Dear DatCrazyGirlMai,

It is very unlikely that a person will become infected with HIV through oral sex. Although a person can get HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) by having unprotected sex with an infected partner, unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse have a much higher risk than unprotected oral intercourse.

These are the other ways a person can get HIV:

• sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus
• getting HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into open wounds or sores
• being deeply punctured with a needle or surgical instrument contaminated with the virus

HIV can also be passed from a woman to her fetus during pregnancy or birth.

These are the ways to reduce the risk of passing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections:

• Keep your partner's body fluids out of your body - vagina, anus, or mouth. The body fluids to be most careful about are blood, ejaculate, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluids, and the discharge from sores caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Don't touch sores or growths that are caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Use latex or female condoms because they are effective barriers.
• Don't mix drugs or alcohol with sex - their use can encourage people to take risks they wouldn't take if they weren't high.

Women and men who are seriously concerned that they may be infected with HIV may want to take a confidential HIV test to know for sure. It is good to wait for at least three weeks after the possible exposure to HIV occurs. This is because it takes about three weeks after infection for HIV antibodies to develop, and most commonly used HIV tests are designed to detect HIV antibodies.

HIV antibody tests are available from Planned Parenthood health centers and most physicians, hospitals, and health clinics. Local, state, and federal health departments offer free testing. Some have anonymous HIV counseling and testing sites. You can also buy an anonymous HIV home test kit in a drugstore or online. To find the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you, call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN.

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.