How Safe Is Oral Sex?

Have People been infected with HIV through oral sex?
· The San Francisco Department of Public Health has recorded at least three
cases of men who have become infected with HIV through oral sex. This isn't
very many, considering how many men have oral sex. Other cases have been
reported elsewhere.
· Unprotected oral sex is certainly much safer than unprotected anal or vaginal
sex. The lining of the mouth is much tougher and less permeable than the
lining of the vagina or anus. Saliva may neutralize the virus. It's easier to get
semen out of your mouth than a vagina or anus.
· Receptive oral sex - sucking dick, or going down on someone - is certainly
riskier than having someone suck or go down on you.
· HIV is in pre-cum, as well as in semen. But there's usually less pre-cum than
semen during any one sexual act. It's unlikely that pre-cum by itself can
transmit HIV, but it's possible.
· The length and intensity of the sexual act may affect transmission. If his dick is
pounding against the back of your throat, your tissues may become irritated,
becoming more permeable and increasing the likelihood of infection.
· The presence of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) can increase the
likelihood of transmission through providing easier ways for the virus to
enter the body. If you have had unprotected oral sex and you have a sore
throat or a dry cough, get tested for oral gonorrhea and strep. If you have
sores, discharge, or burning when you pee go to your doctor or STD clinic.
· Some people are more susceptible to infections than others. Some people
have better oral hygiene than others. Bleeding gums, sores in the mouth, and
abscessed teeth may increase the likelihood of transmission. HIV-positive
men and women may be more or less capable of infecting others, depending
on how long they've been infected themselves.


What can I do make oral sex safer?
• Avoid coming in someone's mouth. Or having them come in yours.
Remember, even with pre-cum there's still some risk. "Swallow or spit, don't
let it sit."
• You can also avoid sucking the tip of the penis, concentrating on the shaft
instead. Place non-lubed condom inside out like a little cap over the head of
the penis.
• Oral-vaginal sex (cunnilingus) with someone of unknown HIV status is also
relatively low risk. The risk of infection with STD's is higher if there is
menstrual blood or an unusual vaginal discharge. Make your partner a Saran
Wrap panty or use a latex dental dam with a harness for even safer oral sex.
• If you see something suspicious - a sore or a discharge on someone's penis or
a funny odor or or sores on the vulva, avoid going down on it.
• Know your STD status and don't put yourself or others at unnecessary risk.
Get checked for STDs including gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis.
• Consider using condoms for oral sex. Try Kimono Micro Thins, Lifestyles
"Kiss of Mint," or Trustex condoms which have flavored lubricants (available
in many flavors). And don't knock it until you've tried it. Condoms without
spermicide taste a lot better.
• Avoid deep throating. It can irritate the tissue at the back of the throat, and
possibly provide a more efficient route for HIV to enter the body. Floss and
brush regularly - but not right before you have oral sex. If you want to freshen
up your breath before kissing your partner, try mouthwash. Schedule a dental
check-up too! Above all, make the choice that's right for you. If ten minutes -
or ten hours - after you've had sex, you're anxious

What if I'm pregnant?

It is a good idea to talk to someone you trust about what you want to do, as there are
choices and you need to understand what those choices will mean for you. If you do not
have anyone you can trust contact one of the agencies listed under "Who Can Help?"
An abortion is legal if a doctor believes it will protect you from serious danger to your life or
your physical or mental health is at risk. If the doctor has agreed to treat you then the doctor
must keep information about you confidential, that is, not tell anyone unless you agree.
Anyone wanting to stop you having a legal abortion or trying to make you have an abortion
that you don't want, would need to ask a court to order this. You should tell any doctor what
you want to happen and see a solicitor if you are worried about what may be happening.

STIs?

Anybody can get an STI (a sexually transmitted infection) by having unprotected sex with
someone who is infected. STIs (for example; AIDS, genital warts, herpes or hepatitis) are
very common and you can catch them easily. You are much less likely to catch an STI from
kissing, hugging or massage. Common signs of an STI (except AIDS) can range from
itchiness, blisters, sores or a rash around your genitals. It is important to see a doctor if you
have had unprotected sex and you think you may have an STI. If you have an STI and do
not tell the person you are having sex with, you can be committing an offence for infecting
someone else.

What if I'm a sex worker?

It is not against the law for you to work as a sex worker. Prostitution is against the law when
two or more people work out of the same place and it is not a licensed brothel. The police
can charge you if you are seen to be working with other sex workers and you are not in a
licensed brothel. BUT it is against the law for a person to allow any person under 18 into a
place used for prostitution including a licensed brothel.
It is still an offence to publicly solicit for "immoral purposes" (for example, hanging around a
street corner trying to find a client). It is not against the law for you to work out of your own
home BUT you are not allowed to advertise this.
You can legally carry as much safe sex material as you wish (like condoms). You do not
have to answer any questions if the police question you, BUT you should give your correct
name, age and address.
If you are under 17 and working as a sex worker the police or Child Safety Services may
decide that you are in need of protection and apply to the court to make Child Safety
Services your guardian. Get legal advice if you think this may happen to you. There are
safety and health issues for people working as sex workers.

What is safe sex?

Safe sex means not swapping any body fluids with the person you are having sex with.

Practising safe sex can protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS

and unwanted pregnancies.

Having safe sex means using a condom every time you have sex. Other forms of

contraception, like the pill, make pregnancy less likely but do not protect you from STIs and

HIV\AIDS. The risk might be reduced if you have sex with the same person, providing the

other person is only having a relationship with you and has only had a relationship with you

for a long time.

You can get free condoms from the Queensland Aids Council, needle exchanges or from

some of the agencies listed under “Who Can Help?”

Who Can Help?

Brisbane Youth Service

(info & advice about health issues & free doctors) 3252 3750

Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre

(young women's resource centre) 3843 1823

Family Planning Association

(pregnancy help, birth control & general health) 3250 0240

Children by Choice 3357 5377

(counselling/abortion) (outside Brisbane) 1800 177 725

Qld Association for Healthy Communities (24hr) 3017-1777

(outside Brisbane) 1800 177 434

Brisbane Sexual Health Clinic 3837 5611

Youth Advocacy Centre 3356 1002

Logan Youth & Family Service 3826 1500

Aboriginal & Islander Community Health Service 3393 0055

Immigrant Women's Support Service 3846 3490

Women's Health Centre 3839 9988

(outside Brisbane) 1800 017 676

Women's Infolink 1800 177 577

Translating & Interpreting Service (24hr) 131 450

Crisis Care (24 hr) (DOC) 3235 9999

(outside Brisbane) 1800 177 135

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When can I have sex?

You can have sex with a person without breaking the law if you both are 16 or over and you
both want to do this. In Queensland, it is not an offence for two people of the same sex to
have sex, if they are 16 or over. It is against the law for two people to have anal sex if either
or both of them are under 18.
It is against the law for a parent, grandparent, brother or sister to have sex with you. This is
called incest.
If a young person is under 16 and any of the following things happen:
· touching the young person inappropriately;
· another person exposes themselves to the young person;
· another person takes inappropriate photos;
then this sort of thing is breaking the law.
If the Police or Child Safety Services believe you are at risk of harm because of your sexual
behaviour they might ask the court to put you into care. Get some legal advice if you think
this might happen.