So I have received a lot of questions about oral sex and risk of HIV transmission. There is a lot of research and information out there about this topic. So I am going to attempt to decipher it for you.
Can I contract HIV through Oral Sex?
The answer is yes! Studies in the United States have shown that the percent of risk ranges from 1% to 7%. However, there is no reliable way of really assessing the precise degree of risk. In an article from AIDSmap.com, researchers in the United Kingdom say “…oral sex carries a small but real risk.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued this fact sheet about Oral Sex and HIV. http://img.thebody.com/cdc/2009/oralsex.pdf
What other STD/STI’s can be transmitted orally?
You can transmit HIV, Herpes, HPV, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis B.
Can I protect myself from Oral HIV/STD Infections?
YES! The good news is that they do make barrier methods for oral sex. They make flavored condoms and Flavored Dental Dams. Both of these are latex barriers that help protect you from transmitting a disease. Both of these products are available in our offices both in Elkhart or South Bend. You can order dental dams online at http://www.sheerglydedams.com/
Other ways of protecting yourself:
1) Abstain
2) Mutual Monogamy (only having one sexual partner)
3) Reduce the number of people you have sexual encounters with.
4) Do not swallow or get semen or vaginal fluids in the mouth.
5) Do not have oral sex while you have obvious cuts, blisters, sores on or in the mouth.
I hope this helps!
Stay Health and Be FIERCE!
Gadd, Chris (2004). Oral sex between men a 'small but real risk' for HIV transmission, survey shows. AIDSmap, Retrieved July 28,2009, from http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/8C50587D-7487-4440-BCFD-3AF7C9EE92C3.asp
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment