Oral Sex Information
How Safe is Oral Sex?
Adapted by Nicolas Sheon from
a pamphlet by
the STOP AIDS
Project
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Has anyone
gotten HIV through oral sex?
- The San Francisco
Department of Public Health has recorded at least
three cases of men
who have become infected with HIV through oral sex.
This isn't very
many, considering how many men have oral sex. Other cases
have been
reported elsewhere.
- Unprotected oral sex is certainly much
safer than unprotected anal
or vaginal sex. The lining of the mouth is
much tougher and less permeable
than the lining of the vagina or anus.
Saliva may neutralize the virus.
It's easier to get semen out of your
mouth than a vagina or anus.
- Receptive oral sex - sucking
dick, or going down on someone - is certainly
riskier than having
someone suck or go down on you.
- HIV is in pre-cum, as well
as in semen. But there's usually less pre-cum
than semen during any one
sexual act. It's unlikely that pre-cum by itself
can transmit HIV, but
it's possible.
- The length and intensity of the sexual act
may affect transmission.
If his dick is pounding against the back of
your throat, your tissues may
become irritated, becoming more permeable
and increasing the likelihood
of infection.
- The presence
of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) can increase
the
likelihood of transmission through providing easier ways for the virus
to enter the body. If you have had unprotected oral sex and you have a
sore throat or a dry cough, get tested for oral gonorrhea and strep. If
you have sores, discharge, or burning when you pee go to your doctor or
STD clinic.
- Some people are more susceptible to infections
than others. Some people
have better oral hygiene than others. Bleeding
gums, sores in the mouth,
and abscessed teeth may increase the
likelihood of transmission. HIV-positive
men and women may be more or
less capable of infecting others, depending
on how long they've been
infected themselves.
What can I do make oral sex safer?
- Avoid coming in someone's mouth. Or having them come in yours.
Remember,
even with pre-cum there's still some risk. "Swallow or
spit, don't
let it sit."
- You can also avoid sucking
the tip of the penis, concentrating on the
shaft instead. Place
non-lubed condom inside out like a little cap over
the head of the
penis.
- Oral-vaginal sex (cunnilingus) with someone of
unknown HIV status is
also relatively low risk. The risk of infection
with STD's is higher if
there is menstrual blood or an unusual vaginal
discharge. Make your partner
a Saran Wrap panty or use a latex dental
dam with a harness for even safer
oral sex.
- If you see
something suspicious - a sore or a discharge on someone's
penis or a
funny odor or sores on the vulva, avoid going down on it.
- Know your STD status and don't put yourself or others at unnecessary
risk. Get checked for STDs including gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts,
and syphilis.
- Consider using condoms for oral sex. Try
Kimono Micro Thins, Lifestyles
"Kiss of Mint," or Trustex
condoms which have flavored lubricants.
And don't knock it until you've
tried it. Condoms without spermicide taste
a lot better.
- Avoid deep throating. It can irritate the tissue at the back of the
throat, and possibly provide a more efficient route for HIV to enter the
body. Floss and brush regularly - but not right before you have oral sex.
If you want to freshen up your breath before kissing your partner, try
mouthwash. Schedule a dental check-up too! Above all, make the choice
that's
right for you.
- If ten minutes - or ten hours -
after you've had sex, you're anxious
about what you did, that's a good
time to consider reducing your risk.
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