Oral Sex & STD Transmission Risks (HIV especially)

[guptasa1]

Given all the recent threads on STD's and HIV especially, I thought I'd ask some opinions of both clients and escorts here.

 

I've fortunately been very good about using a condom for any anal sex, top or bottom (I generally bottom more), and (aside from an exclusive relationship years ago), I "suit up" every time (or have my partner "suit up").

 

I also get tested regularly for HIV (every few months), and I just found a place that tests a few more things that I'm going to for the first time near the end of this month.

 

Being perfectly honest here, I do NOT use a condom (or require one to be used with me) for oral sex, and I have sometimes swallowed semen. Not to sound like I'm making excuses or be too explicit, but I don't like the taste of latex (flavored or otherwise), and I just find oral sex much more appealing without a condom. When going down on someone, especially if you're bringing them close to the edge, I also quite enjoy "finishing" them.

 

Now, I've read some fairly recent studies, and what I've gathered is that HIV transmission through oral sex (some swallowing couples included) is close to but NOT necessarily nil (in other words, it can still happen, but the cases are very, very rare and MIGHT have some other explanations). It seems to have an increased risk if people have gum disease or mouth problems, and I try to keep my mouth very healthy. Most of the sources I've read seem to maintain with a healthy mouth and gums, HIV transmission via oral sex is almost impossible and as safe or safer than anal sex with a condom.

 

I guess what I'm asking is...do most of you consider this acceptable risk in safer sex? Obviously, ANY sex has some risk, but do you feel I'm taking unnecessary and excessive risks by performing oral sex without a condom? By swallowing?

 

Sometimes I do feel a little scared after an encounter, but then I think a lot of that might be guilt issues I still have.

 

I'm seriously re-evaluating my safer sex practices, so please answer honestly with your thoughts.

 

Thanks!

[Guest ortrud45]

Like you I give head and I want to be sucked without a condom. And most escorts oblige, seem to have the same policy.

 

Reasons:

 

- As a sucker I dislike the rubbery structure and the smell of it.

- As a suckee my pleasure is much more intense.

 

But I don't swallow cum: fortunately I dislike the smell of semen (since ever, I mean pre-AIDS-age) so this question does not bother me.

But I think (gut-feeling and from what I read about the subject) that

swallowing cum is "riskier" than sucking dick or getting sucked

without condom regarding HIV.

 

Other STD's I might get by my "behaviour", it's my choice and my risk.

 

Have a pleasant day and a good suck next time!

ortrud45

[Flower]

Lucky--what a coincidence, and great question btw--this has long been troubling me as I too have been plagued by these same concerns, but simply too embarrassed to ask the question. While there is so much information on the topic at gay.com health, the CDC web site and -- well all over the net for that matter, I feel much more comfortable getting the views of lay people here, on this important topic.

 

I only wish I had a definitive answer, however, to sure way to avoid hoof and mouth is not to do his feet without protection--while this may SEEM SELF-EVIDENT, and almost superfluous, it never hurts to bring up these topics time and time again despite the unwanted attention it may bring to you:+

 

That being said, bearing the toe, by it self, however, should be completely safe, in keeping with what the latest health reports flooding the Internet also say.}(

[Flower]

oooopss--replied to wrong post}(

[Guest Tristan]

The risk for contracting HIV through oral sex may be relatively very low, but the risk of contracting a variety of STDs through oral sex is relatively high. Any little cuts or sores in the mouth can make you vulnerable, whether you are the active or passive partner. I think that people frequently get so focused on HIV that they forget about all those other nasty things you can catch, such as herpes and gonorrhea. Before AIDS existed, people were obsessed with herpes.

I'm not saying everyone should start using condoms for all oral sex. That's an individual decision. I'm just saying let's not forget about all the possible risks.

 

BTW: Lifestyles banana flavored condoms aren't that bad; you taste more flavor than latex.

[guptasa1]

Very good responses.

 

I have tried flavored condoms briefly. Personally, I wouldn't mind receiving oral sex with a condom on (though in truth I still think it probably feels better without because of the wetness). I just hate to give it with a condom on. I dunno - I guess it's more than even just the taste and smell - it's the feel of them too. But I like guys natural tastes/scents. LOL.

 

As far as swallowing, I agree that probably increases HIV risk slightly more than not swallowing simply because you're dealing with more bodily fluid. Still though, IF your mouth is healthy, there's a lot in your favor. (I believe studies have shown saliva inhibits HIV, the temperature variance and breathing does too, and stomach acid likely destroys it as well). The only study I read that deals with swallowing at all was mixed (some swallowed; some didn't)...but in the study, HIV- people definitely swallowed HIV+ semen and stayed HIV-...so of the sample, NOBODY got HIV from oral sex alone, including some who did swallow.

 

As mentioned, other diseases are much easier to transmit orally, and you're right - they shouldn't be forgotten.

 

I'm still going to give this some thought, and I'd like to hear more comments. Good discussion.