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Risk
Assessment of HIV Transmission--Oral Transmission
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C. Oral Sex: Cunnilingus (Oral-Vaginal Sex)
Potential for
Transmission
There is a potential
for transmission of HIV by insertive cunnilingus because
vaginal fluid and blood can get in the mouth. Risk is
increased if there are bleeding gums, cuts, sores,
lesions, ulcers or burns in the mouth. Risk is also
higher during menstruation. Using a latex barrier over
the vaginal opening such as a condom or dental dam can
reduce the risk. It is recommended that the insertive
partner should wait at least thirty minutes after
brushing or flossing teeth.
Evidence of
Transmission
There are no
well-designed studies offering evidence of transmission
through cunnilingus. However, the extremely small number
of case reports in which transmission has been
attributed to insertive cunnilingus supports the
classification of this activity as low risk.
Assessment of Risk of
HIV Transmission
Insertive cunnilingus
With barrier: Negligible risk
With no barrier and
outside menses: Low
risk
With no
barrier and during menses:
Low risk
Receptive
cunnilingus
With barrier: Negligible risk
With no barrier: Negligible risk
D. Oral Sex: Anilingus (Oral-Anal Sex)
Potential for
Transmission
Anilingus is not an
efficient means of HIV transmission. Although there may
be a potential for transmission by insertive anilingus
if blood is present in fecal matter in the anus, the
quantity of blood is likely to be extremely small. There
is a potential for HIV transmission by receptive
anilingus because of the possibility of contact between
blood in the mouth and the rectal lining, but the small
amount of blood likely to be involved again makes such
an occurrence highly unlikely.
It should be noted,
however, that anilingus is an efficient route of
transmission for other sexually transmitted diseases
such as syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis A and B and
intestinal parasites.
Any risk from anilingus
can be reduced by use of a latex barrier, such as a
dental dam, or a new, unlubricated condom carefully cut
open.
Evidence of
Transmission
There have been no
documented cases of HIV transmission through receptive
or insertive anilingus.
Assessment of Risk of
HIV Transmission
Insertive anilingus:
(licking the anus)
With barrier: Negligible risk
Without barrier: Negligible risk
Receptive anilingus (being licked)
With barrier: Negligible risk
Without barrier: Negligible risk
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