How Safe is Sucking

How Safe is Sucking? Can I get HIV or STDs from Oral Sex?

Yes, it is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV through performing or receiving oral sex (sucking, blow jobs or rimming), though it is a less common mode of transmission than other sexual behaviors such as anal sex. There have been a few cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal sex. What is known is that HIV has been transmitted through oral stimulation (i.e., sucking or licking) of the penis, and/or the anus (rimming).

If the person performing oral sex has HIV, blood from their mouth may enter the body of the person receiving oral sex through

the lining of the urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis);
the lining of the anus; or
directly into the body through small cuts or open sores.

If the person receiving oral sex has HIV, their blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), may contain the virus. Cells lining the mouth of the person performing oral sex may allow HIV to enter their body.

The risk of HIV transmission increases

if the person performing oral sex has cuts or sores around or in their mouth or throat;
if the person receiving oral sex ejaculates in the mouth of the person performing oral sex; or
if the person receiving oral sex has another sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Not having sex is the most effective way to avoid HIV.

If you choose to perform oral sex on your boyfriend or male sex partner,

use a flavored latex condom on the penis; or
if you or your partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms can be used.

Studies have shown that latex condoms are very effective, though not perfect, in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently.

Generally, the use of a physical barrier during oral sex can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other STIs.

Remember to always use protection because even though we know it’s usually harder for HIV to get through the lining of the mouth since it’s tougher than the inside the anus, it still can happen. HIV infections from blow jobs usually involve semen (cum) getting in the mouth and into sores, infections or inflammation in the mouth, throat or penis.

If a guy with HIV has a high viral load that increases the risk too. The more men you have oral sex with, the more risk - especially if semen (cum) gets in the mouth.

If you’re HIV negative

Receiving oral sex (sucking/blowjob) does carry a small risk. The saliva of the man with HIV doesn’t have enough virus in it to infect someone. The only possible risk would be if his mouth was bleeding.

You can always get another type of STD (such as Gonorrhea, Herpes, or Syphilis, among others) from giving or receiving oral sex (sucking/blowjob)

When sucking:

Try not to have semen (cum) in your mouth. Pre-semen (pre-cum) could also have HIV in it.
Asking men not to ‘come’ in your mouth before you suck them means more of a chance they’ll do what you want
If a man ‘comes’ in your mouth, get it out as fast as you can
Avoid sucking if you have a sore throat or any cuts, rashes, inflammation or infections in your mouth or throat – or if you see any of these are on his penis
Gonorrhea in the throat usually causes no symptoms, so think about getting checked for it regularly, especially if you perform oral sex ( sucking/blowjobs ) on a lot men
Flossing or brushing your teeth can make your gums bleed. Avoid this in the hours before you give someone oral sex ( sucking/blowjob ) because brushing and flossing can cause small cuts in your mouth. Mouthwash can take away some of the mouth’s natural protection against infections. Instead to freshen breath chew gum or rub toothpaste on your teeth
Avoid performing oral sex (sucking/blowjob) if you’ve had work done on your teeth in the last week or two

Spit or swallow?

Don't do either. Don't allow another man to ejaculate (come) in your mouth.

Spitting cum out could bring it into contact with the mouth and gums (which might be bleeding or have cuts)

Swallowing lets it touch your throat. Stomach acid could kill HIV. But the virus is more likely to get into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth or throat long before it reaches your stomach.

If you have HIV

Performing oral sex ( sucking/blowjob ) on a man does have risk. Your saliva doesn’t have enough HIV in it to infect him. The only possible risk to him would be if your mouth was bleeding.

When receiving oral sex ( sucking/blowjob ):

Avoid ‘coming’ in someone’s mouth
If you know your viral load’s high, think again about receiving oral sex (sucking/blowjob), especially ‘coming’ in someone’s mouth
Avoid receiving oral sex (sucking/blowjob) if you have cuts, sores or rashes on your penis - or if you see these cuts, sores or rashes on his mouth
Get sexually transmitted infections treated quickly (they raise levels of HIV in your semen (cum), pre-semen (pre-cum), and blood)

You should always be worried about the risk of STDs from oral sex (sucking/blowjobs), so it's important to use condoms. Flavored ones taste less of rubber.

Tip
Don't allow another man to ejaculate (come) in your mouth.

Remember these important details about Oral Sex (Sucking/Blowjobs)

Performing Oral Sex On A Man

You can get HIV by performing oral sex on your male partner, although the risk is not as great as it is with unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
You are also at risk for getting other STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea .
Your risk of contracting HIV is reduced if your male partner does not ejaculate (cum) in your mouth.
Your risk of HIV is reduced if you do not have open sores or cuts in your mouth.
Using condoms for oral sex reduces your risk of getting HIV or other STIs.

Receiving Oral Sex If You Are A Man

There is less associated risk for HIV infection with this sexual activity.
Your risk of HIV is reduced if you do not have open sores or cuts on your penis.
There is a risk of contracting other STIs, including herpes .

For a complete list of sexual activities and the risks they pose for transmitting HIV or other STDs visit www.aids.gov , risky business web-site. To access it, CLICK HERE

Do you have to use a condom for oral sex?

Yes, it is a very good idea to always use a flavored condom when giving or receiving oral sex (sucking/blowjob). It is possible for oral sex to transmit HIV , whether the infected partner is performing or receiving oral sex. But the risk is low compared with unprotected anal sex.

If you choose to perform oral sex, and your partner is male,

use a latex condom on the penis; or
if you or your partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms can be used.

If you choose to perform oral sex with a male partner and this sex includes oral contact with your partner's anus (anilingus or rimming),

use a latex barrier (such as a natural rubber latex sheet, a dental dam, or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and the anus. Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier. This barrier is to prevent getting another sexually transmitted disease or parasites, not HIV.

Dental Dams and Plastic Wrap

Even though oral sex is a low-risk sexual practice, you may want to use protection when performing oral sex on someone who has HIV.

Dental dams are small squares of latex that were made originally for use in dental procedures. They are now commonly used as barriers when performing oral sex on women, to keep in vaginal fluids or menstrual blood that could transmit HIV or other STDs and oral-anal sex (rimming) on men and women to keep from spreading HIV or other STDs.

Some people use plastic wrap instead of a dental dam because it is more accessible. It is also thinner.

Here are some things to remember:

Before using a dental dam, first check it visually for any holes.
Use flavored dental dams so it doesn't just taste like rubber/latex.
Cover the man's anal area with the dental dam.
Always use a new dental dam for every new act of oral-anal sex (rimming) with every new sex partner, by covering the opening of the anus with a new dental dam.
A new dental dam should be used for each act of oral sex; it should never be reused.

To learn more about how to use condoms and dental dams correctly, see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Tips For Using Condoms And Dental Dams .

Tests: Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.

Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.

For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wearemembersofthiscommunity.org

To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.

This education awareness project is sponsored by the
LGBT Center of Raleigh .

Created and designed by Luke Keeler .

Info from CDC , AIDS.gov and THT

Page last updated: 04/01/17