SelfhelpMagazine

by Dr. Al Cooper and Dr. Coralie Scherer

How fortunate you are to have a boyfriend who is conscientious and consistent about using condoms--a sign of real caring. While transmission of the HIV virus from all sexual activity is less likely from females to males and the risk of transmission from oral sex considered to be very low, it is still possible if either partner is infected.

HIV Prevention

Does that mean you have to give up oral sex forever? A loud NO! If you and your partner plan on being mutually sexually exclusive and have an alternate method of birth control, each of you should have AIDS tests. Should both of you prove to be negative twice, with six months between tests, given what we now know, you would probably be safe to stop using condoms, as well as enjoy unprotected oral sex.

While you are waiting for the results, or if either of you cannot guarantee absolute fidelity, you don't have to forego the oral stimulation you crave. Take a little shopping trip to a dental/medical supply shop and buy some dental dams. These thin squares of silky latex rubber are just the right size for covering the vulva.

They offer significant HIV prevention while affording maximum sensual pleasure. And remember to keep those condoms covering his essentials until those test results arrive.

About the Author:

Dr. Al Cooper, clinical director at the San Jose Marital and Sexuality Centre, ran the training program for Counseling and Psychological Services at Stanford University. Dr. Cooper is internationally known for his work in sexuality.

Dr. Coralie Scherer coordinates online services for the Centre and specializes in sexual trauma, women's issues, and marital therapy.