Can You Catch HIV Through Oral Sex?

Many STIs can be passed from one person to another via oral sex and the same can be said about HIV. However, in comparison to other STIs, the risk is much lower. Here’s everything that you need to know about HIV and oral sex from Your Sexual Health. So, first things first, can you get HIV through oral sex?

Whilst it technically isn’t impossible to catch HIV through oral sex, the chances of transmission are much lower when compared to vaginal or anal sex. The chance of transmitting HIV through oral sex increases when a woman is on her period, if there are cuts on the mouth, or if infected ejaculate ends up in the mouth.

Read on to learn how HIV is transmitted, if it’s possible to get HIV through oral sex, and how you can get tested quickly and discreetly for a possible infection. 

How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, mainly blood, but can also be spread through ejaculate, pre-cum, vaginal fluids, mucus, or even breast milk. Because of this, HIV is most commonly caught through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. HIV is not spread through saliva, which is why it isn’t common to transmit HIV through oral sex or kissing.

HIV can also be transmitted, even if you’ve not been sexually active, through the likes of sharing needles or other injecting equipment.

If you’ve had sex with someone who is HIV or AIDS positive, you need to be aware of the potential symptoms that you might experience. To learn more, read our helpful blog: What is Usually the First Sign Of HIV?

Can HIV be Passed on Through Oral Sex?

Although the risk is extremely low, HIV can be passed from one person to another during oral sex, although the risk of transmission depends on a number of factors.

First of all, if the person with HIV is taking effective medication (antiretroviral therapy or ART for short) against the condition and has an undetectable viral load (the amount of the virus present in someone’s blood), then it is not possible for them to pass on HIV through oral sex.

However, for people yet to be diagnosed with HIV or those not receiving medication, there is a greater risk of them transmitting the infection through oral sex.

Public Health England estimates that between 1-3% of all HIV transmissions in the UK come as the result of oral sex, whilst other studies quote numbers even lower. It’s crucial to note that whilst saliva contains enzymes that inhibit HIV (i.e. reduce transmission), the presence of blood, such as from cuts or ulcers in the mouth, can increase the risk.

HIV Through Blowjobs

Blowjobs, also known as fellatio, is the stimulation of a penis with the mouth. Even if no ejaculate is involved, blowjobs carry the biggest risk of HIV transmission in relation to oral sex in particular:

• An HIV-positive person giving a blowjob – There is a very low risk of transmission if the person infected with HIV is giving a blowjob. In fact, it is thought that saliva actually neutralises the HIV particles, reducing the chance of transmission even further. However, the risk may increase again slightly if they have a cut or ulcer present in their mouth.
• An HIV-positive person receiving a blowjob – If a person performs oral sex on a man with HIV there is a risk of passing on the condition if the man has a detectable viral load present in ejaculation or pre-cum. 

HIV Through Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus (also known as eating out, or going down on a woman) is a sexual act in which one person uses their mouth, lips, and tongue to stimulate a partner’s vulva, including the clitoris and other external parts of the vagina. It carries a minimal risk of HIV transmission:

• An HIV-positive person giving cunnilingus – HIV is extremely hard to pass on through vagina-to-mouth sex. It is much less risky when compared to mouth-to-penis sex, even for an HIV-positive person going down on the non-HIV carrier. 
• An HIV-positive person receiving cunnilingus – There is a very small risk that HIV can be passed from a man or woman with HIV when receiving cunnilingus, as HIV is present in vaginal fluids. The risk increases if the person performing cunnilingus has ulcers or cuts in their mouth.

HIV Through Analingus 

Analingus, also known as “rimming”, is similar to cunnilingus, but is instead performed on the anal region of a man or woman, instead of the vagina. Like cunnilingus, the risk of passing on or catching HIV through this act is very small:

• An HIV-positive person giving analingus – Much like cunnilingus, the risk of transmitting HIV to someone whilst performing analingus is low, unless you have cuts present in your mouth.
• An HIV-positive person receiving analingus – Because HIV isn’t transmitted through saliva, or contact with an infected person’s skin, the risk of spreading HIV to someone going down on you is very low, unless ejaculate is involved.

If you’d like to know which other infections can be passed on through blowjobs, cunnilingus, or analingus, read our helpful blog: Which STDs Can Be Caught From Oral Sex?

Factors Increasing the Chance of HIV Being Passed Through Oral Sex

The risks of transmitting or catching HIV through oral can become greater depending on a number of factors:

• If there are other STDs present at the time of oral sex.
• If the man ejaculates in the HIV-negative person’s mouth or pre-cum is passed into the other person’s mouth. If you have HIV, avoid ejaculating into the other person’s mouth.
• If a person carrying HIV has yet to be diagnosed, they will have a detectable viral load and carry a greater risk of passing on the virus.
• If a person has yet to be tested, they may be unaware that they carry HIV. Get tested before engaging in oral sex.
• If cuts, sores, or ulcers are present in the mouth, you have a greater risk of catching HIV. Avoid brushing your teeth before engaging in oral sex, as it can sometimes cause small micro-abrasions. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash instead.
• Performing oral sex on a woman on her period carries a greater risk.

How Do You Avoid Getting HIV From Oral Sex?

Although oral sex carries a smaller risk than both vaginal and anal sex, there are still things that can be done to reduce the risk of catching HIV further.

• Don’t perform oral sex on a person with a detectable viral load or someone who isn’t taking medication for their infection.
• Wear protection if either person has cuts, ulcers, or sores in their mouth (such as dental dams or condoms).
• Avoid ejaculating in the uninfected person’s mouth.
• Don’t partake in cunnilingus with someone who has HIV whilst on your period.

Even if the other person doesn’t have HIV, If you’re performing oral sex on someone or receiving it for the first time you should wear protection until you are both tested against STIs. Knowing your status and your partner’s status can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health.

Get Tested For HIV With Your Sexual Health

Understanding the risks of HIV transmission through oral sex and taking preventive measures can help you stay clear of STDs.

Protect yourself and your partners by staying informed and getting tested regularly. At Your Sexual Health, we offer discreet and quick testing services to ensure you can enjoy your sex life with peace of mind. With over 150+ clinics UK-wide, alongside discreet postal testing kits, you won’t find a more convenient service elsewhere. 

Get started by visiting our tests page, or, get in touch with our team for tailored advice.