HIV is the name given to a particular group of viruses which cause the body’s immune system to fail, exposing it to infections and diseases which it might otherwise fight – hence Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus(es) is contained in body fluids – in high concentration in blood and semen and in low concentration in saliva and tears etc.
There are two main types:
- HIV-1
- HIV-2
HIV-1 is the virus mainly responsible for the world pandemic, whereas HIV-2 seems mainly responsible for infection in some parts of Africa.
HIV seems to be more fragile than other sexually transmitted viruses and is probably more difficult to spread, but because infection has been so devastating, safer sex routines are essential.
The development of HIV gave birth to the idea of safe and safer sex. It became obvious that some activities, like intercourse without a condom – either vaginally or anally, were more likely to lead to HIV infection than others like sucking, whereas activity like masturbation wouldn’t spread it at all.
So the current state of play is that intercourse without condoms, especially anally, is high risk whereas sucking is low risk. There must be people who have become HIV positive through oral sex – but the numbers are likely to be very small indeed compared to those who became positive after unsafe penetrative sex.
Between these two extremes is penetration with a condom – because of the risk that the condom will rupture. The risk can be reduced by using condoms tailored to your type of sex. If you are likely to have gentle, caressing penetration, then the finer more delicate condoms are likely to be sufficient. If your sex is rougher, goes on for a long time and particularly if it involves anal sex, then the thicker, stronger condoms are appropriate. Lubrication is important, especially if your sex goes on a bit – use plenty of water-based lubricant. Oil based products like Vaseline or Baby oil will rot the rubber.
People, gay men in particular, often want a very definite answer to the question “Is sucking safe”. The answer can’t be definite, but it is important to keep a sense of perspective about it and not let fear destroy your sex life. Sucking is likely to be very low risk but – it is NOT risk free. Current research has suggested that up to approximately 7% of people infected with HIV may have contracted it through oral sex alone. There are sensible ways in which you can try and make it safer still.
Some people use condoms for oral sex -–never really caught on but a good idea anyway. Try to make sure your mouth is in good nick – simple things like brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist often will help. If you do have oral cuts or ulcers, give sucking a rest for a while. Also, if you know you’re HIV positive, avoid ejaculating into other people’s mouths.
What does HIV infection do?
HIV infection will damage key parts of the immune system – making you more vulnerable, over time, to otherwise often minor and sometimes major, infection. In addition, other diseases, like different forms of cancers or other tumours may develop. This is because your body will routinely keep many conditions at bay, but when your natural surveillance systems are damaged by the virus, these conditions may take hold and cause problems.
The time-scale from first infection to problems with disease or infection is often very lengthy. The worry is that during this time-scale, your immune system is being constantly damaged and eroded. Modern treatments seem to be able to at least slow this process, if not stop it in some cases. Consequently, if you think you have been put and risk and may have become HIV positive, then go along to your local GUM clinic and think about having a test.
Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review:20/1/2010
