On this site I read about the different ways in which you can get HIV. I read that the risk with anal sex is higher than with vaginal sex. And that oral sex is even less risky than previously mentioned.
If anal sex is riskier than vaginal sex how is this explained?
In both cases, the infected sperm cells are in a warm environment and have free rein to develop. With oral sex, I understand that the gastric juices kill the HIV virus, and if you don’t have an injury to your mouth or esophagus, the risk of getting infected is quite small.
Answer
By far the highest risk of HIV infection occurs with blood-to-blood contact, e.g. sharing bloody needles during intravenous drug use, piercing, blood brother rituals… Since the screening for contaminated blood in most countries, the risk with transfusion is almost disappeared. Professional piercers ensure sufficient hygiene to prevent contamination.
Globally, sexual contact is the most frequent form of transmission. The risk via anal sexual intercourse is higher than vaginally. Perhaps the reason is that the surface of the rectum is much more fragile and permeable than the mucous membrane that lines the vagina. The cervix is ​​least well protected in this case. In addition, the presence of infectious cells of the immune system (which is more anal than vaginal) is critical.
With oral-genital contact, the risk is very low, and almost limited to those who have contaminated pre-cum/sperm; receives vaginal fluid or blood in a mouth that has open sores. Good oral hygiene can therefore significantly reduce the risk.
When used correctly, a condom reduces the risk of HIV transmission upon penetration to zero.
Answered by
prof. dr. Bruno Verhasselt
Microbiology and Immunology
http://www.ugent.be
.