Dear Jacko161,

A person has to have HIV — the virus that causes AIDS — in order to pass it on to another person. HIV can only be transmitted from the exchange of these four body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.

Unprotected oral sex (without using a condom or other barrier) puts both partners at risk for a number of sexually transmitted infections, whether they are giving or receiving genital stimulation. These infections include gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B, human papilloma virus (HPV), and, rarely, HIV and chlamydia.

For safer oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis, or a Glyde dam or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.