Introduction:
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. An impaired immune system, which is our body’s natural defense system, is damaged by the HIV virus which destroys a type of white blood cell called T cells or CD4 cells that fight disease and infection. HIV can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) when the level of HIV in your body damages these T cells and reduces their ability to fight viruses.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
Sexual contact with an infected partner is the most common way HIV is transmitted. It includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus). Generally speaking, having unprotected sex with someone who has a high viral load (a lot of viruses), such as someone who is newly infected, can increase your risk of getting HIV.
HIV is transmitted in three ways,
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Through sex.
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Exposure to a large number of infected body fluids or tissues
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Vertical transmission (when an infected mother passes the virus to her unborn child during pregnancy or delivery).
HIV is not spread through sweat, tears, or saliva. There is no evidence that HIV has been transmitted by kissing or hugging, coughing or sneezing, or sharing food and drink.
How Is HIV Transmitted Through Oral Sex?
When a person with HIV bleeds or sheds viruses through open mouth sores or gum disease, HIV can be transmitted to someone else. An unprotected vaginal or anal sex encounter increases the risk of transmission of HIV when compared to oral sex.
The risk increases when the person performing oral sex has cuts, sores, or abrasions in the mouth, gums, or throat and has any cuts or sores in the genital area.
Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), herpes, and bacterial infections like chlamydia, and gonorrhea are transmitted through oral sex. Gonorrhea or chlamydia may cause sores or lesions in the mouth. The possibility of transmission of HIV through oral sex gets increased through these lesions if you are performing oral sex on someone who is HIV positive and not undetectable. Also, the risk is increased if the person with HIV is not taking antiretroviral therapy and has a higher load.
How to Reduce the Risk?
As with other types of sexual contact, the transmission risk for oral sex depends on a number of factors, including the number of sexual partners, where a condom is used, the viral load of the person living with HIV, and whether that person is taking antiretroviral treatment.
However, the risk can be reduced by,
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The risk of HIV is greatly reduced by using condoms or dental dam when having oral sex.
If you are giving a man oral sex, using a condom or dental dam could help minimize the risk of transmitting HIV from his semen to your mouth or throat. When giving oral sex on a female, use a condom or dental dam to minimize the chance that her vaginal fluids or menstrual blood will cause an infection in her mouth or throat.
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Try avoiding brushing or flossing your teeth before performing oral sex as the infection gets through bleeding gums or any sore in your mouth.
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Avoid multiple sexes at the same time.
With proper treatment and medication from a doctor,
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Reduces the risk of viral load in the blood.
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Reduce the risk of transmission
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Development of other systemic diseases will be reduced.
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A person with HIV can improve their health by taking the drug.
While we do not know how much the risk is reduced by antiretroviral therapy (ART), it is important to note that your body no longer contains the virus.If you are HIV positive, keeping your viral load low is important.
What Are the Steps to Using a Dental Dam?
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Use latex or polyurethane dental dam whenever you have oral sex.
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Check the expiry date.
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Check for any defects.
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Preventing breakage by using water or silicone-based lubricants.
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Open the wrapper and gently remove it.
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Place the dental dam to cover the vagina.
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Do not reuse a dental dam.
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Do not use an oil-based lubricant.
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Do not flush dental dams in the toilet
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Throw it in the trash after usage.
Where Do I Get An HIV Test in Case of Exposure?
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Your doctor’s office. You may want to ask your doctor about getting an HIV test during your next appointment. Ask if the test is confidential and how long it will take before you can get the results.
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A community clinic or testing site near you. Find one in your area that offers anonymous and confidential testing services.
When Should I Get Tested?
You should talk to your doctor about getting tested if:
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You are active with multiple partners sexually.
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Your partner has tested HIV positive or another STD (sexually transmitted disease).
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You were exposed to someone's blood.
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You shared needles or other injection equipment.
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You have symptoms such as swollen glands and fever.
Conclusion:
You are at increased risk for HIV when you have unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive. People with HIV or AIDS may be more likely to have other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) because of the inflammatory response associated with their illness. Additionally, some people may engage in high-risk behaviors because they lack access to care - this can lead to them seeking treatment only after they have acquired an unrelated infection.
Currently, there are no vaccines available for HIV. However, you can receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) in order to reduce the risk of transmission. Overall, the best way to prevent HIV transmission is by getting tested regularly and practicing safe sex - using condoms or practicing abstinence if you have multiple partners. Proper medical care can control HIV, but there is no strong cure for it.
