The Chance of HIV Transmission: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to sexual health, understanding the risks associated with various activities is crucial in taking necessary precautions to stay safe. One common concern many individuals have is the risk of contracting HIV through oral sex. In this article, we'll delve into the statistics and explore whether you can get HIV from oral sex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chance of transmitting HIV through giving a blowjob to an HIV-positive man not on treatment is extremely low, at 1 in 2,500 or 0.04 percent per act. To put this into perspective, the average risk of contracting HIV through sharing a needle one time with an HIV-positive drug user is 0.67 percent, which can be expressed as 1 in 149.

While probabilities are often expressed in percentages or odds, do they truly provide a better understanding of HIV risk and sexual health? By using numbers to explain the risks, we can gain a more concrete grasp of the situation.

For instance, when it comes to oral sex, the CDC describes the probability as 'low.' However, what does this mean exactly? The website explains that while there is a risk of contracting HIV from performing oral sex on a male partner, it's lower than the risk associated with unprotected anal or vaginal sex. Regarding fellatio with a female partner, the site notes that HIV has been found in vaginal secretions, making it possible to contract the virus through this activity.

Unfortunately, these statistics don't necessarily put people at ease. In fact, many Americans are concerned about their HIV risk during fellatio, more so than during anal sex. To address these concerns, we'll explore the latest updates on prevention methods such as PrEP and the concept of 'undetectable equals untransmittable' (U=U).

In conclusion, while there is a risk of contracting HIV through oral sex, it's essential to understand that this risk is relatively low. By staying informed about sexual health and taking necessary precautions, individuals can make educated decisions to protect themselves and their partners.

Chance of hiv transmission