Sexual contact

HIV is present in the blood (including menstrual blood), semen, vaginal fluids and rectal secretions of infected people, but can only be passed on to another person if those fluids get into his/her body.

Vaginal Intercourse

HIV infection can occur during vaginal intercourse when a woman is exposed to her HIV+ partner’s semen, as the delicate tissue of the vagina, cervix and urethra easily absorbs the virus. The male partner of an HIV+ woman may be infected if he is exposed to his partner’s vaginal fluid or blood. The chance of infection increases if either partner has an STI or any cuts, sores, warts or lesions in the genital area.

Anal Intercourse

Receptive anal intercourse poses an equal risk of infection for men and women because the delicate tissue found in the rectum is particularly vulnerable if exposed to HIV infected semen or blood. An insertive partner can be infected if exposed to his HIV+ partner’s rectal secretions or any rectal bleeding during intercourse. New research suggests that exposure to the mucous secreted by the rectum during intercourse poses a much higher risk of HIV transmission than exposure to blood or semen. The risk of infection further increases if either partner has an STI or any cuts, sores, piles, warts or lesions in the genital area.

Oral Sex

The risk of getting HIV through oral sex is low, but not non-existent. Oral sex carries a risk of infection when the gums and the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat are exposed to HIV present in semen, vaginal fluid and blood. The most risky form of oral sex is widely considered to be receptive fellatio (performing oral sex on a man) because of the amount of infectious fluid that may be ejaculated into the mouth. Although any HIV infected fluids that are swallowed are likely to be neutralised in the stomach, the risk of exposure in the mouth and throat remains. Any ulcers, cuts, sores or infections in the mouth and throat or genital area will increase the likelihood of infection if someone is exposed to HIV as a result of oral sex.

Last updated April 2010