How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another through:
- Blood (including menstrual blood)
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Breast milk
Blood contains the highest concentration of the virus, followed by semen, followed by vaginal fluids, followed by breast milk.
Activities That Allow HIV Transmission
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Direct blood contact, including injection drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products
- Mother to baby (before or during birth, or through breast milk)
The following “bodily fluids” are NOT infectious:
- Saliva
- Tears
- Sweat
- Feces
- Urine
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Can I get HIV from Oral Sex?
Yes, it is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV through performing or receiving oral sex, though it is a less common mode of transmission than other sexual behaviors (anal and vaginal sex). There have been a few cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
The risk of HIV transmission increases
- if the person performing oral sex has cuts or sores around or in their mouth or throat;
- if the person receiving oral sex ejaculates in the mouth of the person performing oral sex; or
- if the person receiving oral sex has another sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Not having (abstaining from) sex is the most effective way to avoid HIV.
- If you choose to perform oral sex, and your partner is male, use a latex condom on the penis; or
- if you or your partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms can be used.
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How is HIV not transmitted?
You cannot get HIV from kissing, by hugging, or by shaking hands with somebody with HIV – or any other normal social contact.
Nor can you get HIV by being in the same place as someone with
HIV, or by sharing household items such as crockery, cutlery, or bed
linen.
HIV is not passed on by spitting, sneezing or coughing.
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How can I persuade my partner that we should use a condom?
It can be difficult to talk about using condoms. But you shouldn't let embarrassment become a health risk. The person you are thinking about having sex with may not agree at first when you say that you want to use a condom when you have sex. These are some excuses and some answers that you could try...
- EXCUSE
- ANSWER
- Don't you trust me?
- Trust isn't the point, people can have infections without realising it
- It does not feel as good with a condom
- I'll feel more relaxed, If I am more relaxed, I can make it feel better for you.
- I don't stay hard when I put on a condom
- I'll help you put it on, that will help you keep it hard.
- I am afraid to ask him to use a condom. He'll think I don't trust him.
- If you can't ask him, you probably don't trust him.
- I can't feel a thing when I wear a condom
- Maybe that way you'll last even longer and that will make up for it
- I don't have a condom with me
- I do
- It's up to him... it's his decision
- It's your health. It should be your decision too!
- I'm on the pill, you don't need a condom
- I'd like to use it anyway. It will help to protect us from infections we may not realise we have.
- It just isn't as sensitive and I can't feel a thing
- Maybe that way you will last even longer and that will make up for it
- Putting it on interrupts everything
- Not if I help put it on
- I guess you don't really love me
- I do, but I am not risking my future to prove it
- But I love you
- Then you'll help us to protect ourselves.
- Just this once
- Once is all it takes
REMEMBER: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for maintaining your health. Take control of your health and your life.
If you have additional questions or concerns about HIV/AIDS, please contact
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SOURCE: thebody.com
