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Sexual Transmission of HIV
HIV can enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes, breaks, sores and cuts in the mouth, anus, vagina or penis. Anal, vaginal and oral intercourse (both receptive and penetrative) can transmit HIV from person to person.
Unprotected anal intercourse is considered to be the greatest sexual risk for transmitting HIV. Anal intercourse frequently results in tears of mucous membranes, which makes it very easy for the virus to enter the bloodstream. The receptive partner ("bottom") is considered to be at more risk of getting HIV, if the virus is present. Risks may vary for the insertive ("top") partner.
Unprotected vaginal intercourse with the exchange of semen, pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum), menstrual blood or vaginal fluids is also a risk for HIV transmission.
Studies have shown that women are more likely to become infected with HIV through vaginal sex than a man. The larger amount of mucous membrane surface area of the vagina is a probable reason for women's greater rate of HIV infection from their male partners.
Oral sex (mouth to penis, mouth to vagina, mouth to rectum) is considered a risky behavior for HIV transmission because of the exchange of semen, menstrual blood, and/or vaginal fluids that may occur. Studies reported in February 2000 show that oral sex can definitively pass HIV from infected partner to uninfected partner. The person who places their mouth on the partner's genitals is at higher risk for HIV infection than is the "receiving" partner. The actual risk for HIV transmission to persons who are the receptive partner in unprotected oral sex is unclear.
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Infection
