Can I get HIV by performing oral sex on a woman?

Performing oral sex on a woman (licking out, eating out, going down) is considered a low risk activity.

HIV transmission this way has been reported in an extremely small number of case reports. That means it can't be considered "no risk", but a very low risk.

The vaginal fluid of an HIV positive woman does contain HIV. There is a small possibility of abrasions being present or occurring during the oral sex which could allow small amounts of blood* to enter the mouth. The small amount of blood likely involved would make HIV transmission a remote possibility. To reduce risk as completely as possible, use a latex barrier over the vaginal opening (a dental dam, or opened condom or latex glove).

The risk of transmission increases during menstruation, because of the presence of menstrual blood.

Visit our Risk Assessment page!