HIV Transmission Risk

Which bodily fluids can transmit HIV?

The bodily fluids that can transmit HIV are:

  • Blood
  • Semen and pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)
  • Vaginal Secretions
  • Breast Milk

The bodily fluids that cannot transmit HIV are:

  • Saliva
  • Urine
  • Tears
  • Sweat
  • Faeces

HIV can be transmitted from one person to another sexually (such as through unprotected sex) or non-sexually (such as through sharing needles).

How HIV is passed on sexually

  • Vaginal Sex
  • Anal Sex
  • Oral Sex

If a man with HIV has unprotected (no condom) vaginal sex with a woman, he can transmit HIV to her through the lining of the cervix, uterus and womb. If she has any cuts or sores (which may not be visible), than the risk of HIV transmission is higher as it makes it easier for HIV to get into the bloodstream. If a woman with HIV has unprotected sex with a man, she can transmit HIV to him through either a sore or cut on his penis,  his urethra or the inside of his foreskin.

Anal sex is riskier than vaginal sex as the membrane (lining) of the anus is thinner and more delicate than the vagina and therefore more prone to tearing. For both vaginal and anal sex, the receptive partner ("the bottom") is at higher risk of contracting HIV. The risk of getting HIV through sex is increased if there is any blood present (such as during a woman's period or due to any cuts) or if any partner has other sexually transmitted diseases, such as Herpes or Gonorrhoea.

Oral sex is considered very low risk for contracting HIV. This is because saliva has enzymes which break down the virus and because the lining of the mouth is tougher than the vagina or anus. There is a hypothetical risk of HIV transmission if sexual fluids come into contact with sores or ulcers in the mouth or if blood from the mouth comes into contact with any genital sores, but the risk is considered extremely small.

How HIV can be transmitted non-sexually

  • Sharing needles
  • Mother to child
  • Blood transfusions and products
  • Healthcare workers
  • Tattoos or piercings

Sharing needles is a very risky for HIV transmission (as well as transmitting other blood bourne diseases) as needles are an efficient way for one perosn's blood to enter another person's blood stream.

Mothers can transmit HIV to their newborns either during delivery or by breastfeeding. There are drugs which can reduce the risk of transmission significantly, if a mother knows her HIV status is positive.

These days, it is extremely rare to contract HIV through a blood transfusion carried out in a developed country as all blood donations are routinely screened for HIV. However, in countries where blood supplies are not routinely screened, blood transfusion pose a high risk for HIV transmission.

Healthcare workers can become infected with HIV through an needle prick or by coming into contact with infected blood. However, the risk is low and the number of documented cases is very small.

If tattoo equipment has been used on an HIV positive person and not been properly sterilized afterwards, there is a risk of HIV transmission.

Call Now to Book Your Appointment

0844 561 0750

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or click here to request a callback.

Ask Dr. Jessen

Have a question? Why not visit our forum and ask it there.