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Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
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Oral Sex and mixed status couples
Jan 1, 2003

What are the chances of an HIV negative woman contracting HIV from a positive male while he is performing oral sex on her? His viral load is undectable and t-cell count above 600.

Response from Dr. Remien

Oral sex of the kind you describe is not considered to be a high risk activity for the transmission of HIV - it is considered by most to be a very low risk activity. And in general, reduced viral load is likely to reduce transmission risk, however, transmission of HIV remains a possibility even when plasma viral load is "undetectable." If you are looking for someone to give you a guarantee on the issue, experts will not do so. You and your partner need to know the facts, as they are best understood, and engage in behaviors that you are both comfortable with.



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