Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Some modes of transmission are more efficient than others.
Moreover, there is needs to be ample quantities of the virus to breach the bodysfrontline immune defenses.
What Is HIV?
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
By killing more and more of these cells, the body’s immune defenses are weakened and eventuallycompromised.
If an untreated HIV infection progresses, there is ongoing damage to immune defense cells.
As this happens, the body becomes increasingly less able to fight off infections.
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When this happens, a person is said to haveacquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Little microtears that commonly occur during anal intercourse simply allow more viruses to enter the body.
Vaginal Sex
Vaginal sexis the second most common mode of HIV transmission in the United States.
This is not to suggest that the male partner is without risk, especially uncircumcised men.
These cells can inadvertently “capture” HIV and pull them into the body.
The current scientific consensus is that HIV transmission among those who engage exclusively in oral sex is unlikely.
The risk may not be zero, but most agree that it is edging close to that.
This is not to suggest that people can have oral sex with impunity.
Getting an STD independently increases the risk of HIV.
In the United States, the growingopioid crisishas spurred an increase in HIV infections.
The risk outside of the United States can vary dramatically.
These include occupational exposure, dental procedures, body piercings and tattoos, and shared sex toys.
Occupational Exposure
HIV transmission fromneedlestick injuriesor other occupational exposures can place healthcare workers at risk.
To date, only 58 cases of occupational HIV transmissions have been confirmed.
Others are believed to have been averted with a 28-day course of antiretrovirals called HIVpost-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The claims were considered dubious given that Bergalis failed to report prior sexually transmitted infections.
Since that time, there have been several claims but no documented cases of HIV transmission among dental patients.
Of eight cases reported among dentists, none have been confirmed as having been transferred during a dental procedure.
For its part, the CDC insists that the risk of HIV transmission is low to negligible.
Shared Sex Toys
Sex toys are generally regarded as a form of safer sex.
The same applies tofistingand other sexual practices that disrupt or traumatize rectal or vaginal tissues.
These activities can theoretically potentiate infection, but studies have yet to confirm this.
Studies have proven that doing soreduces the risk of HIV transmission to zero.
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