is considered low risk, though no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is. Evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex. If your partner has HIV, blood from his or her mouth may enter the urethra (the piss-slit, or opening at the tip of the penis), the vagina, the anus, or directly into the body through small cuts or open sores.

If you choose to have oral sex, and your partner is male:

• Use a latex condom on the penis; or

• If you or your partner is allergic to latex, use a polyurethane condom. 
• If you aren’t going to use a condom, you can reduce your risk of HIV infection by avoiding deep throating, which makes it easier for the slit of your penis to come into contact with the mucous membranes at the back of your partner’s throat, providing a good entry point for HIV to get into the body's blood stream.

If you choose to have oral sex, and your partner is female:

• Use a latex barrier (such as a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and the vagina. 
• Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier. Using a barrier will reduce the risk of blood or vaginal fluids entering your mouth. Research has shown the effectiveness of latex condoms used on the penis to prevent the transmission of HIV. 
• Condoms are not risk-free, but they greatly reduce your risk of becoming HIV-infected if your partner has the virus.

If you aren’t going to use a condom for oral sex condom, the following are ways to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

• Don't brush or floss your teeth for at least an hour before giving head. You can use a mouthwash, breath mint, or gum instead. This will keep the number of tears and cuts in your mouth to a minimum.

• Try not to eat abrasive foods (like tortilla chips, French bread, pretzels, etc.) for the same reasons.

• In general, it's also a good idea to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent the possibility of easy tears/cuts in the mouth.

• Avoid getting semen in your mouth; semen contains active HIV. If you do get semen in your mouth, as the saying goes: ‘Swallow or spit, just don’t let it sit.’ The longer semen is in your mouth, the more potential for HIV to find an entry point into your body.

• Avoid deep throating since this can cause abrasions in the throat. Precum and semen can come into contact with these abrasions, creating an effective entry point for HIV infection.

If someone is HIV positive, but has an undetectable viral load, is it ‘safe’ to perform oral sex without a condom?

An undetectable viral load is only a measure of the HIV levels in a blood sample, but there is still no sure way to know or average how much HIV virus there is in semen or pre-cum since it varies from man to man.

Can I get HIV from kissing on the cheek, open-mouth or deep kissing (‘swapping saliva’)?

HIV is not casually transmitted, so kissing on the cheek is very safe. Even if the other person has the virus, your unbroken skin is a good barrier. No one has become infected from such ordinary social contact as dry kisses, hugs, and handshakes. Open-mouth kissing is considered a very low-risk activity for the transmission of HIV because the amount of HIV in saliva is very small and relatively inactive. However, prolonged open-mouth kissing could damage the mouth or lips which would then allow HIV to pass from an infected person to a partner and then enter the body through cuts or sores in the mouth.