The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

Mixed Staus Couple
Jul 24, 2003

My partner is positive and I am negative. When we practice anal sex, we use condoms. When I am giving him oral sex, I like him to ejaculate in my mouth. I know that this is riskier than if he didn't, but doesn't saliva and stomach acids kill the virus? I check my mouth and gums before and they aren't bleeding. He gets really upset when I swallow. I was told by a clinic that although this practice has risks, it isn't that high...

Response from Dr. Remien

It is true that unprotected oral sex, even with ejaculation, is not as high as unprotected anal sex. However, there is risk. You've been lucky thus far, however, it is possible that you could become infected with this behavior. I'm concerned about the fact that your partner gets really upset about this. This cannot be pleasant for him. Most HIV+ people in mixed status relationships have a lot of anxiety about their partner becoming infected. I think you should take his concerns seriously and try and understand how he feels. Perhaps both of you can talk together with a counselor about this so that you come to a mutually agreed upon understanding of behaviors you can both be comfortable with, and that you can both also be sexually satisfied.



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.