This question is the result of a discussion within the student group I am in; Opinions on this, within the group, are divided.
The reason for this question is also part of an investigation into the risk of transmission of STDs in prostitution.
Answer
The studies of risk of HIV transmission associated with oral sex are complicated by the incomplete reporting of more risky acts (such as unprotected anal or vaginal penetration). Still, the consensus is that with fellatio (blowjobs):
1. There is a minimal but detectable risk to the receiving partner, especially in the event of ejaculation and in the presence of lesions/wounds in the mouth and/or pharynx.
2. The insertive partner runs a negligible risk (although a case has been described of a man who (in his own words) became infected with HIV only after fellatio by a prostitute. (Spitzer PG, Weiner NJ. Transmission of HIV infection from a woman to a man by oral sex. N Engl J Med 1989; 320(4):251).
3. The risk is reduced to zero through the correct use of a condom.
Answered by
Prof. dr. Dr Bruno Verhasselt
Microbiology and Immunology
http://www.ugent.be
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