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Sexual contact and the risk of contracting HIV

During vaginal, oral, or anal sex, the receiving partner has the higher risk of contracting HIV. Men who allow other men to perform anal sex on them have the highest risk. The inserting male partner has a lower risk, but the risk increases if he is uncircumcised. Women who have vaginal or anal sex with infected men are also in danger. The risk decreases with the use of condoms.

HIV can be transmitted through small sores in the mouth or bleeding gums during oral sex.

Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter Shalit, MD, PhD
- Internal Medicine
Last Updated May 8, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 08, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.