Can you get AIDS from oral sex?

With the plethora of information existing about the transmission of HIV and AIDS, it hasbecome harder and harder to separate fact from fiction. We tackle the transmission via oral sex issue.....
There are still many questions being asked about the virus, primarily exactly how it can be passed from one person to another. Some people believe that oral sex is a way of side stepping the issue, but the reality is a lot bleaker than you’d think.

Since the HIV virus is transmitted via blood, semen or vaginal fluid, any activity which involves exposure to these substances necessarily leaves one open to contracting the virus, which can eventually evolve into full blown AIDS. 
Safe sex or abstinence remain the only options for avoiding transmission entirely.
It has been proven that HIV can be contracted through oral sex with an infected individual

While statistics as to the degree of risk involved with oral sex are not known, it has been proven that HIV can be contracted through oral sex with an infected individual. And it can happen whether the infected partner is giving or receiving oral sex.  
Transmission this way is less common than it is with unprotected vaginal or anal sex, but it is still a very real possibility.

Exactly what are your risks?
If the person performing oral sex has HIV, the virus can enter their partner when blood from their mouth enters the urethra or vagina or enters open cuts or sores anywhere on the body. The risk of exposure is equally high if the person receiving oral sex has the virus and their blood, semen or vaginal fluid enters their partner’s system through cells lining the mouth.

The risk can be further increased if the person receiving oral sex ejaculates into the mouth of their partner or if they have another STD, which compromises their immune system. Simply put, with the exchange of bodily fluids it is almost impossible to avoid the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS.


Precautions to reduce your risk of HIV infection

Of course, as with other forms of sex, there are precautions which can be taken which can help to reduce your risk of infection.
Using a condom is the most responsible option, offering both partners peace of mind. If one or both partners have an allergy to latex, plastic condoms are also available. 
Other forms of protection including a dental dam or a condom cut open into a square and placed over the vagina can offer a further barrier to fluid transmission during oral sex.


Avoid oral sex if you have open cuts in your mouth

Anyone with open sores on or in their mouth should avoid engaging in oral sex as this leaves them wide open to any number of bacteria and viruses entering directly into their bloodstream. If you or your partner are aware that you are HIV positive, you should exercise extreme caution when considering sexual intercourse of any kind.

When it comes to HIV and AIDS, there is no such thing as being too careful
Don’t assume that oral sex will give you a safe way around the subject.  Nothing is guaranteed except sex with protection or abstinence.  Whatever you opt to do, make sure you take every possible precaution. Your health is too precious to risk … for the prospect of an evening’s pleasure!