Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.Hi, I have been having unprotected oral sex with my girlfriend who has recently been diagnosed with HIV. What kind of risk am I at?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
Oral sex is generally not as high-risk as intercourse, as the enclosed table will illustrate. The risk is very small. It would be a good idea for you to test now, and again at 3 months, and of course to proceed with some rational decision-making between you and your girlfriend on the parameters of your sexual interaction. Many couples do decide to have oral sex, and "take the risk," as small as it is; others decide not to.
As for intercourse, it would be a good idea to use a condom, always.
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