Low-risk Sexual Behaviors Sexual behaviors that are not a proven route of HIV transmission are considered low risk. However, any close contact of bod

Low-risk Sexual Behaviors

Sexual behaviors that are not a proven route of HIV transmission are considered low risk. However, any close contact of bodily fluids poses some risk. HIV can be transmitted through low-risk sexual behaviors, although the chances are slight.

Since HIV is transmitted via contact of bodily fluids with mucous membranes or the bloodstream, any of the following behaviors could possibly transmit the virus.

• Oral-oral contact, or kissing—If one or both partners have oral bleeding or oral disease, there is direct contact with the bloodstream that greatly increases the risk for transmission. Dry kissing carries no risk.
• Penile-oral sex, or fellatio—Ejaculate can contain a greater amount of virus than saliva. If there is any oral or penile bleeding or disease, there is direct contact with the bloodstream that greatly increases the risk for transmission.
• Vaginal-oral sex, or cunnilingus—Vaginal secretions can contain the virus. If there is oral or vaginal bleeding (including menstruation), there is direct contact with the bloodstream that greatly increases the risk for transmission.
• Vaginal-vaginal sex, or tribadism—Vaginal secretions can contain the virus. If there is vaginal bleeding (including menstruation), there is direct contact with the bloodstream that greatly increases the risk for transmission.
• Anal-oral sex, or anilingus—Anal secretions and feces can contain the virus. Any rectal or oral bleeding or disease greatly increases the risk for transmission.
• Urino-oral contact, or oral contact with urine—Some ejaculate may remain in a man's urethra after ejaculation. Any urinary or oral bleeding or disease greatly increases the risk for transmission.
• Brachio-vaginal sex, or fingers or a fist inserted into the vagina—Partners should wear latex gloves and use a water-based lubricant. If there is any bleeding or disease in the hands or vagina, brachio-vaginal contact should be avoided.
• Brachio-rectal sex, or fingers or a fist inserted into the rectum—Partners should wear latex gloves and use a water-based lubricant. If there is any bleeding or disease in the hands or rectum, brachio-anal contact should be avoided.
• Sex toys—Sex toys that have not been cleaned properly should not be re-used. Toys not made of latex should not be used because they may harbor traces of infected bodily fluids.