From the Guidelines
HIV transmission through oral sex with bleeding gums is possible but considered low risk, and you should consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if you're concerned about a recent exposure. The risk increases if you have bleeding gums, open sores in your mouth, or if your partner has a high viral load 1. While documented cases exist, they are relatively rare compared to other transmission routes like unprotected anal or vaginal sex. To reduce risk, avoid oral sex if you have mouth injuries, use dental dams or condoms, and consider regular HIV testing if you're sexually active with multiple partners.
Key Considerations
- The per-act risk for HIV transmission from oral sex is substantially lower compared to vaginal or anal intercourse, but can be increased by factors such as bleeding, open sores, or high viral load in the partner 1.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be effective in preventing HIV infection if started within 72 hours of exposure, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for ongoing protection when taken as prescribed.
- Individual risk assessment with a healthcare provider is recommended if you're concerned about a specific encounter, as the risk depends on multiple factors including viral load, presence of blood, and duration of exposure 1.
Recommendations for Protection
- Avoid oral sex if you have mouth injuries or open sores.
- Use dental dams or condoms for oral sex.
- Consider regular HIV testing if you're sexually active with multiple partners.
- Consult a healthcare provider about PEP if you're concerned about a recent exposure, and about PrEP for ongoing protection.
From the Research
HIV Transmission through Oral Sex with Bleeding Gums
- The provided studies do not directly address the transmission of HIV through oral sex with bleeding gums 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that HIV can be transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood and semen, and that bleeding gums can increase the risk of transmission.
- The studies focus on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as methods to prevent HIV transmission, but do not provide information on the specific risk of transmission through oral sex with bleeding gums.
Cases of HIV Transmission through Oral Sex
- There are no specific cases mentioned in the provided studies of people getting HIV through oral sex with bleeding gums 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies discuss the importance of PEP and PrEP in preventing HIV transmission, but do not provide information on the frequency or likelihood of transmission through oral sex with bleeding gums.
Risk of HIV Transmission
- The risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is considered to be low, but it can increase if there are bleeding gums or other oral health issues 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The provided studies emphasize the importance of using PEP and PrEP to prevent HIV transmission, but do not provide specific guidance on the risk of transmission through oral sex with bleeding gums.