HIV can be passed by oral sex?

Yes, HIV can be passed by oral sex, but the risk is very low.

HIV is mainly transmitted through vaginal sex, anal sex, and sharing needles. Oral sex is considered low risk for HIV because the virus doesn't survive well in saliva, and the lining of the mouth is tougher than the lining of the vagina or anus.

The risk increases if there are cuts, sores, or bleeding gums in the mouth, or if the person with HIV has a high viral load. But even with those factors, transmission through oral sex is rare.

Other STIs like herpes, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are much more easily passed through oral sex than HIV is. So while HIV from oral sex is unlikely, oral sex isn't risk-free when it comes to other infections. Using a condom or dental dam reduces the risk.

If you're worried about HIV, you can get tested for free at any sexual health clinic. Results are confidential.

Yes, HIV can be passed through oral sex, but the risk is very low.

HIV is mainly passed through vaginal sex, anal sex, and sharing needles. Oral sex is much less risky because the virus does not survive well in saliva and the mouth is tougher than the vagina or anus.

The risk goes up if there are cuts, sores, or bleeding gums in the mouth.

Other STIs like herpes and gonorrhoea are passed through oral sex much more easily than HIV. So oral sex is not completely risk-free, just low risk for HIV specifically.

If you are worried, you can get tested for free at any sexual health clinic.