Sexual Health

How Risky is it?

Giving Head: Risky or Not?

This is the number one question we get here at STOP AIDS.  Here's our answer...

We know oral sex is much less risky than anal or vaginal sex – but technically, HIV still can enter the body through open cuts and sores, or possibly by infecting the lining of the mouth.

Once HIV gets past the mouth, stomach acid and enzymes in the esophagus kill the virus. Swallowing cum, then, shouldn’t put someone at risk for HIV, as long as they swallow it and don’t let it sit in their mouth.
A popular jingle coined by one of our resident geniuses is: Spit or Swallow, Don’t Let it Wallow.

To make sure HIV transmission doesn’t occur, make sure you keep the mucous membranes in your mouth healthy – don’t brush your teeth, floss, or engage in any other aggravating oral behavior for about 45 minutes before oral sex. If you’re worried about bad breath, use gum or a breath mint! And remember, while the chance of HIV transmission via oral sex is very low, oral sex is a common way for other STDs to be transmitted, in particular gonorrhea and chlamydia.