Can HIV be transmitted through oral sex (fellatio and cunnilingus)?

In short, yes, but the risk is relatively low.

HIV is transmitted through vaginal and seminal fluids. The virus can enter the body through the bloodstream or by passing through certain mucas membranes that are found inside the vagina, rectum or urethra.

If a person giving fellatio to their partner has bleeding gums, a cut, or an ulcer inside their mouth, then the HIV virus could enter their bloodstream.

Using a condom during sexual activity, including oral, vaginal and anal sex, is the best way to prevent the transmission of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. For more information on this then take a look at our blog on ‘do condoms always prevent the transmission of HIV?‘

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, including:

• seminal fluids
• vaginal fluids (this includes menstrual)
• blood
• breast milk
• pre-cum
• rectal mucas

You cannot catch HIV from the below:

• kissing
• being sneezed on by someone who has HIV
• bathing, or using the same towel as someone with HIV
• animals or insects like mosquitoes

Other fluids from the body like saliva, sweat or urine do not contain enough of the virus to infect another person.